The Hokum Hotshots
“Guitar Swing.”

The Hokum Hotshots are an acoustic duo based in the North East of England. They play a wide variety of 30’s, 40’s and 50’s country blues, west coast swing, jazz and vaudeville – and they play it very well indeed. They have been in the business over thirty years now as a duo, and also as solo artists.
Introducing then:
Pete Mason on acoustic guitar, ukelele, washboard, tiple, mandolin and vocals;
Jim Murray on acoustic guitar, National steel guitar, mandolin, dobro, lap steel guitar and vocals.
Their live shows are very entertaining with lots of jokes and witticisms. With this very much in mind, they have incorporated their humour into the recording of the c.d. in both style and substance of the lyrics.
The material on their new c.d. “Guitar Swing” is mostly a collection of long forgotten country blues with four of their own songs also included for good measure.

The opening track is in fact, their own: “Larry the Lardy Man.” A country blues number in the style of the Memphis Jug Band. [The Lardy Man was the guy who went around with the “lardy can” collecting money while the musicians were playing].
The second track is “Papa wants a Cookie” which isn’t a song about food – it’s a song about well er, shagging - to put it bluntly!
As you can imagine, double entendre’s throughout the song, with great humour and a good old story line. This is a Leroy Carr composition dating back to 1930. The Hokum’s have rearranged the number, and included splendid harmonies to go with their excellent guitar playing.
“Hawaiian Stormy Weather” is a fun number, with Jim on lap steel guitar and Pete on ukelele. They create delightful Hawaiian sounds on this light-hearted instrumental.
Back to basic blues on the next cut, “Some cold Rainy Day.”
[Originally recorded by The Georgia Cotton Pickers, way back].
With guest’s Rob Mason on harmonica and Graham Anderson on double bass adding a fuller sound to the mix with Jim’s slide guitar being the lead instrument.
“Downtown Blues” could be described as typical Hokum Hotshots: great harmonies, great finger-picking guitars and great emotion in the lead voice [Pete’s].
The bands anthem next, and the title of the c.d. “Guitar Swing.” An assortment of guitars, ukelele, and double bass all admirably played to a swing beat. Again nice harmonising vocals with a catchy “Ayah!” vocal from Pete.
Sleepy John Estes’ “Everybody ought to make a Change” is a slow blues with plenty of feeling. Lead instruments here are acoustic guitar and mandolin with Rob again on harmonica adding nice touches.
Pete gets his washboard out for “Coalman’s Blues,” joining Jim on National Steel guitar. They tell a tale of coalmen and trains, and the perils of them coming together! A strange little story, but the music works well - and that’ll do for me!
Other tracks worthy of mention include another Memphis Jug Band number, “You May Leave, but this’ll Bring You Back,” with guitar, mandolin and harmonica.
“On the far side,” Jim is on mandolin and Pete is on ‘Resophonic’ guitar. We also have ‘Sparks’ on Tuba, who is pumping away in the background. Quite a nice structure to the sound here, well produced and with a good arrangement.
“Wayayen Wonders” is another instrumental, with dobro, lap steel guitar and ukelele. Again, a great mix of instruments giving a wonderful sound to put a smile on any blue day!

Indeed, putting a smile on your face is what The Hokum Hotshots do best.
The only way to fully appreciate these guys is to see them play live, but until that’s possible for you, then this release will give you a great insight into the colourful world of The Hokum Hotshots!

CRAPCD02 [15 tracks. 44:45 mins.]
Available from:
Crap Promotions
P.O. Box 71,
Washington.
Co. Durham. NE38 7YW.
Website: www.hokumhotshots.co.uk

Mike Prendergast.