Seedy Arkhestra "Puzzle" LP

Rare 1997 project from Chris Dowd of Fishbone featuring Jeff Buckley and more! Available on translucent blue 12" vinyl with black and blue splatters. Includes 2-sided A2 folded poster insert and liner notes from Corey Glover of Living Colour. First time on vinyl and all new artwork!

Originally unleashed in 1997, Puzzle introduces us to Chris Dowd, a multifaceted force of nature. Fresh off his stint with the legendary Fishbone—a band he co-founded and helped propel to cult status—Dowd set out on a solo voyage, crafting what would become a hidden gem in the annals of underground music: the Seedy Arkhestra. The album Puzzle is the dazzling outcome, a heady brew of ska, funk, rock, and soul that could only have come from Dowd’s restless creativity. It’s the genre-defying work that encapsulates his signature style, a style that continues to ripple through contemporary music today.

From the moment you press play, the U Roy-inspired intro of the opener, “You Can’t Do That,” pulls you into Dowd’s world. It’s a track that encapsulates everything about starting fresh—thrills, challenges, and that undeniable groove. Here, Dowd’s knack for merging introspective lyrics with an infectious rhythm shines, setting the stage for the kaleidoscopic journey to follow.

Dowd isn’t one to play it safe, and Puzzle is all the better for it. The album brims with experimental fervor, never more evident than on tracks like “A Thousand Tears.”  It’s a sonic labyrinth where sounds and influences collide, keeping you on your toes and urging you to move in sync with its unpredictable rhythms.

Listening to Puzzle feels like being swept away on a musical current. “Despite The Tears” lulls you into a reflective state, only to sweep you up with a joyous “Shing-a-ling” transporting you to a funky Memphis revival reminiscent of Archie Bell and the Drells. 

The sincerity and soulfulness that flow through these tracks echoes Toots and the Maytals at their most honest, with Dowd and his crew letting the vibes roll naturally.

But Puzzle isn’t just Dowd’s show. It’s a communal effort, enriched by contributions from some of the finest talents of the time. The late Jeff Buckley—Dowd’s close friend and former roommate—lends his ethereal touch, adding layers of emotion that elevate the album to another plane. It’s this spirit of collaboration that makes Puzzle a truly unique artifact, with appearances from the legendary Amp Fiddler, David Ryan Harris, Brad Johnson, N’Dea Davenport, Don Byron, Hod David, Paul Shapiro, Omar Kabir, Joan Wasser, Matt Johnson and Joshua Roseman, each leaving their indelible mark.

Puzzle is the kind of album that keeps on giving, revealing new textures and nuances with each listen. It’s a testament to Chris Dowd’s fearless artistry and his refusal to be boxed in. This project is both a reflection of his past triumphs and a harbinger of the groundbreaking music he continues to create.

So, dive headfirst into Puzzle and let yourself be swept away by its many moods and grooves. It’s a celebration of boundless creativity, friendship, and the thrilling possibilities that emerge when an artist follows their muse. Chris Dowd has gifted us a piece of his soul, and it’s an experience you’ll want to revisit time and again.

Corey Glover
American singer, guitarist, and actor.
Lead vocalist of the rock band Living Colour

Tracklisting:

Side A
1) You Can't Do That
2) Shing-A-Ling
3) A Thousand Tears
4) How Will I Know
5) Flog Your Dead Horse

Side B
1) Puzzle
2) Burn
3) Baby Would You Take Care of Me?
4) Despite the Tears

The Seedy Arkhestra is:
Matt Johnson - Drums
Joan Wasser - Violin
N'Dea Davenport - Backing Vocals
Jeff Buckley - Lead Guitar & Backing Vocals
Hod David - Bass & Guitar
Dan Siegler - Backing Vocals
Eric Richards - Banjo
Paul Shapiro - Flute, Tenor & Alto Saxophone
Josh Roseman - Trombone
Don Byron - Baritone Sax & Clarinet
Omar Kabir - Piccolo Trumpet, Flugel Horn, Trumpet, & Conch
Joseph "Amp" Fiddler - Grand Piano & Clavinet
Brad Jones - Upright Bass
David Ryan Harris - Backing Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar on "Puzzle"
Chris Dowd - Piano, Hammond Organ, Clavinet, Slide Guitar, Harmonica, & Lead Vocals