George Hrab

-October 2005

Working with his Geologic Orchestra and drumming for the Philadelphia Funk Authority, George Hrab has received his share of accolades. On his fifth disc, ''Interrobang'' (Geologic), the Bethlehem-based musician again proves himself to be something of a Renaissance man — writing, performing and producing.

Like those Renaissance men of old, Hrab has adopted ''Think for yourself'' as his motto. He expounds on a range of subjects, from the Theory of Relativity — in a written piece inside the disc's accompanying booklet, which is a piece of art itself, with interesting graphics and photos of Hrab in various states of undress — to culture, religion and politics.

But most of all, ''Interrobang'' is about Hrab himself, an exploration of his psyche and all its nuances, positive and negative, from the questioning and ultimate acceptance in ''Blue Genes'' to the valid and invalid opinions put on a person by others in ''The Assumption.''

Hrab's music is laced with Zappaesque wit and wisdom, but is also highly evolved in structure, almost classical in some ways. He plays musical chameleon, moving through funky grooves, orchestral mayhem and straight-ahead rock, playing guitar and keyboards.

Hrab's abilities are impressive. With lyrics that challenge the mind, the end product is cerebral yet still body centered — think with your brain and shake that booty. - by Rosemary Pratka, The Morning Call

There is no denying George Hrab’s musical talent. In addition to being a unique and very creative cat, he is an old school musician who plays drums, guitar, bass, and keyboards in addition to writing and singing all of his songs.

As an obvious fan and student of XTC and Zappa’s Zombie Woof, he mixes musical styles and influences as effortlessly as a top ranked dee jay mixing records. He aggressively combines funky, soulful, organic, jazzy, bluesy and sometimes eclectic nuances that can be likened to the early Commodores, George Clinton, and dare I say it … Prince — in terms of their innovativeness; not their commercial appeal.

More of lyricist (philosopher) than a vocalist, George is sharp, thought provoking, witty, and bold. He has a lot to say and the skills to say it all effectively, and in a way that’s engaging and entertaining. The project’s most commercial songs, “Brainsbodyboth,” contains evidence of his artistic cerebral intelligence, but it’s on full display in the bluesy “Think For Yourself,” which has to be a crowd favorite among his fans who I suspect would much rather experience and access his brilliance live than on a CD.

Advice: Performing is your strong point. Keep doing it! All of your successes will come from it. - by Gian Fiero, The Muse’s Muse

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania drummer George Hrab enjoys a musical challenge, and prides himself on his ability to play authentically in any style required. His playing combines elements of groove and precision, chops and abandon, funk and bop, swing and rock. He’s played cool ’50s swing at the White House with The Eric Mintel Quartet, hard ’70s funk with The Philadelphia Funk Authority, smooth jazz with Mark Walsh at Philadelphia’s Keswick Theater, and pop-jazz with Jerry Halatyn at New York City’s Bitter End. He’s also the house drummer at BeSharp Studios in Astoria Queens, serving the needs of a variety of musical clients.

But George’s lifelong obsession has been to challenge the image usually associated with drummers. To that end, he has recorded two independent CDs ([sic] and Minutiæ) on which he wrote all the songs and performed on guitar, bass, keys, and vocals as well as drums. His writing, as much as his playing, combines influences ranging from Ellington’s “A-Train” to Zappa’s “Zombie Woof”—to which George himself adds no small amount of skewed humor. “Eclectic” might be the most apt description.

Describing his musical influences, George says, “They range from Bill Bruford to other works of Bill Bruford. (Well... Zappa, Talking Heads, XTC, Stravinsky, David Torn and The Police, too, I guess.)” George’s setups vary from situation to situation, but tend toward a standard four piece Tama kit with Zildjian and Sabian cymbals. - Modern Drummer

-December 2004

George Hrab has entertained former President Bill Clinton in the White House.
Blah.

He played at last year’s Super Bowl in Houston.
Yawn.

He’s an accomplished drummer with the Philadelphia Funk Authority and has shared the stage with Elton John at Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.
Tap, tap, fizzle.
Is this thing on?

Why isn’t George Hrab famous by now?
Who knows.

Maybe it’s because the New Jersey native turned Bethlehem resident decided he’s happy breaking away from behind his nationally successful drum kit to pursue a career in Frank Zappa-inspired funk, jazz, orchestral rock.

