Review: Nick Alexander – Lil Hoochie
Nick Alexander – Lil Hoochie
Format: CD – Digital / Label: Independent
Release: 2024
Text: Pascal Wilhelm
Linsey Alexander, Chicago Blues Legend, aka “Hoochie man”, has a son, Nicholas (Nick or Lil’ Hoochie) who pays tribute to his father by recording some of his unpublished work. Nick plays ferocious guitar, almost as if he is continuously taming his (presumably) Gibson guitar dialed up to 13. Man!
Supported by a top-notch bunch of musical talent this is Nick’s first record. He already played the 2022 Chicago Blues festival and most likely is taking a musical path in his life, like his father (although Linsey had multiple daytime jobs).
A fan of James Brown in his singing and number choice (listen to Soul Power, Make It Funky) and several musical and lyrical citations on this record: the song Mona Lisa Was A Man features a verse of I just wanna make love to you (Willie Dixon) and the bassline of Who knows (Band of Gypsies).
Nick certainly has it, a rough diamond. Good voice and unique guitar playing (reminiscent of Son Seals sometimes). It is certainly to his credit that, at this point in his career, he pays tribute to his father’s work.
Nothing wrong with that, but I would not call this his debut. For that, he not only needs his musical friends, but he also needs some original songs in which he blends his musical influences, it is now either Chicago blues or the James Brown funk. What music will Nick make in ten years? Let’s wait for his real first record! Go for it, Nick!
Tracks:
01. Intro
02. Popsorn
03. Dial Your Number
04. Outskirts Of Town
05. Moving To The Country
06. Soul Power
07. Mona Lisa Was A Man
08. Believe To My Soul
09. I’m Tired
10. Make It Funky
Line-up:
Drums: Melvin Carlisle
Bass: David Forte
Guitar: Brian Lupo
Organ: Roosevelt Purifoy Jr.
Keyboard & Gutiar: Dan Souvigny
Horns: Derrick Tate, Ryan Nyther, and Royce Harrington-Turner
Background Vocals & Congos: Bryant Parker
Website: https://lilhoochie.com/home