Artist: The Jimmys
Album: Hot Dish
Label: Brown Cow Productions
Release Date: 08/30/2016
The Jimmys’ deft mix of blues and R&B has won the band praise from genre heavyweights Tinsley Ellis and Marcia Ball. On Hot Dish, the Wisconsin outfit mixes horns, keyboards and a rock solid rhythm section into a full, rich sound that’s steeped in tradition.
Bandleader and keyboardist Jimmy Voegeli splits vocal duties with guitarist Perry Weber. Vogeli is a soulful singer, but Weber’s gravelly voice and loose delivery steal the show. Weber’s voice and guitar are both in fine form on the loping blues “You Say You Will.” The razor sharp three piece horn section spices up the arrangement. The funky blues of “What Chur Doin’” gives Weber plenty of room to stretch out on guitar – his piercing licks are reminiscent of Albert Collins. The strutting soul tune “Freight Train,” featuring Voegeli on lead vocals, brings a touch of Memphis grease to the proceedings.
The Jimmys’ finely honed musical chemistry is nicely showcased on a pair of instrumental tracks. “Funk Schway” sports a distinct ’70s, Curtis Mayfield vibe. Drummer Mauro Magellan and bassist Johnny Wartenweller hold down the bottom end while Voegeli makes his Hammond organ purr like a Cadillac engine. The horn section is given plenty of room to strut their stuff. On “Jacqui Juice,” the band takes a detour through jazz country. Voegeli shines on this track with a solo that owes a heavy debt to legendary jazz organist Jimmy Smith.
Hot Dish is a generous helping of pure musical comfort food. While the Jimmys’ fare doesn’t break a lot of musical ground, it’s hot, fresh and bound to satisfy.
-Jon Kleinman
[…] “Live From Transylvania” […]