The Hitman Blues Band – Hey, Can You Guys Play…
NERUS Records – 2023
10 tracks; 50 minutes
Russell 'Hitman' Alexander, the force behind The Hitman Blues Band, unleashes a musical time capsule with the latest album, "Hey, Can You Guys Play…" on NERUS Records (2023). Known for his sharply observed originals, Hitman takes a bold step by revisiting and reshaping classic tracks, breathing new life into familiar tunes.
The album, spanning 10 tracks and 50 minutes, is a compilation of reworked standards from previous albums, showcasing the band's evolution since their 1999 debut. Hitman, handling guitar and vocals, is joined by an ensemble featuring Joanna and Nancy Hampton on backing vocals, Kevin Bents, Kevin Rymer, and Mike Katzman on keys, Mike Porter on bass, and Guy LaFountaine on drums (with Ed 'The Hat' D'Alessio and Jay Sharkey making appearances). The addition of horns, with Eric Altarac on trumpet, Nick Clifford on baritone sax, John Kelly on tenor sax, and Mikey Vitale on alto sax, elevates the sonic experience.
The journey begins with a solo resonator rendition of Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen" from the debut album "Blooztown" (1999), setting the stage for a unique musical exploration. A powerful rendition of Son House's "Death Letter" follows, extracted from the 2008 album "Pale Rider," showcasing the band's ability to infuse a timeless classic with contemporary vigor.
A live rendition of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom" adds a touch of humor and spontaneity, highlighting Hitman's charismatic stage presence. The band delves into Willie Dixon's "Hoochie Coochie Man" from "The World Moves On" (2016), delivering a dramatic and rocking version that captures the essence of the blues.
Two tracks from the 2017 solo acoustic album "Playing To The Crowd" bring comic relief with "Good Morning Judge" and the whimsically titled "Who Put The Benzedrine In Mrs. Murphy’s Ovaltine?" – a nod to Harry 'The Hipster' Gibson. These songs showcase Hitman's versatility, bridging the gap between traditional blues and humor-infused storytelling.
From the 2021 release "Not My Circus, Not My Monkey," the band tackles Dylan's iconic "The Times They Are A-Changin'," providing a radical reinterpretation that incorporates a dynamic horn arrangement and harmonious choruses. Blind Willie Johnson's influence surfaces in two tracks, "Nobody’s Fault But Mine" and "John The Revelator," where the band skillfully preserves the essence of the originals while injecting their distinctive flair.
The album concludes on a high note with a new recording – a blues adaptation of Kris Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down" (1970). Hitman's emotive vocals and stellar guitar work seal the deal, leaving listeners with a blues-infused resonance of a classic.
"Hey, Can You Guys Play…" isn't just an album; it's a testament to The Hitman Blues Band's ability to reimagine the blues, transcending time and genre boundaries. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this collection of covers offers a compelling introduction to the band's diverse and innovative style.
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