FolkFire Reviews
July / August 1998 Issue
Hudson and the Hoo Doo Cats: And That's Right, Too
by Donna Eckberg
Get out your dancin’ shoes for this new release by a trio of local hep cats who’ve recently changed their spots. The Hoo Doo Cats are on the prowl with the retro swing and rockabilly craze. Hudson Harkins plays drums center stage and sings lead vocals, John Logan handles both backup and lead on his ’52 Silvertone Archtop guitar and Jason Van Deman slaps out the rhythm on acoustic bass. The result is a full sound and lots of punch for three players. Here is a tasty mix of swinging originals and covers with a variety of tempos and styles. Originals range from the jungle heat of Hoodoo Woman (with the leopard print on) to the jump swing of the title cut, And That’s Right Too. Hudson’s songwriting is clever and humorous. Get down with Texas rap-a-billy rhymes backed by Jason’s slapping bass on I ‘Bout Fell Out, an interesting expression of astonishment. There’s also a nod to rockabilly with I Can Still Rock, a comic ode to aging rockers and Carl Perkins’ Put Your Cat Clothes On.
Hudson personalizes T Bone Walker’s lament, No Sleepinest Woman, about a wife who’s never asleep when he tries to sneak in late at night. Hudson’s vocals are cool and swing with the music as do Logan’s guitar riffs. This is great dance-a-billy if you don’t fall out listening to the lyrics!
