By Tom Lydde

The Hightones are a 7-piece R&B band comprised of mature and experienced musicians from the Chicago area. The band's self-released debut 7x7 is a testament to their combined experience and, simply put, is just a great disc. Featuring five original songs, The Hightones display a strong sense of humor in their storytelling and vocalist Jim Desmond delivers it with confidence and soul. Anchored by drummer Roman Zabicki, the band strikes a solid groove on each and every song showing an obvious affinity for the R&B genre that is their bread and butter.

Standouts on 7x7 are "Born Yesterday" and "Bottle Blues", the latter of which features guitarist Bill Pekoc on lead vocals. A powerful sax solo by Rawl Hardman is the highlight of "Welcome to the House of the Blues" and "Job, Baby, Mind" includes a very clean and tasteful guitar lead. Also of note are the two cover songs on the disc: "Oh Pretty Woman" by A.C. Williams (not the Roy Orbison classic) and "Built for Comfort".

7x7 was recorded and mixed by Rawl Hardman and although there is nothing out of the ordinary about the production, he did an excellent job. All of the instruments were recorded with warm, natural tones and the overall mix is dead on. The band sounds great on every track and the disc has a nice live feel to it. In fact, it's my impression that the live show is really what this band is about, so anyone in search of a little bar room rhythm and blues would be well served to seek out The Hightones.

 

Official Hightones Web Site

The Hightones Show Dates

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