First and foremost, this is a band awash in musical credibility. Drummer Marcus David has played with Huey Lewis, Albert King, John Cipollina, Sunnyland Slim, and Magic Slim. This kind of depth allows the band to really bring their material to life as only seasoned performers can. Speaking of material, the songs selected for the CD fit very well together and showcase both the new and the tried and true. Many people only remember Ike for whupping on Tina, but he is an important American musical figure and it is nice to hear some of his material performed in place of some of the more heavily-traveled songs blues bands often cover.
Original songs abound here, however, and offer some of most humorous moments of the disc.
These songs bring to life every-day people and situations in a most entertaining way, and allow Hall to put his comedic talents to good use. Pat Hall and the Fat Guys Band have a very strong, listenable release in Heart Of The Blues . Their combination of chops, fun, and energy is a winner. One listen and it becomes clear how and why this act has been able to survive a decade and a half and still be going strong. This is a band that plays for its audience, not a bunch of evil divas only looking to solo.