CD/streaming on the bands own label Released December 2022 Reviewed January 30th 2023 by Paul
Cooking Jack Fats & The Chimney Stacks are: John Jackson - Vocals JD England - lead guitar Kate Whittaker - double bass Andrew 'Duke' Flude - Drums Bobby Brooks - Sax Guy Turner - Sax / Piano
Wow!! How do you start a review when you have been playing a fantastic CD of 10 original and 5 superb covers that literally bounce with joy? This release has flipped my wig- and I’m old enough to 1. have no hair and 2. recognise a superb release by amazing musicians that has been so professionally produced. This ain’t no revival band doing sloppy covers-it’s a breath of fresh air. ps I LIKE IT! They hail from the Sheffield area of the UK and describe their music as Jive and Blues in a Louisiana mash of Joe Turner, Fats Domino, Nappy Brown, with a dash of Bo D. to that I’d add a bit of George Thorogood. This is their second release ( there are a few copies left of their first CD if you are quick-it’s on their facebook page)
They’ve been together for 5 years and this album has taken them 3 years to make. They are all extremely talented musicians: Jack has been performing for 30 years, Andrew Fludes was the drummer for Peter Green’s Splinter group, JD was in The Slingshots and Kate plays jazz with other bands. Ok cats, let's go through the tracks...
Hole In The Ground- great start with a fast paced blues bouncer. Jack’s lamenting his girl and him not getting on. Great guitar and sax breaks. George Thorogood would like this!
I Wanna Rock- great funky tight sound on this which highlights what a great voice Jack has after hearing this you will wanna rock AND roll!!
Nonchalant- brilliant shuffle sounds here. His babe’s left and she’s nonchalant about it.
Hoochier Coochie Woman-another great Jack original. It's a great answer to Hoochie Coochie Man and it steams along at full throttle!
My Oh My- what a fantastic song with a great call and response! If Fats had recorded this in 1956 you would believe it. It bounces along with great sax sounds.
Shirley- yup, the John Fred classic taken at a slower pace than the original . Superb version which must sound brilliant live.
That Wiggle When You Walk- great big beat sound “pop” rocker motors along nicely with great piano and sax. Was this recorded in New Orleans 1958??
Bottom Of The Bottle- change of pace here. His girl's left and he’s disappearing into a bottle of Jack Daniels. I know the feeling! Brilliant slow blues
Chills and Fever- Known as Tom Jones' first record but the original by Johnny Love was better. This version is as good as both and has a great “feel”.
Walking Around At Midnight- Great rocker: the whole band is cooking here! The Chimney Stacks don’t need sweeping!
Ooh La La- absolutely brilliant version of The Smiley Lewis song from 1954. A great shuffle beat again showing Jack's vocals off
Lover Please- A great version of the Clyde McPhatter song (which was written by Billy Swan!). The band make it more funky than Clyde and, in my opinion, improve on it.
How Can We Not Fall In Love- a change of pace here with nice original song that drives along nicely.
Steppin In’- Great blues! He’s steppin’ in and she’s steppin’ out!
Dream River- a great smoochy closer to this fantastic CD a lovely version of The Mavericks song.
So, there we have it! Great songs, great band, great production! I have been playing this on repeat at work for the past week and there honestly isn't a bad track. They must be amazing live. Highly recommended.
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