Customer Reviews

Hoo Doo Party

5 star:		(5)
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One of the things that makes The BelAirs so unbelievably cool is their stage presence and energy. Brothers Dick and Dave play funky old beat-up guitars (Dick's favorite is a `68 Fender Jazz bass, and Dave alternates between his `53 Telecaster and `65 Gibson 175), they're snappy dressers and Man, do they play it and sing it from the heart! So - although I knew the CD would be good - I was a little concerned that it wouldn't live up to their live show.

Well, I guess the guys in The BelAirs are pretty clever, because they'd already thought of that. They've made up for the lack of visuals and visceral energy by inviting along a line-up of guest musicians who add more to the recording with piano, horns and organ. Although, frankly, we prefer the three-man sound, adding to a recording is always a safe bet.

The CD opens with the title track, HooDoo Party, which is a jumpin' New Orleans number, and goes right into one of my favorites, Strange Things. ("Hey Baby, I sure do like what I see. Hey Baby, I sure do like what I see. Everytime I look at you, Strange Things happen to me.") My other favorite is Take This Hurt Off Me - the harmonies and interesting breaks make this cut a big winner - sort of a Van Morrison-style song that you'll be singing along to by the end of the first time hear it.

This is old blues, New Orleans-style jazzy blues, and, like bassist Dick Pruitt says, just plain ol' "Americana." Whatever you call it, we like it - a lot. After you've heard them live, you're definitely going to want to buy a CD - and you will not be disappointed.

stickin with the finest players coming out of the midwest, these guys have a sound that make the BEST Alligator artists sound DIM. Fantastic CD.... needs to be on the radio. Keep up the good work.

Another great release of midwest swing blues from the Bel Airs. A very fine band that has been together for a long time creating a good tight groove. It's all about the sound, they have it. I hope that other areas of the world are becoming acquainted with this fine blues band. They are original and appear to copy no one. Great harmony, you'll like them.

got a chance to see the bel airs at a friends birthday party recently, actually got the chance to introduce them to the crowd. great guys! and man oh man, can they play some blues! a tight trio. precision intstrumentals, no extra notes, no missed notes. fantastic harmonies exactly where they are needed. get it, enjoy it. if you get a chance to see them live, do it!

This is the great stuff your mama and poppa went out to hear; no false premises and no false talent. I saw these guys at BB's in St. Louis: they are truly very nice guys and their show was just as good as the CD -the whole place was up dancing and Dave's Super Reverb sounded marvelous, as did the rhythm and vocals- I listened all the way home to Chicago!

I hope they play up here soon or I'm goin' back to St. Louis!!