Pat Hall and the Fat Guys Band are a familiar sight on the Midwest musical landscape. Originally known as A Coupla Fat Guys, they have played thousands of gigs in hundreds of venues over the last 15 years. The band has recently released its first live CD Heart of the Blues, a live set recorded in May of 1999 at Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn. The CD gives listeners a taste of the combination of musicianship and a sense of humor that makes Pat Hall and Co. successful. The record is made up of classic blues and R&B songs mixed with the band’s own original tunes. It is a rollicking set that demonstrates why PH &TFGB are considered one of the region’s most entertaining acts.

First and foremost, this is a band awash in musical credibility. Hall (keyboards and vocals) has worked with names like Son Seals, Lonnie Brooks, Fenton Robinson, and Byther Smith. Drummer Marcus David has played with Huey Lewis, Albert King, John Cipollina, Sunnyland Slim, and Magic Slim. Guitarist Steve Doyle is an Old Town School of Folk Music instructor and member of the world beat ensemble Ulele, and bassist Greg McDaniel (son of blues great Floyd McDaniel) is a veteran sideman. This kind of depth allows the band to really bring their material to life as only seasoned performers can. Speaking of material, the songs selected for the CD fit very well together and showcase both the new and the tried and true. One of the best cuts on the disc is the opener, Ike Turner’s "Chicken Shack". Many people only remember Ike for whupping on Tina, but he is an important American musical figure and it is nice to hear some of his material performed in place of some of the more heavily-traveled songs blues bands often cover. Original songs abound here, however, and offer some of most humorous moments of the disc. Highlights include "Big Fat Waitress" and "Has My Car Been Towed?". These songs bring to life every-day people and situations in a most entertaining way, and allow Hall to put his comedic talents to good use.

Pat Hall and the Fat Guys Band have a very strong, listenable release in Heart Of The Blues. Their combination of chops, fun, and energy is a winner. One listen and it becomes clear how and why this act has been able to survive a decade and a half and still be going strong. This is a band that plays for its audience, not a bunch of evil divas only looking to solo. As much fun as this CD was, I can’t wait to catch a show.