By Todd Maternowski
When you put the terms "side project" together with "cover band", the results are
usually less than stellar. Particularly when the aforementioned side project is from
otherwise well-known musical talents, the possibility of disappointment looms in the
air like so many mysterious odors in a parking garage stairwell. Fortunately for fans
of their previous musical efforts, this past weekend at Lee Harvey's, the Reverend
Organ Drum showed why they are possibly the most impressive cover band in
existence, a small band with a huge sound that treats the classic pre-1970 R&B
classics with a surprising level of maturity and skill.
The band is actually an amalgamation/supergroup of some of Dallas's finest musical
legends: front man Tim Alexander leads the band with his Grammy-winning skills on
the Hammond B-3; Jim Heath of the Reverend Horton Heat lends his legendary
touch to the guitar, and relative newcomer Todd Soesbe mans the drums with a
happy energy and tremendous precision. For each musician, it's a departure from
the "norm": Tim Alexander won his five Grammy Awards with the Western swing
band Asleep at the Wheel, and now tours with the local blues band, Elvis T. Busboy
and the Blues Butchers. Todd Soesbe plays in a local surf band Starkey. And
perhaps the biggest surprise is the Reverend, who has spent the last 20+ years
establishing himself as a sort of minor deity to all the punks, greasers, rebels and
fast cars/booze/women aficionados across this country and in Europe.
The band is really a cover band, playing primarily Booker T and the MG's songs, as
well as early spy movie theme songs, rat pack standards and 60s stripper music
(much to the delight of the inebriated young women in the audience). Although
considerably slower and less energetic than their previous works, the songs are
tight, soulful and very enjoyable, especially when accompanied by some of Lee
Harvey's amazing hamburgers. Mostly instrumental, the set list effortlessly ambles
from one sentimental Booker T standard to another, only occasionally upping the
tempo with a drum solo or "War Pigs" tribute - surprising considering the 140-mph
pace the Reverend Horton Heat has made his name for. But where a lesser band
might have put the crowd to sleep, the Reverend Organ Drum's sheer musicianship
and affection for their music comes through in clean, tightly-arranged songs that
seem to work simultaneously as both background lounge and high-energy dance
music. Their rendition of the creepy, brooding "Harlem Nocturne" is especially good,
and their version of the Chairman's "Bim Bam Baby" swings and grooves beautifully.
This show was the band's first-ever weekend gig, and both Tim Alexander and the
Reverend mentioned repeatedly how nervous and thankful they were - which,
considering their renowned touring pedigree, was probably the biggest surprise of
the night - but it's great to see these legendary Texas rockers at their most relaxed
and accessible. The Reverend Organ Drum is a wedding band with an edge, playing
the music that they love, and providing an unforgettable night of easygoing lounge
for their fans.
(This story appeared originally on www.texasgigs.com, August 21, 2006.)
