Nomenclature for the Hi-Ho Barbers is derived from the names of David Greenberger’s bandmates on his latest sojourn. HI, for Robyn Hitchcock on guitars, HO for Kelly Hogan on vocals, BAR for Paul Cebar also on vocals, and BER for Mark Greenberg on drums. Based in the Capital District, Greenberger may be best known for his decades long periodical The Duplex Planet. Originally based on conversations with residents of a nursing home in Boston circa 1979, the magazine birthed multimedia creations of comics and books, live performances and two-dozen albums of monologues and music. The 22 tracks on Ginger Ale range from a minute-long quandary called “Tromball Footbone” to the relatively lengthy three-and-a-half-minute, semi-demented polka blues of “Early Coney Island.”
The remaining 20 tunes are just as off-beat and distinct. Each piece containing a specific monologue taken from The Duplex Planet as well as Greenberger’s own autobiographical anecdotes and observations. These diverse prompts inspire creations like the candid and jaunty ditty “Texas Horses” to the profound and haunting “Silver Light.” Whether the subject matter is earnest or tongue-in-cheek, the musical accompaniment is spirited, innovative and eccentric. The cinematic pieces dip and swing from jazzy jaunts and allusive Americana into ethereal ambience. Roaming on the tenor of Greenberger’s steady spoken words, evocative electric and acoustic guitars weave with valiance and bluster alongside the provocative bass, vocal harmonies, and distinctive drums. Keep your eyes and ears out for the corresponding and recently released documentary about Greenberger, Beyond the Duplex Planet.
This article appears in June 2026.
