Finally, for Thursday, a real blue chip act, from Nashville, making their debut in the UK, The Hi-Jivers.  This four-piece, are Wild Records recording artists, and our appetites had been whetted by several YouTube and Bopflix videos, leading up to the show.  Their vocalist is Dawna Zahn, looking fine in her black dress, with her fiancé, and phenomenal guitarist Austin John Doody on lead.  In the rhythm section are regular bassist Hank Miles with Ricky McCann in on drums for the show.  
 
The set was top drawer right from the start, with the cracking track ‘Hotwire Woman’, with Dawna’s voice sounding brilliant in a style akin to the most prominent female rhythm and blues ladies of the past.  You want an idea?  Well think Etta James, with maybe the powerhouse styles of Tiny Topsy and Big Maybelle, Willie Mae Thornton, and dare I suggest a little Janis Joplin?*.  Something like that.  Whatever, it’s commanding and accomplished, whether vocalising their own material or covers.  Indeed, one of their single releases, features a simply sublime version of Billy Gayles ‘Just One More Time’, which was one of the many highlights of the performance.
 
As well as visually impressive, the musicianship is spot on, and we suggest you check out recordings like ‘Ol’ Feeling’, and ‘Bulletproof’ for confirmation.  ‘Ol’ Feeling’ for example has a catchy riff throughout, and Austin’s guitar solo in this is effortlessly spectacular.  In between, Dawna engaged with the audience with a y’all Nashville lilt, before launching into yet more quality sounds.  ‘Get Me Wrong’, ‘Any Woman You Please’, ‘Always Talkin Down’ and the true foot stomper, ‘Sweet Talkin’ and Lyin’ and to end the show, Something’s Gotta Shake’.  
 
There was an expectation surrounding this show and boy did the Hi-Jivers deliver.  They’re back for the Rhythm Riot in November 2019.  Don’t miss out "