Wow, you talk about getting caught off guard – The Hi-Jivers did it for me! Again, the rockabilly rabbit trail on Apple music led me somehow to a similar artist to someone I had listened to. That roulette wheel, whatever it was, then somehow landed me on The Hi-Jivers. Taking a quick look at them and paying no attention to the given genre, I expected one of two things. They would be rockabilly, because that’s what I had been listening to, or something like Evanescence. By Evanescence I mean a female led hard rock band. Boy was I wrong – this is a Soul/Blues band. The black and tattoos led me astray. Let’s talk about The Hi-Jivers – what an awesome and fresh find!
According to Apple Music’s bio on these cats, Austin John and Dawna Zahn, the guitarist and vocalist respectively, moved to Nashville, TN from Central NY in 2014. The two were later joined by Hank Miles and Jason Smay. They had one mission. The same mission that most people who move to Nashville have – to start a successful band. They were inspired by their favorite bands from the 50s and 60s, which were not country western bands. Their influences and loves are American roots icons that include Etta James, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Richard, and Big Mama Thornton. Here’s what I mean about being caught off-guard. As soon as you hit play on this record, you are into what sounds like Big Mama Thornton over Eric Clapton. It’s soulful, it’s bluesy, and it’s right.
You will never expect the level of vocals that you get from Dawna Zahn. I still can’t wrap my mind around it. This album, as the title suggests, is a cover album. There’s a lot of tests for me when I find a new band that has peaked my interests. By “tests” I mean things that bands can do that almost immediately let me know if I’m going to dig them or not. One of these tests is to cover a song that I know and love. If they do it well, I’m interested. Likewise, if they don’t, then I may not be interested. “Death Letter” is one of those tracks that I love. I first heard it from The White Stripes and fell in love with this old song. Since, I have listened to several old blues men do it. Apparently, this song was first recorded by Son House in 1965 and was originally called “Death Letter Blues.” Now, The Hi-Jivers have thrown their version onto my playlist. That being said, this group has passed the test(s) – I am a fan!
As soon as you hit play, the blues and soul influence are in your face. I cannot say enough awesome things about this group. From what I’ve read, The Hi-Jivers are going to have another album out this year (2022) and should be touring along with its release. I’m going to listen to the album as soon as it’s on Apple Music and do my best to catch a show. I just hope they hurry up and get it out. I’m on the edge of my seat here. The Hi-Jivers have 2 singles and this EP currently. I’m ready for their catalog to grow so that my ears to be further delighted by this amazing group.
You can find them on the web and social media at the links below. Check these cats out.
Web thehijivers.com
Instagram @the_hijivers
Facebook The Hi-Jivers