Not Your Usual Lounge Lizards CD Review October, 2001 Blues To-Do's Hailing from Walla Walla, Iguana Hat, and their maiden release, are simply two of Eastern Washington's best exports. After playing the club circuit for almost three years, it was time for Iguana Hat to put out a record of all original material. Taking a fresh approach to the blues, the material on this disc has the savy sophistication of Steely Dan, the bluesy, boogie-rock style of Savoy Brown and the funkiness of Delbert McClinton. No Prima Donnas here. This is a band, and each member compliments the others. Multi-instrumentalist Jim Johnson adds an essential element to Iguana Hat's sound. His sax, Hammond, and harp solos are simple but effective. The guitar playing by Mike Cook is systematically funky. The solid rythym section consists of Dave Joseph on bass and vocals and Mike Hammond on drums and percussion. There is not an inferior song on this recording; however, a couple stand out as noteworthy. On the track "Bahama Blues", Jim Johnson's shadowy sax is showcased with a smooth jazz-driven timbre while Dave Joseph's vocals are somber and sincere. The slow blues cut, "Back to New Orleans", opens with haunting chimes and a sedate and impenetrateable bass line. The song features enigmatic lyrics and Mike Cook's sweltering guitar work. The band describes themselves by saying..."some of the hardest driven', foot stompin', fun lovin' and good time rock and roll that has ever set foot in a dance hall..." Judging by their debut, they have every right to toot their own horn. -Tony Englehart close this window to return to the Iguana Hat Press Page