The Hellboppers

When they handed out prejudices, the Good Lord knows, I wasn't last in line. I was probably standing way out in front of you, dear reader. It doesn't make this task easier of being critical, because as soon as this CD started off, I got covered all over with goosebumps. I seldom heard anything striking not just 'a' chord, but 'the' chord. This is blues from Down Under and a bulls-eye it is indeed. It's three (more or less elderly) gentlemen coming from the award winning rock and blues band 'The Bellhops' (did you get the pun? - switch 'b' and 'h'), forging a blues trio that, according to their website, "allows them to play some acoustic blues in the style of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker etc". They perform on the traditional instruments: harmonica, acoustic guitar, dobro, resonator (and a lot of those two!), mandolin and washboard. Some friends help out with extras, like an additional harmonica, some bass, a classical guitar-solo (nylon strings) and the odd percussion. What I really like about it, is the total lack of pretension or bombast. You hear unassuming traditional acoustic blues ('Can't Be Satisfied', 'Walking Blues', 'Hey Hey', 'Nobody Knows You') along with own compositions ('Midnight Train'- with a nice dialogue between harmonica and slide - 'Right Hand Man', 'Running Shoes' a.o.) and first rate compositions at that. The three musicians are very well schooled - I take it that their regular band will have something to do with that. The cover-arrangements are inventive but they show respect to the originals. Craftsmanship oozes from all songs. The vocals are convincing and the instrumental solos manage to have the right dose of country feel with just enough sophistication. Their playing is clear and decisive with practically no stop-gaps. What more can I say - if you're an acoustic blues lover, don't hesitate, this is a must have!
Reviewer: Johan Akkermans
- www.bobtjeblues.com