Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks

The late Dan Hicks was a true musical original. He first came to fame as part of The Charlatans – the mid-sixties San Francisco psychedelic band – where he was the drummer and later vocalist. However, he was never truly keen on the rock scene and was always far more interested in acoustic music.
After forming a band with David LaFlamme on violin (who later went on to form It’s A Beautiful Day), he later formed Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, a band that allowed him full rein to explore his favourite music – Country, jazz, swing, bluegrass, folk, pop, gypsy & Western swing.

This album contains a set from LA in 1973 plus bonus tracks from a live in concert show for WXPN and a live set in Philadelphia at World Café.

All the things that made Hicks popular are here. The music has a sense of whimsy and the tracks resound with a humorous tone and plenty of excellent playing.
Some of the tracks remind one of The Andrews Sisters or nights at the Grand Ol’ Opry – ‘Soda Fountain Baby’ or ‘How Can I Miss You When You Won’t Go Away’ or ‘Cowboy’s Dream #19’.
The bands include twin violin leads, the backing singers The Lickettes.

It never takes itself seriously, and the interplay between the band members suggests that they are having a good time.

A delightful reissue and one well worth digging into if you like fun with your music.