JOSH HOYER AND THE SHADOWBOXERS Josh Hoyer And The Shadowboxers

Independent

This CD is best described as being a funky house party. Out of Lincoln, Nebraska, Josh has been around a good few years in various guises. Opening, funnily enough, with Shadowboxer, Brian Morrow (bass) and Justin G Jones (drums), lay down a funky groove, before Josh introduces a great R&B style vocal. Accompanying himself on organ and with nice backing vocals from Hanna Bendler, Kim Moser and Megan Spain, this song will have you squirming in your seat. Mention also goes to the horn section, Russell Zimmer (trumpet), Tommy Van Den Berg (Trombone) and Mike Dee (sax). Close Your Eyes has a real Al Green feel to it with its smooth pace and clean horn work. Guitarist Benny Kushner slices and dices a few nice riffs. Illusion is reminiscent of earl Atlanta Rhythm Section, with a little more muscle, good solo from Van Den Berg on here. Everyday And Everynight has an ever developing texture with a real soul feel, great support again from backing singers and Van Den Berg. Til She’s Lovin’ Someone Else is pure Lousiana funk with a mix of rock. The horns play a lead role on this as well as a decent solo apiece from Hoyer and Kushner. Closer Dirty World turns into a full on funky jam, by definition each band member saying his piece. Although not blues, this is an enjoyable release, suitable for the car, should we get a decent summer!

CLIVE RAWLINGS