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about

The Monk started as a series of individual drum figures from Shaun that I
strung together to create the drum track. Next, I wrote the bass and vocal lines and then the rest of the arrangement, slowly replacing most of the programmed parts with real musicians including Pietro Girardi, a brilliant musician and composer from Italy.

This tune relates the adventures of a James Bond style super-sleuth
who also happens to be a monk. Some Melodyne trickery was needed to make the rapid-fire Lambert Hendricks and Ross style vocals work in the bridge. One of the few pop songs I can think of that includes a lyric in Latin.

lyrics

Dig it
The Monk is tight
Slick as a shadow
Slipping through the night

His ways are sacred
His word is scripture
But cross him once
He’ll rip you from the picture

Sophisticated
His style’s a classic
Moe Howard haircut
Custom-tailored cassock

No malefactor
Repeat offender
Can bear his splendor
Equal measures of
Cool breeze and dynamite

Post-modern man
When he can
Deconstructing the frame
Yeah, he’s outside the show
Comes and goes
Like Godot

Meanwhile in Jenny’s chamber
She begs The Monk
Defend her from the danger

Race to the harbor
The scurvy sailor
Who meant to nail her
Tries to shank The Monk

He’s got a Luger in his pocket
Poison pill in a locket
Flying fists make him drop it
Till his henchmen come

And now they’ve got the Monk surrounded
Tables turned they’re astounded
When he strikes they get pounded
Like a kettle drum

Craven sailor
Begs the Monk for favor
Gives the goods up
How all the smuggling is directed
How the mob is connected
How the contraband comes
The whole conspiracy a criminal enterprise
Songbird singing
See the fear in his eyes

Victory
Monk wins the day
Virtue restored
Benigno numine

The rags are raving
The lives he’s saving
As Jenny prays he comes
She’s speaking in tongues
Holy ecstasy

All through the town
Staff and gown
He’s the essence of cool
With his life on the line
Keeping time
Looking fine

credits

from Spanish Island (2013​-​2016), released February 17, 2017
EB: Lead & Background Vocals, Bass
Pietro Girardi: Fender Rhodes
Dave McDowell: Saxes
Shaun McGonegal: Drums
Jonathan Saraga: Trumpets
Mixed by Eric Block at Wabe Recording
Mastered by John Tabacco, Suburban Hermit Studios

license

all rights reserved

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Eric & The Wabe image

Eric & The Wabe Phoenix, Arizona

I started writing songs in 1969 and continued until 1987, when I got married and had kids. In 2008 I returned to music and started writing songs and collaborating with musicians across the Web, most notably Amos Clarke, Alex Klidaras, and John Tabacco. I owe a debt of gratitude to them and to the many other musicians who have kindly provided me with tracks and encouragement since then. ... more

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