For the last decade Willie D, aka William Martin Daniel, Jr., has been injecting his jazz-influenced, soulful saxophone sound into a variety of Austin musical venues and styles. He apparently came by at least some of his artistry via heritage–his dad played sax in several 40’s and 50’s style jazzy dance bands. The culmination of all those experiences led Willie D to form a couple of bands, one a homage to the big band swing era, and the other being the Hip Pockets. That ensemble just released their debut album, Rock, Rhythm & Jazz.
The CD starts the show just like an old school blues revue, with the band launching into a cool, hip preview of what’s to come, and the announcer introducing the show. From there comes Cellphone Blues, an observation on everyone’s habit that features Willie’s velvety baritone vocals. Champagne Eyes is a swing number with plenty of Willie’s saxophone. Daybreak Talent Show goes all 70’s pop on you, while Midnight Special is a slower, almost methodical version of the traditional song. Midway through, it picks up the pace considerably and gets harmony vocals from a couple of the Black Pumas singers.
Intertwined with the lyrical pieces are a variety of instrumentals, running the gamut in tempo. Road Side Rose is a slow, mournful ballad. The Menutis Twist does 50’s rock with an attention-getting surf rock drum solo. Sudicat Strut (Along the Seine) has a lot of big band influences and gives several of the guest musicians (20 in total across the record!) a chance to shine. The finishing piece is The Crawdad Song with a marching snare drum part that begs for a second line behind the parade.
There’s nothing twangy about Willie D & the Hip Pockets. They’re funky and soulful and bluesy. But this is as Americana as it gets with just about every style represented short of folk and country. There’s also nothing subtle about Willie D & the Hip Pockets. They’re in-your-face fun and Rock, Rhythm & Jazz is a debut that reflects all of that.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.