Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica is a quintessential mix of neoclassical passion and quirky jazz with a couple of jiggers of Martin Denny thrown in to keep the bartenders busy. It’s hard to pin down the appeal, or come up with a description of Mr. Ho’s, because I’ve never been exposed to anyone quite like them. It’s easy to cite some of their influences if you are a better than average musicologist (me. not so much.). But I can’t rightly step up and say, “Yeah, they’re like the Pixies without a singer, mixed with Lalo Schiffrin.” And while there is a nod to old school swingers and beatnick jazz guys, the band doesn’t specifically cater to the lowbrow beach and tiki culture, although that particular band of enthusiasts have taken them into their heavily tanning lotion-soaked arms. Besides, didn’t I hear a little bit of River Dance in the sample demo?
Hailing from Boston, this is Mr. Ho’s first mini tour to the West Coast. This time around Mr.Ho (Brian O Neil), takes his talents on vibes, percussion and whatnot and matches them up with Tev Stevig (Oud, Resonator Guitar), Brad Barrett (Bass), Jeremy Smith (Percussion), and Dr. Ela Brandy on Bass Flute. If you want something different in the way of a musical pick-me-up, head towards the beaches. You can still get a chance to see them on Feb.19th in San Diego at the Bali Hai Restaurant, and Saturday, Feb.2oth at Alva’s Showroom in San Pedro. Tickets are $20.00 and $18.00 respectively.