Don’t get him wrong, Hrab is famous within many circles, including reviews in Modern Drummer magazine, which called him “eclectic” and full of “skewed humor.” He’s been featured on numerous radio stations and still suits up with his drum sticks for the Funk Authority.

However, he’s also recently released his fourth independent album, Coelacanth, the first with The Geologic Orchestra, an eight-piece rock, funk, jazz band consisting of guitar, percussion, bass and ample horns.

And while Hrab’s main aim isn’t to become the paparazzi’s golden boy, his talent should be making a substantial claim at regional, if not national, acclaim.

Hrab incorporates his witty humor and detailed acoustic and electric guitar riffs with the bombastic and encompassing professionalism of the orchestra. The result is a richly penned and quickly changing nine song album that may be one of the best ever released by a local artist.

Coelacanth, named for a fish which was previously thought extinct, runs the gamut from sweet lullaby-like acoustic songs such as Goodbye to hard-driving pop funk in brainsbodyboth.

The latter track is a funk-driven tune expressing Hrab’s affinity for good looking women, provided they have the brains to go along with the beauty: “I want six inch heels and a high I.Q.”

While Hrab’s musical stylings are in the vein of Zappa and The Talking Heads his philosophy, as he recently detailed in a show at The Ice House in Bethlehem, is one based on agnosticism and logic.

In Heaven Must Be Boring, Hrab peruses the thought of eternal bliss. “All the angels must be snoring,” he croons in his signature laid back nasally tone.
On Convenient Hrab dissects the classic Christmas tale “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer,” and on Simple Simian he describes someone afflicted with obsessive compulsive disorder.

In his own admission Hrab doesn’t dabble much with love or serious personal issues.

His lone personally introspective song is How Do You Do? a song based on watching those with immense talent and wondering just how they do it.

Hrab tackles religion again on Think for Yourself, urging people to have at least a smidgen of skepticism when it comes to life.

Hrab’s lyrics are all backed by the big band funk of The Geologic Orchestra, which adds volume to the songs, something that that lacked
marginally in Hrab’s first three solo releases.

While Hrab has already had a career-worth of success behind the drum kit it’s refreshing to listen as he follows his true passion on Coelacanth.

Even though the record may not land him another gig at the Super Bowl or in the White House just yet George Hrab and The Geologic Orchestra have a long future ahead of them if any of their future albums can build upon what they have already laid down.

So, why isn’t George Hrab famous?

It’s merely a matter of time. - by George Wacker The Allentown Times

“Hrab’s music is laced with Zappaesque wit and wisdom, but is also highly evolved in structure, almost classical in some ways. He plays musical chameleon, moving through funky grooves, orchestral mayhem and straight-ahead rock... With lyrics that challenge the mind, the end product is cerebral yet still body centered - think with your brain and shake that booty.”
—Rosemary Pratka, The Morning Call

“George Hrab is amazing… [and] a high-energy multi-instrumental madman. His lyrics are filled with hilarious warped storytelling … and his music is tight, rhythmic, and totally absorbing, with shades of Frank Zappa, Yes, XTC, Mozart, and Steely Dan. Fun, intelligent, skewed, and a totally mind-bending good time … NOT to be missed.”
—Mike Space, Artistic Director, Godfrey Daniels

"Interrobang is as lovely to listen to as it is to look at.  You've hit it
out of the park again, and you make it look so easy."
Swoopy- host of Skepticality

Great sounds… I enjoyed the whole thing… and
laughed a lot.
—Bryan Beller, bassist Mike Keneally/Dweezil Zappa bands

"You can hear everything on Hrab's newest release, from metal to hard rock, jazz, and hip-hop. It's like a variety pack of musical taste. His songs are catchy, fun and exciting,
and it's refreshing to hear a creative fusion of such different styles."
–4 of 5 stars  Nick Rose, Pulse Weekly

Eclectic… skewed humor
—Modern Drummer Magazine

Hrab’s musical stylings are in the vein of Zappa and Talking Heads; his philosophy… is one based on agnosticism and logic… So, why isn’t George Hrab famous? It’s merely a matter of time.
—George Wacker, The Allentown Times

