About this Artist

• Biography
• Interview

Editorial Reviews

This DVD spotlights Dan Hicks (guitar/vocals) and his hand-picked assemblage for a one-time only gig at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco on December 9, 2001, honoring Hicks' 60th birthday. While a slightly amended CD version -- missing "Shootin' Straight" and "Reelin' Down" -- is also available, this disc sports a more complete performance as well as a 5.1 surround sound option that puts listeners center-stage alongside the 40-plus players who have been key components in Hicks' legacy. In his trademark approach, the pacing is decidedly low-key, even as different aggregates of musicians come and go between practically every number. This gives each delivery a unique texture and allows for some inspired interaction. Early classics include the jug band-infused Charlatans' side "How Can I Miss You When You Won't Go Away," with Mike Wilhelm (guitar/vocals), George Hunter (autoharp/tambourine), and Richard Olsen (tenor sax/clarinet/flute/vocals) from the original lineup of the legendary Bay Area combo. Participating from the seminal incarnations of the Hot Licks are 'Symphony' Sid Page (violin), Naomi Eisenberg (vocals/violin), Jaime Leopold (string bass), and Maryann Price (vocal/percussion). The aforementioned "Reelin' Down," "The Buzzard Was Their Friend," "Canned Music," "Milk Shakin' Mama," "News From Up the Street," and the opener, "You Gotta Believe," are all revived with considerable verve. This is especially notable in Hicks' limber fretwork that vacillates from the hot steppin' "Walkin' One and Only," to the sublime and intricate "Payday Blues," or "Strike It While It's Hot" from his then concurrent release Beatin' the Heat [Japan Bonus Track] (2001). This video also has a ten-minute interview featurette with comments from Elvis Costello, Rickie Lee Jones, former bandmate and guitarist John Girton, as well as Tommy LiPuma -- who produced a majority of the Hot Licks' output from the early-to mid-'70s. Another DVD element is the alternate audio track with a running commentary dialogue from Dan the man himself. His quick, dry wit and subtle humor permeate the musings, many of which are among the highlights of the entire affair. Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks [CD & DVD] (2003) is recommended for seasoned enthusiasts and the curious alike, as there is much to enjoy and revisit in this multimedia package. Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide

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