Review: Reverend Organdrum Hi-Fi Stereo

Hi-Fi StereoGuitarist Jim Heath is a formidable guitarist in his chosen style of music (roots rock, rockabilly, country, blues), but even more interesting is Heath’s deep appreciation for music of all kinds.  In an interview we watched, Heath mentioned listening to Henry Mancini!  It should come as no surprise that Heath would record an album with not one, but two Mancini songs, among a handful of others that touch on movie and TV themes (“Route 66″, ‘Hang ’em High”, “James Bond Theme”), jazz swing (songs by Roland Kirk and Duke Ellington), nightclub schmaltz (a cover of Dean Martin’s “Ain’t That A Kick In The Head”) along with some blues and 60s soul.  What should be surprising is this album, Hi-Fi Stereo, is the product of a musician and songwriter better known as the righteous Reverend Horton Heat.

Yep, that Reverend Horton Heat.  The same one who gave us wiggle sticks, bales of cocaine, and a theme song for the Daytona 500.

This album features the good Reverend in a trio configuration with organist Tim Alexander and drummer Todd Soesbe, running down an assortment of tunes listed above.  The end result of this album: fun!  Not silly, boisterous, “party!…get naked!…buy us beer!” fun, but a swingin’ and swayin’ musical good time.  “C Jam Blues” is spinning as I write this, and it’s a perfect example of how this group works well together.  Alexander’s organ and Heath’s guitar trade off leads and solos, rather than having either hog the spotlight.  And yet while the trio has a tight rapport, there is enough of a sloppy looseness that gives it an easygoing feeling that is good, clean, contageous fun.

The song selection for this set is inspired also.  A few familiar nuggets dot the playlist, but rather than pick a common Mancini tune, the Reverend does a nice job on “Shot In The Dark,” and also digs out the lesser known theme to the Blake Edwards thriller “Experiment In Terror.”  Major points in my book right there!  “I Got A Woman” also gets a jazzy workout, with some nice soloing from the Reverend and Tim Alexander.   The whole set has that “groovy” retro feel to it, and it is a treat to hear Heath get a chance to stretch out and play something other than what the press has labeled “psychobilly.”  Even the cover is retro, with that classic 60s “Blue Note” feel to the cover art.

This apparently is a one-off project at this point, but I’m all for a second installment…and a tour.  Bring it, Reverend: we’ll all be there!  As for this recording, grab it now. You won’t regret it!