An artiste of the highest level… Even though George can do the technical stuff, his sense of humor and innate cleverness come through in his solo work...
—Chap Ostrander, reviewer Modern Drummer Magazine

There is no denying George Hrab’s musical talent… More of [a] lyricist (philosopher)… George is sharp, thought provoking, witty, and bold. He has a lot to say and the skills to say it all effectively, and in a way that’s engaging and entertaining.
—Gian Fiero, columnist The Muse’s Muse

Count on kissing your bad mood buh-bye.
—Pulse Weekly

“Coelacanth” – Top 50 Albums of 2004.
—WDIY 88.1 FM, Lehigh Valley NPRaffiliate

Judging from the songs he’s written, including one about an extinct fish, the multitalented George Hrab seems like one rather eccentric guy… [He] knows how to put on a good show.
—Monica Ortwein, Associate Editor Pulse Weekly, The Beat

The commingling of high art references (Seurat, Wilde…) with base sexual urges… a true carrier of the Frank Zappa tradition.
—Rich Reiter, Emmy award-winning jazz musician

Combines warped humor with clever lyrics… worth a listen for skeptics and the curious alike.
—Skeptical Inquirer - various

George Hrab...Even though Interrobang is the fifth album by George, this is the first time I have come across his name. Well, George is a drummer by default, but here he is actually the man in a one-man band, so he plays guitars, bass, keyboards, drums and...sings. George also performs on several occasions (like for The White House !?) with "The Geologic Orchestra" but also with some jazz-funk shapes covering Zappa among others.
Well, trying to describe his music, I would mention three names: Phish, Frank Zappa and Talking Heads. Phish was a popular American rock band most noted for jamming and improvisation, with elements of many many genres, including mainstream rock, hard rock, jazz, country, reggae, folk, even prog rock. To me Interrobang is the closest thing I ever heard to the sound and philosophy of Phish (funny lyrics and photos, humour and a big mix of musical influences). The presence of Zappa's spirit is also more than evident, not only in the spirit of the lyrics but also in the music which at some points really follows his zany steps. The Talking Heads influence is seen in some vocal lines, a bit in the singing and in the overall witty song-writing. I could even add Dave Matthews and "soft" Faith No More as pointers. George himself says that for the first time, the music is guitar driven and this album is less funk and more rock than his previous ones.
Blue Genes, The Assumption and 'Ya Famous deal with the artist's image, serve as George's way of introducing himself, and are quite mainstream acoustic tracks, the latter being also a bit too mainstream for my taste, sounds like those songs that play in the background of American juvenile soap operas, the first two though are really pleasant and get you in the groove. "I hate myself, I hate my voice, but I've no choice", but "Don't you assume you really know me", because "I won't be famous anytime soon, but I can play a pretty fine tune". Once again the condition that a person with a good sense of humour must first be able to make fun of himself is satisfied!
More complex song writing with a more moody feeling can be found in songs like Disappointed or She Suffers from Superlatives with the quite prog quirky spastic riffs towards the end of the track, a very cute refrain and Zappa influenced vocals (maybe my favourite track). Prog rock references are much more obvious in the very clever, excellent Who Dogs The Outlet (some mix of King Crimson-like guitar riff with Faith No More's Star AD). Funkier tunes are Out of My Mind and Sciurus Carolinensis, with the last one being actually THE Zappa track, talking about an imaginary attack by... squirrels!?! The albums contains also the two "title" tracks ? and ! and We're Looking For Something More Ethnic which are actually jamming tracks (drums and/or electric guitar). Barney's In The Vent is the heaviest rock tune of the album, although the refrain somewhere reminds me of the magnificent Talking Heads song Found a Job. Lyrics are as said above of a humoristic nature but there often are insinuations or pointers to "serious" subjects. Indeed, in the booklet George complements track ?'s lyrics with political / social comments on hot subjects (American politics, the Muslim world etc.). By the way, there are even two pages on the Theory of Relativity, opening for a note by George talking about the making of the record! Pretty nuts huh!?!
Ok, the progressive elements of this album are numbered, but I think it would surely appeal to some fans of funkier music, or simply Zappa fans. The production is very good, the sound is crystal-clean, material is well worked on, drum-work is really interesting. George Hrab has a talent for sure, and it would sure be interesting to see him perform his music, especially accompanied by a sax or a trumpet. Worth mentioning that the CD comes in an amazing DVD case, with a HUGE booklet containing much more than just the lyrics, and also pictures of George with... more clothes than the one of the cover. Even though it has little to do with prog, Interrobang is pleasant, amusing, interesting, and smart, making a pretty good alternative choice for this Spring.
- Christos Ampatzis, Dutch Progressive Rock Page

