Betsy Finocchi reviewed Hoo Doo Party in the October 1999 issue of  All About Town.  All About Town is published monthly in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Thanks Betsy!

One of the things that makes The BelAirs so unbelievably cool is their stage presence and energy.  Brothers Dick and Dave play funky old beat-up guitars (Dick's favorite is a '68 Fender Jazz bass, and Dave alternates between his '53 Telecaster and '65 Gibson 175), they're snappy dressers and Man, do they play it and sing it from the heart!  So  – although I knew the CD would be good – I was a little concerned that it wouldn't live up to their live show.

Well, I guess the guys in The BelAirs are pretty clever, because they'd already thought of that. They've made up for the lack of visuals and visceral energy by inviting along a line-up of guest musicians who add more to the recording with piano, horns and organ. Although, frankly, we prefer the  three-man sound, adding to a recording is always a safe bet.

The CD opens with the title track, HooDoo Party, which is a jumpin' New Orleans number, and goes right into one of my favorites, Strange Things. ("Hey Baby, I sure do like what I see.  Hey Baby, I sure do like what I see.  Everytime I look at you, Strange Things happen to me.")  My other favorite is Take This Hurt Off Me – the harmonies and interesting breaks make this cut a big winner – sort of a Van Morrison-style song that you'll be singing along to by the end of the first time hear it.

This is old blues, New Orleans-style jazzy blues, and, like bassist Dick Pruitt says, just plain ol' "Americana." Whatever you call it, we like it – a lot.  You can get your own from their website at www.belairs.com or from the guys next time they're in town.  After you've heard them live, you're definitely going to want to buy a CD – and you will not be disappointed.

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Contact the Bel Airs at 573.499.3822 or write to:
905 Red Oak Lane, Columbia MO  65203