Monday, August 21, 2006

Bring on the Lounge

By Todd Maternowski

From L to R: Tim Alexander, Todd Soesbe and Jim Heath.

When you put the terms "side project" together with "cover band", the results are usually less than stellar. Particularly when the aforementioned side project is from otherwise well-known musical talents, the possibility of disappointment looms in the air like so many mysterious odors in a parking garage stairwell. Fortunately for fans of their previous musical efforts, this past weekend at Lee Harvey's, the Reverend Organ Drum showed why they are possibly the most impressive cover band in existence, a small band with a huge sound that treats the classic pre-1970 R&B classics with a surprising level of maturity and skill.

The band is actually an amalgamation/supergroup of some of Dallas's finest musical legends: front man Tim Alexander leads the band with his Grammy-winning skills on the Hammond B-3; Jim Heath of the Reverend Horton Heat lends his legendary touch to the guitar, and relative newcomer Todd Soesbe mans the drums with a happy energy and tremendous precision. For each musician, it's a departure from the "norm": Tim Alexander won his five Grammy Awards with the Western swing band Asleep at the Wheel, and now tours with the local blues band, Elvis T. Busboy and the Blues Butchers. Todd Soesbe plays in a local surf band Starkey. And perhaps the biggest surprise is the Reverend, who has spent the last 20+ years establishing himself as a sort of minor deity to all the punks, greasers, rebels and fast cars/booze/women aficionados across this country and in Europe.

The band is really a cover band, playing primarily Booker T and the MG's songs, as well as early spy movie theme songs, rat pack standards and 60s stripper music (much to the delight of the inebriated young women in the audience). Although considerably slower and less energetic than their previous works, the songs are tight, soulful and very enjoyable, especially when accompanied by some of Lee Harvey's amazing hamburgers. Mostly instrumental, the set list effortlessly ambles from one sentimental Booker T standard to another, only occasionally upping the tempo with a drum solo or "War Pigs" tribute - surprising considering the 140-mph pace the Reverend Horton Heat has made his name for. But where a lesser band might have put the crowd to sleep, the Reverend Organ Drum's sheer musicianship and affection for their music comes through in clean, tightly-arranged songs that seem to work simultaneously as both background lounge and high-energy dance music. Their rendition of the creepy, brooding "Harlem Nocturne" is especially good, and their version of the Chairman's "Bim Bam Baby" swings and grooves beautifully.

This show was the band's first-ever weekend gig, and both Tim Alexander and the Reverend mentioned repeatedly how nervous and thankful they were - which, considering their renowned touring pedigree, was probably the biggest surprise of the night - but it's great to see these legendary Texas rockers at their most relaxed and accessible. The Reverend Organ Drum is a wedding band with an edge, playing the music that they love, and providing an unforgettable night of easygoing lounge for their fans.

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