The Geyer Street Sheiks "Great Dream "
Missouri Blues Old And Evil
Their response, when asked what kind of music they play, was, "We play music like nobody's business, and that's exactly what it is." A typical sheikish response.
The Geyer Street Sheiks made a big splash with their 1993 debut album, Great Dream. The album was released on BJAM Records, a small but mighty independent label located in St. Louis. It's no surprise that the record was so widely acclaimed. The Sheiks had already built a devoted following throughout the Midwest, especially in their hometown.
The band’s talent wasn't a secret. With every member being an accomplished musician, they delivered a sound that resonated deeply with fans. Their music was made all the more special by the powerhouse vocals of Alice Spencer, who was formerly of the band Three Married Widows. Her work on their album, Which Dreamed It?, was already a huge success, and with the Sheiks, her voice found another perfect home.
A review from FolkFire magazine praises the vocalist, Alice Spencer, and the band's versatile musicianship. The recording was done live at The Studio in Saint Louis and captures the band's live performance feel. The review also notes that the album is a highly enjoyable listening experience for those interested in American roots music.
The album's collective tunes defy categorization, as do the Geyer Street Sheiks themselves. This album is bluesy/jazzy/traditional/old-timey/torchy and has a gem of an original a capella composition. Not only does it have a good beat and you can dance to it, you can shimmy, grind, swing and sing with it!
However, I don't recommend the "singing with it" part. You'll want nothing to interfere with listening to Alice Spencer's rich and honeyed voice, except the fine accompaniment provided by her fellow Sheiks, all versatile and talented musicians. However, I don't recommend the singing with it. You'll want nothing to interfere with listening to Alice Spencer's rich and honeyed voice, except the fine accompaniment provided by her fellow Sheiks, all versatile and talented musicians.
Pictured Above from left to right:
Charlie Pfeffer, Alice Spencer,
David Gebben, Michael Prokoph,
Mark Renard, Steve Mote, Tom Hall
Alice Spencer Vocalist
David Gebben Washboard
Charlie Pfeffer Mandolin
Michael Prokopf Bass
Marc Rennard Fiddler
Steve Mote Piano
Tom Hall National Steel Guitar
Phonographic Copyright© 1993 - Bjam Records Inc.
Recorded At The Studio, by Douglas Rayburn, St. Louis, Missouri Mastered At Ardent Studios, Memphis, TN by Larry Nix
Glass Mastered At Disc Manufacturing, Inc.
A Final Thought...
Great Dreams and mates have long since passed
No one expected either would last
So on this day we shall raise a glass
To friend and foe, with whom together we laugh
Cheers,
P