Although I can sometimes tell after just one listen that I like a CD enough to be able to give it a nice review, most of the times I prefer to listen to it several times before making a qualified decision.  On the other hand, with "WHO CALLED THE COPS", after just a few tracks I was ready to start writing - but first, I needed to stop writhing.  In just three little words I can tell you what my first impression of this disc was......fun, fun, fun.  It's very apparent the band had fun recording it and I can assure you, you'll have fun listening to it.

 

    Inasmuch as I take pride in my originality when writing these reviews, I'll occasionally see a quote in a bands press kit, or at their website, that compels me to use that quote.  This description of their style of music was one of those compellers........"A blend of Bourbon Street brass, rolling piano blues and a classic New Orleans beat; this high octane barrelhouse band pumps out psycho boogie, funk and zydeco-blues as if there is no tommorrow".  Touche` - the Blewzzman tips his hat to the writer of those words. 

 

    This fiesty bunch of players are: PORTERHOUSE BOB, writer of the discs nine original tracks, on vocals and keyboards; MITCH MONTOSE, drums and rubboard; MIKE BARRY, bass; GEORGE PANDIS, trumpet; SCOTTY STRATHMANN, trumpet, trombone and tuba; DAN HEFFERNAN, clarinet, tenor and alto sax; DON ROBERTS, baritone sax; LONNIE JOHNSON, trumpet. 

 

    If within 30 seconds of the opening track, "DID YOU CATCH THAT JACK?", you're not shaking or tapping one or more of your body parts - at a feverish pace -  you may need to call your doctor.  Man, this track rocks.  It's a fast and furious Nawlin's swing thing with lots of funky horns that has MITCH and MIKE tearing up the pace on drums and bass.

 

    If you're a mover and a shaker, head to the dance flo' for "TIPPIN' ON FO FO'S".  This short but scorching Zydeco instrumental is guaranteed to break a sweat.

 

    "DOWN BY THE WATER" opens with an awesome 90 second trumpet solo before getting downright funky.  BOB is outstanding on piano and some Dr. John type vocals and the horn section, led by more great trumpet work and SCOTTY on the tuba, create a great ragtime sound. 

 

    There's no other way to describe the next track other than to just tell you it's name - "BIG BOB'S BOOGIE".  Backed up with some great bass work, this instrumental is all about BOB and his piano..........

that is until DAN jumps in with some downright kick ass tenor sax. 

 

    "WHODOO VOODOO" is all of 63 seconds but what a furious 63 seconds it is.  It's a ritual sounding instrumental with a fierce drum beat and wailing trumpets.  This one brought to mind about a half a dozen jungle movies.

 

    The title track, "WHO CALLED THE COPS", is all out musical mayhem.  BOB is as wild on the vocals as he is on the piano, Mitch and Mike are trying to kick each others butt on rhythm - and they're both succeeding - and the horn section, in an effort to not be outdone, are blowing their brains out.  At two and a half minutes, this track is about five minutes too short.  I wanted more - lots more - of this.  Easily the hottest track on the disc. 

 

    Just like the steak, PORTER HOUSE BOB and the band are excellent, right DOWN TO THE BONE.  Check the guys out at www.porterhousebob.com and tell them you heard from the Blewzzman that they throw one hell of a party.