-November 2003

What’s it all about? George Hrab is the drummer for the Philadelphia Funk Authority, but in his Geologic Orchestra, Hrab is pretty much the main dude. The Bethlehem native plays guitar, sings, and directs the rest of the group, which sounds kinda like a conversation Frank Zappa would have with Stevie Wonder if Zappa were still ripping up the charts today. Philadelphia Funk Authority’s horn section backs up Hrab to become one really funky orchestra.

The Geologic Orchestra came out with three albums prior to its nine-track latest, which is called Coelacanth. And just what is a Coelacanth? Well, young grasshopper, our notes right here say it’s a four-foot-long vertebrate fish from South Africa that everyone thought was extinct until they fished one up in 1938. Maybe that’s some sort of commentary on the state of music today, but our guess is that it’s pretty much like the orchestra: just fun for the sake of being so.

We say: Funk-ay. Geo’s fourth effort is primal, groovy, and rocking all at the same time. The only thing is, some of the songs on Coelacanth clock in at over ten minutes, so don’t put this in if you’re looking for a quick fix. When you’re ready to get down and get your groove on, though, you can definitely put a little Geologic class into your CD player and count on kissing your bad mood buh-bye. - Pulse Weekly, 4 [out of 5] Star Rating

-November 2005

George Hrab is all about full exposure these days. On his new album, Interrobang — to be released this weekend at a concert at the Icehouse — the Beth-based musician practically bares all, with introspective songs and a 16-page booklet boasting shots of him in the buff.

Hrab went into serious gym rat mode over the spring and summer to prep for the disc's revealing cover; the six-pack abs don't lie. But the musician still thinks he's fat — just a minor indication of the duality that lies at his music's core.

Hrab moved to Bethlehem from North Jersey in the '90s to study music at Moravian College. After graduating, he broke into the biz playing drums for the Philadelphia Funk Authority.

Though Philly Funk keeps Hrab's hands in constant motion, he's found time to march to the beat of his own drum. He released three solo albums prior to Interrobang and started a side project called the Geologic Orchestra — a 10-piece band that shares a horn section with Philadelphia Funk Authority.

At this weekend's concert with the Geologic Orchestra, he'll ditch his drumsticks to play the role of frontman. ''I mostly sing and act like a fool,'' he says. The past three years they've performed at the Icehouse, he's worn a lab coat while running and jumping around stage and holding up signs.

Hrab's songs are as entertaining as his stage presence. He croons about how squirrels are both ''cute'' and ''icky'' and about what a ''sham'' Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is.

This duality and skepticism is really what Hrab's music is all about.

''With doubt comes freedom. It's OK to question things. This is part of the new album — questions and answers,'' he says. ''I like to question things and look at them with a skeptical eye, whether it be late-night infomercials or religious thought.''

But he also admits, ''Psychics like John Edward or other idiots that just disgust me to no end can become easy targets after a while.'' So on his latest album, he points the finger back at himself. ''I went after myself to see what I could come up with,'' he says.

Many of his songs are cathartic and explore his frustration with people who don't think clearly. ''The frustration tends to inspire writing so people know, 'Don't piss George off or he'll write a song about you,''' he says.

While packing his songs and live shows with what he calls ''observational skepticism,'' he manages to keep the mood light by wrapping them in a thick layer of humor. ''I'm sort of shmuck No. 1, so a lot of the observations are about myself. I'm only mean-spirited to the people who really deserve it,'' he jokes.

Of course, with 10 musicians performing groove-oriented rock, jazz, funk and hip-hop, there's plenty of time for dancing as well as questioning and contemplating.

According to Hrab, the wide variety of music styles they incorporate into one show gives them broad audience appeal.

''My approach is eclectic; there are never two similar songs in a row,'' he says. ''I think the idea of finding your style and sticking with it is bogus; when you look at most peoples' album collections or iPods, you'll see they have eclectic tastes. I think that's how it should be.''

