THE JIMMYS
HOT DISH
BROWN COW PRODUCTIONS BCP 003
LOSE THAT WOMAN–YOU SAY YOU WILL–FREIGHT TRAIN–I WONDER–FUNK SCHWAY–WHAT GIVES–JACQUI JUICE–WHAT CHUR DOIN–WRECKING BALL–SADDEST MAN–WHAT MY BABY WANTS–SHE’S WILD–FREIGHT TRAIN (REPRISE)
Vocalist and keyboard Jimmy Voegeli (think “vaguely”), heads up Wisconsin-based swing/jump-blues band The Jimmys, and, on their latest release they serve up a sho’ nuff “Hot Dish.” Thirteen originals built around a cool “big band” sound, it is no wonder these guys are so popular in clubs and at festivals. They have a unique, R & B-driven, jump-blues attack that gets your feet movin’ at the drop of a note!
Check out the Ray Charles-inspired rhumba of the leadoff “I got to Lose That Woman before I lose my mind,” with killer piano from Jimmy. “Freight Train” details a man who just can’t seem to get things right with a lover, set over a greasy Memphis groove. The reprise of this tune that closes the set features a bit more extended jamming from the band. Peterson Ross’ clarinet gives a ragtime feel to “What My Baby Wants, she gets,” while “What Chur Doin’ details a lover who “ain’t doin’ nothin’ for me,” set over a stone funky backbeat. There are two very danceable instrumentals, too. “Jacqui Juice” and “Funk Schway” (think “Feng Shui!”) positively drip with the same soul you’d find down at 926 E. McLemore in Memphis.
We had two favorites, too. With its guitar work and rolling horn arrangement, “I Wonder” has Jimmy pondering his choice in a lover, who “takes my money, and takes my soul.” And, “She’s Wild” is as frenetic as any of Little Richard’s Specialty sides, and is the tale of a girl who’s truly a “real wild child!”
The Jimmys have won numerous Wisconsin-area awards, and never fail to bring the heat wherever they play. Roll back the rug and dance ’til you drop whilst diggin’ this “Hot Dish!” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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