The Hitman Blues Band - Not My Circus, Not My Monkey - Nerus Records

The Hitman Blues Band - Not My Circus, Not My Monkey - Nerus Records

The Hitman Blues Band, led by Russell 'Hitman' Alexander, is a New York-based band described as a 'Modern/Alt Blues group," although I am not sure that Alt Blues is anything but an invented, not clever, PR term. Getting beyond terminology, this is a rocking (in a good sense) band with horns led by Alexander on vocals and guitar. He also wrote most of the songs. Others in the band include Kevin Bents on keyboards, Mike Porter on bass, and Guy LaFountaine on drums. There is also a full horn section of Mikey Vitale on alto sax, John Kelly on tenor sax, Eric Altarac on trumpet, and Nick Clifford on baritone sax.

Certainly, Randy Alexander is the center of The Hitman Blues Band. He certainly places his stamp on these performances with his robust vocals that showcase his phrasing, dynamics, and clarity in delivering the lyrics. The backing is bright, brassy, and tight. His own songs have some intriguing word plays, such as the opening "Not My Circus," with the album title being a catchy, memorable phrase. Highpoints include his adaptations of a couple of Blind Willie Johnson songs, "Nobody's Fault But Mine" and "John the Revelator." The imaginative recasting of Johnson's acoustic recordings in a modern rocking blues manner also showcases his slightly raspy singing. He also adds some appealing slide guitar (more Duane Allman than Earl Hooker) on "John the Revelator."

"No Place Like Home" may be more Bruce Springsteen than blues. Still, it has a forceful, emotional vocal and first-rate backing, including Brent's piano and Kelly's gutbucket tenor sax. It is a terrific performance. Also standing out is the funky reinvention of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changing." Other selections include a rollicking, ebullient shuffle, "Walk With You," and a superb melancholy blues ballad "Everybody But Me." 

If not purely blues, The Hitman Blues Band's "Not My Circus, Not My Monkey" still is a blues and roots recording of considerable merit.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is their performance of "Nobody's Fault But Mine."