The artists you'd find in his collection — and some of his music's biggest influences — include the Beatles, Elvis Costello, the Ohio Players, the Staple Singers, King Crimson, Stravinsky, Audioslave, Green Day, Duran Duran and Outkast; with Frank Zappa and David Byrne topping the lists.

''I grew up listening to Zappa and the Talking Heads. You can shake your ass to it, but it's still really smart and interesting,'' he says. ''If I can reach 5 percent of the talent of Zappa or David Byrne, I'd be happy.''

So far, he's off to a good start. With other bands, he's performed at the White House and during 2003 Super Bowl. Now he's wants to create a buzz about his solo works and the Geologic Orchestra, and is hopeful the Icehouse show will help.

''I think what we do is really fun, different, original and entertaining,'' he says. ''And if people were exposed to it, they'd have a good time.''

2005 MergeDigital.com - by Gabrielle Salerno, Merge

CD release of "Interrobang" with Geologic Orchestra in concert
-Friday, November 11, 2005

This weekend holds two-fold meaning for George Hrab, of Bethlehem. He not only celebrates the official release of his fifth CD, "Interrobang," but also performs his annual show at the IceHouse on Sand Island.

Hrab won't be alone in his celebration, but rather in the company of his Geologic Orchestra, a 10-member ensemble. Most work from the new album will premiere, in addition to Hrab's previous CDs, "Minutiae," "Vitriol," "[sic]," and "Coelacanth."

Hrab, a graduate of Moravian College, says he received international exposure with "Coelacanth" when he was interviewed on the Skepticality podcast. The interview focused on his love of science, music, critical thinking and skeptical thought.

An example of his love for science? "Coelacanth" is named for a fish previously thought to be extinct.

Hrab's musical styling is in the vein of Frank Zappa and The Talking Heads, with plenty of acoustic and electric guitar riffs and humor.

The Geologic Orchestra will feature the Authority Horns, from the nationally-acclaimed, nine-member funky party-dance band, The Philadelphia Funk Authority, formed in the Lehigh Valley in 1999.

Hrab is a drummer/vocalist with the Authority, which has performed locally at Bethlehem's Musikfest and Allentown's Mayfair and nationally including The White House and the Kimmel Center.

The Geologic Orchestra includes Hrab as vocalist/guitarist, Tom Sweeney and Ross Brown on guitar, Eric Kenlin on drums, J.P. Cappiello on bass, Andy Kowal and Dave Painchaud on trumpet, Dale Gerheart on trombone, Steve Bridges on saxophone, and Larry Ogden on baritone sax.
- By Susan Kalan, The Express-Times

March 10th 2006
George Hrab: Interrobang
3.5 stars

Time to come clean: I’ve never heard of George Hrab. And even though his fifth album, Interrobang, apparently is as confessional and personal as the drummer-turned-multi-instrumental vocalist gets, Hrab warns liner-notes readers: “Don’t you assume you really know me." That established — and without even hearing a single note on this odd 60-minute CD influenced by Talking Heads, Frank Zappa and Prince — it’s clear that Hrab isn’t your typical do-it-yourself indie recording artist. The tall, bespectacled and bald man poses nude (save for a pair of red high-top sneakers) on the cover, the detailed and mind-bending liner notes explain the theory of relativity, and the disc itself is packaged in one of those sleek, clear-plastic DVD cases. It won’t fit on your shelf between the Bruce Hornsby and Hum Machine CDs, but if it’s any consolation, Interrobang did recently nab an ADDY® Award for its packaging design.
But, you ask, what about the music? Well, the music is a fun and delightful cornucopia of rock and pop song structures (as opposed to the funk and R&B leanings of Hrab’s earlier albums) with lyrics that’ll make you think more than you want to. The bald naked guy performs an awesome drum solo on “We’re Looking for Something a Bit More Ethnic,” paraphrases Carly Simon on “Out of My Mind” and takes plenty of shots at the GOP on “?” — which comes with 17(!) footnotes in Interrobang’s booklet. The album gets a bit blustery and self-indulgent near its conclusion— a song about squirrels? — but at the end of it all, Hrab thanks me for listening to Interrobang, and that makes up for everything else.
Cheers, George.
?
- Michael Popke