John Galuska Incidents of Travel in Central America

Limited cassette release on SlowBurn Records (1991)

songs–The Provesor, News of the Day,Visit to the Convent of La Concepcion, The Farewell to the Nun, Carrera, Sketch of his Life, The Cholera, Insurrections, Carrera Heads the Insurgents, His Appearance in Guatemala, Capture of the City, Carrera Triumphant, Arrival of Morazan, Hostilities, Pursuit of Carrera, His Defeat, He Is Again Uppermost, Interview with Carrera, His Character, The Provesor (live)

John Galuska – vocals, oboe, recorder; Eric Johnson – bass, guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals; Jason Peer – bass, guitar, vocals

ITACA is a fascinating concept effort masterminded by Cesare’s Dog oboist, John Galuska.  The record is an musical adaptation of the book Incidents of Travel In Central America by Stephen Carrara.  Galuska, who has studied anthropology and ethno-musicology, perhaps identified with story’s protagonist as the band musically adapts, chapter by chapter, the events of a nineteenth century anthropologist’s exploration of Central America.  With contributions by Sun Zoom Spark’s Eric Johnson and the Guru of Love-band’s Jason Peer, the music ranges from tough grunge-rock, to dark, atmospheric explorations to avant-garde noise.  ITACA is admittedly ragged at times.  The majority of the songs were written and recorded in one afternoon and Johnson’s drumming at the time leaves a lot to be desired.  However, ITACA remains one of our favorite recordings because of its spontaneous and diverse material, as well as Galuska’s uniquely personal approach to lyrics.  Included is a live version of ITACA’s main theme, “The Provesor,” recorded in November 1990 with Eric Johnson (piano), John Galuska (oboe) and Bryan Kohl (timpani) contributing.

WARNING: A SlowBurn Records 4 track recording.  Recorded material does not comply with industry standards.