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Crashbox
Crashbox builds on Monkey House's chart-topping success, blending jazz, rock, and pop with sophisticated songwriting and world-class musicianship.On June 6, Alma Records will release Crashbox, the seventh album from the internationally acclaimed jazz/pop ensemble Monkey House. Formed in 1992 by Emmy-winning songwriter and producer Don Breithaupt, the group gained momentum with Headquarters in 2012, marking a key moment when Breithaupt solidified his core lineup of Toronto musicians--guitarist Justin Abedin, bassist Pat Kilbride, and drummer Mark Kelso--and partnered with his trusted studio team: producer Peter Cardinali and Grammy-winning engineer John 'Beetle' Bailey.Crashbox demonstrates these collaborators are still at their best. Breithaupt explains the process: writing and demoing songs for years before the band hears them. After selecting the material, they record live off the floor at Noble Street Studios, refining arrangements and incorporating horns, background vocals, and guest stars. Production is compared to a rollercoaster ride, where all the prep work leads to an exciting descent.Some guest artists on Crashbox have a long history with Monkey House, including guitarist Drew Zingg (Boz Scaggs) and trumpeter Michael Leonhart (Steely Dan). They're joined by vocalists Michael Dunston and Selena Evangeline. The album blends jazz, rock, pop, and R&B.The mood of Crashbox is brighter than the often dark Remember the Audio (2022), though some tracks, like "What's Left of This World," explore dark themes in a lively, funky way. The lead single "Someplace on Madison" offers a breezy New York tour, while "Sundaying" is a sunny ode to relaxation. The title track, a musically complex yet catchy composition, symbolizing how media keeps us on edge.All 12 tracks on Crashbox are Breithaupt originals, with the exception of the piano ballad "Disappear in Plain Sight" by Marc Jordan.Monkey House's growing global fanbase eagerly anticipates each release. Breithaupt says, "The goal is to outdo ourselves every time," and with Crashbox, that goal is achieved.Track ListingReturn of the MayflySomeplace On MadisonCrashboxDisappear in Plain SightWhat's Left Of This WorldSundayingSmoke 'Em If You Got 'EmBring The Stars DownYou Just Don't Know It YetChasing The MuseFriday Night JamFeeling You Breathe
