Are You Ready Hezzie

Amazon.com
It's fair to say that a little slide whistle goes a long way. That said, the Hoosier Hot Shots made a name for themselves by turning that truism on its ear and giving it a good goosing. The group got its start in the 1920s when three of the four stalwart members came together at an Indiana Fair 4H club meeting. By 1933, they'd parlayed their brand of what now might be considered whoopee-cushion Western swing into a featured spot on the popular National Barn Dance radio show. A recording group from 1934 to 1942, they eventually moved over to film work and, while their popularity faded in the '50s, they remained a going concern until 1992, when founding member Gabe Ward died at age 87. Are You Ready, Hezzie? (the title comes from the quartet's catch phrase) offers 25 novelty tunes from the fellas; titles like "The Coat and Pants Do All the Work and the Vest Gets All the Gravy," "I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones," and "When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose" say it all. If you have a taste for spirited, well-played cornball novelty numbers, it's tough to beat the Hot Shots. And you have to love an anthology that prompts the complaint: "What, no 'From the Indies to the Andies in His Undies'?" --Steven Stolder

Tracks:

I Like Mountain Music
My Blue Heaven
Wah-Hoo!
What Can I Say After I Say I'm Sorry?
The Coat And Pants Do All The Work And The Vest Gets All The Gravy
Sweet Jennie Lee
Pretty Baby
My Little Bimbo Down On The Bamboo Isle
Toot, Toot, Tootsie
Some Days You Can't Make A Nickel
Breezin' Along With The Breeze
Meet Me Tonight In The Cow Shed
Texas Blues
What's The Good Word, Mr. Bluebird?
Skeleton Rag
Put On Your Slippers And Fill Up Your Pipe (You're Not Going Bye-Bye Tonight)
Someday (You'll Want Me To Want You)
I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones
When You Wore A Tulip, And I Wore A Big Red Rose
Since We Put The Radio Out In The Henhouse
Cuddle Up A Little Closer
Beer Barrel Polka
Nobody's Sweetheart
That's What I Learned In College
Running Wild

Amazon.com

It's fair to say that a little slide whistle goes a long way. That said, the Hoosier Hot Shots made a name for themselves by turning that truism on its ear and giving it a good goosing. The group got its start in the 1920s when three of the four stalwart members came together at an Indiana Fair 4H club meeting. By 1933, they'd parlayed their brand of what now might be considered whoopee-cushion Western swing into a featured spot on the popular National Barn Dance radio show. A recording group from 1934 to 1942, they eventually moved over to film work and, while their popularity faded in the '50s, they remained a going concern until 1992, when founding member Gabe Ward died at age 87. Are You Ready, Hezzie? (the title comes from the quartet's catch phrase) offers 25 novelty tunes from the fellas; titles like "The Coat and Pants Do All the Work and the Vest Gets All the Gravy," "I Like Bananas Because They Have No Bones," and "When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose" say it all. If you have a taste for spirited, well-played cornball novelty numbers, it's tough to beat the Hot Shots. And you have to love an anthology that prompts the complaint: "What, no 'From the Indies to the Andies in His Undies'?" --Steven Stolder

Customer Reviews:

Slide Whistle Heaven.......2002-04-19

I can remember being a little kid and hearing my father play this record REALLY loud. It annoyed my mother and whoever else happened to be in the house to no end, but it's still a great source of fun and enjoyment for my dad and I. The Hoosier Hot Shots grew on me like mold on stale bread. I was thrilled to finally find a copy on CD as my dad's old record was getting worn out. The music is great, and a true representation of the later music it inspired. Songs like "I like bananas (because they have no bones)" will always have a special place in my heart. This CD is a lot of fun, and the music is great.

Predecessor of Spike Jones and Homer and Jethro.......2001-10-01

Very very good up-beat material. Using it to cheer me up during the awful weeks just passed. Reply to person who complained about the large amount of slide whistle -- these songs were elements of a variety show. As with any album which has many selections from one artist, you can't listen to it in one sitting! My only quibble -- these are transcriptions for radio use and not the actual 78's. Very fine musicians (like Homer and Jethro). I like them better than Spike Jones -- usually more subtle. If you like this, get "America's Song Butchers" by H&J. More info on them at hezzie.com

Hezzie is the MAN.......2000-03-08

I remember waking to the sound of that silly slide whistle when I was 5 years old. My dad loved all forms of music and I am DAMN glad of it. I wondered, what in the world is this silliness. But it really grew on me. Looking back, it is one of my fondest memories. This combination of schmaltz and "schwinggg" and kitsch is just magical. The only two things missing that would make this CD the perfect representation of the HHS, are the intro where Gabe asks the real question "ARE YOU REDDY HEZZIE?" and the song "Them Hillbillies Are Mountain Williams Now" which no doubt inspired the entire BEVERLY HILLBILLIES TV show.

This is a must have.

The Jascha Heifetz of the Slide Whistle and a darn good band.......2000-02-05

Hezzie Trietsch! A name to conjure with, to stir the blood and set the pulse (and the feet) a-dancing. I cut my teeth on the slide whistle, and Hezzie was my idol. Probably THE most underrated toy-instrument virtuoso of the century. I'm glad to know others adore him, too! Hezzie was a dead-game sport--any time, day or night, when the call came, Hezzie was READY. Was the world ready for Hezzie? Perhaps it is now.

Rad, awesome, terrific!.......1998-12-27

This CD changed my life. The Hoosier Hot Shots were the pre-cursors to Spike Jones, and if you are a fan of his and haven't heard them yet, you are missing out!

Music Album:

Music Album