Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA The Jim Mesi Band - Shut Up And Play
 | Judging from this album. I'd say that Lonnie Mack is Jim Mesi's main influence. It would be entirely dismissible from a surf perspective if not for the inclusion of interesting versions of "Pipeline" and "Misirlou." |
Picks: Memphis, American Bandstand, Pipeline, Song For Christopher, Walk, Don't Run, Hideaway, Fessin' 'n' Fussin', Mr. Smarty Pants, Sleep Walk, San-Ho-Zay, Mad House, Misirlou, Short-Guy Shuffle, Wham, Albeta Street Blues
Track by Track Review
Blues (Instrumental)
Thick stereo guitar twango owing much to Lonnie Mack's version of the Chuck Berry classic. Very fun, but very original.
American Bandstand Blues (Instrumental)
This is the theme to the American Bandstand TV show. Its fifties updated sound is quite appropriate for the theme. Bluesy and fun.
Surf Blues (Instrumental)
"Pipeline" starts passed the glissando, then when a glissando comes, you know why. It's choppy - not very smooth. The arrangement is kind of Memphis soul at the beach. Interesting, but far from essential.
Song For Christopher Blues (Instrumental)
"Song For Christopher" is a slushy blues with churning Leslie organ and lots of B. B. King-isms. Not memorable.
Blues (Instrumental)
Johnny Smith's often covered song is nicely done in a post Ventures groove. It's rounded out, a little bluesy, and warm. Very nice track.
Hideaway Blues (Instrumental)
Freddie King's "Hideaway" is done in a fairly straight forward blues format. Nothing to write home about.
Blues (Instrumental)
Great piano work holds "Fessin' 'n' Fussin'" together. Like a softened Professor Longhair thing, it's a softish and warm blues with an endearing character.
Mr. Smarty Pants Blues (Instrumental)
Fifties guitar rag styling with a blues basis. Very nicely done, but not memorable.
Blues (Instrumental)
Santo and Johnny's "Sleep Walk" is seldom really rearranged. In some ways, what the Jim Mesi Band has done with it is quite remarkable. It has a bluesy flow and fifties piano plink that run right alongside some very nice guitar work.
Blues (Instrumental)
This is really quite a pleasant version of Freddy King's "San-Ho-Zay." It's not remarkable, but it is quite enjoyable to listen to.
Blues (Instrumental)
With a rapid fire Sir Douglas Quintet rhythm, "Mad House" bounces for all it's worth. Very fun and frantic.
Surf Blues (Instrumental)
Among the tracks here, "Misirlou" is quite a departure. It's a long way from firebrand, but it stands up well and is arranged differently enough to keep it fresh. Pretty cool in its own way.
Blues (Instrumental)
Grodie string bending, fifties guitar boogie shuffling, and a steel guitar. Big fun on the hay ride.
Blues (Instrumental)
This is very VERY Lonnie Mack-like - perhaps too close. Hot playing and smooth sound, but not much originality.
Albeta Street Blues Blues (Instrumental)
Slow tortured blues with some very fluid playing. Pretty, but unremarkable.