There is something about the blues that is so raw that it exhibits arguably a piece of what it means to be human. It is a genre charged with emotion, and, in my opinion, it is the ultimate, most authentic form of music. The Head Hunters Blues Band understands exactly what the blues means, in the sense that it is an emotive genre. This is exhibited particularly strongly on their most recent release, the band’s third album Cold Cuts, which was released last fall.
I recently interviewed the band and from those conversations, I have learned that this is a band who truly understands what the blues is all about. It is about emotion, feeling, and it is one of those genres that one can tell if it is without this emotion.
This, thankfully, is not a problem with The Head Hunters Blues Band. Listening to the band’s music, one can feel the blues - the sorrow, the joy, the sheer emotion - within the music. One has to know the blues to play the blues. It is simply one of those genres that one cannot fake his way through; it has to be authentic and honest and just pure, purely the blues.
The album opens with a Howlin’ Wolf track - “Goin’ Down Slow”. I made a conscious decision to listen to the originals of what the band covered, to understand exactly where they were coming from. And I have found that they keep the spirit of the originals but continue to add their own emotion and spin to the sound. There is a great opening tone with this track: slow, simmering blues as a perfect vessel for emotion. The keys part on this track is great, driving but from time to time recoiling to let the guitar shine. Even on a somber song like this, you can still hear that the band is having a good time, with a bit of laughter before the guitar solo.
The good times continue with “Sit Down Baby”. The instrumental here is just irresistible; how can one not feel the need to dance when a song like this is playing? The rhythm section is what makes this song; arguably, the rhythm section has to be the strongest part of any band. It is what keeps the tempo, keeps the drive going. It remains a very strong part to my ears to the sound and connection of this band.
The next couple tracks are Elmore James songs. “It Hurts Me Too” is another slow blues. The sheer emotions that floats from the original seems to be absolute; you have to have experience to take on this song. But one does not have to worry about the HHBB’s version. There is soul, emotion bared and blazing across the track in the vocals and instrumental alike. Indeed, they understand the entire purpose of the blues: to feel and express. Without emotion, there is no blues; nor without the blues could one play with such emotion.
“The Sky Is Crying” was released as a single before the album’s release. When I first heard it, I thought it was such a striking, strong song. It makes for a great jam.
“One Way Out” is another good jam. I first heard of this song from The Allman Brothers version, but The Head Hunters were inspired by Sonny Boy Williamson II’s. It is a good, straight-forward rocker and shows just how connected each member of the band is with one another.
“Blue and Lonesome” is the return of that slow, simmering blues. A gorgeous song, lingering with uttermost sorrow, depression but determination, too.
“Three Times a Fool” brings some of the upbeat side of the blues back. This is a great song for a couple solos: guitar, harp, and keys.
Cold Cuts concludes with the Albert Collins song “I Ain’t Drunk”. It’s an interesting bookend when you pair it with the opening track. While “Goin’ Down Slow” was somber, “I Ain’t Drunk” is joyous. It ends the album on a good note.
With Cold Cuts being the band’s third album, they have established a strong understanding of the blues, the necessary emotions, and a connection between musicians. It makes for a great album. For the album release, The Head Hunters Blues Band had a tour of nine shows. Their most recent news is a festival slot for Liverpool Blues Festival on April 23.