James White and The Blacks - Off White | A when the WAVE was NEW Review by Robert “carpaldiem” Harmon

James White & the Blacks (sometimes known as James Chance & the Contortions) had an album, Off White, that came out in 1979 and remains a seminal crossing of no-wave, avant- jazz, and funk/disco. If that amalgam of tags seems like a formidable brew to reconcile, let me tell you that in this sample it all works.

James White delivers a big plate full of Albert Aylerish sax sqonkings that never disappoint, and, some sweet sing/talking from the David Johansen school of street-wise. Their cover of “(Tropical) Heat Wave,” and the holiday favorite, “Christmas With Satan,” are hilarious.

“Off Black” is a relatively restrained instrumental track, but it gives you a chance to appreciate the spot-on arrangement and musicianship that might otherwise go unnoticed. The set closes out with three live performances that prove that things can, just barely, stay on the tracks in a live environment.

Coming from such a short-lived phenomenon as the no wave period in New York, NY, this music is extremely vital. If you can find it in vinyl, slap it on the slab, lend an ear and give up all your pain and suffering.


Off White
Robert “carpaldiem” Harmon 
Robert lives in the bustling metrozoid of Southwest Missouri, and usually folds when he has a full house. You should visit his website at isleofkong.com.