John Dokes
John Dokes Sings-George Gee Swings
www.johndokes.com
http://amzn.to/johndokesCD

By George W. Harris

OK, NOW, we’re talkin’! Here’s a singer that I’ve never even knew existed, but boy oh boy, did he get my attention on this disc. First, he’s got a clever idea; a tribute to the classic Count Basie/Joe Williams collaboration of 50+ years ago. Even smarter, he teams up with band leader George Gee to not do a simple pete-repeat clone of the stuff, but uses the feel as a starting point for some finger snapping takes of songs like Burt Bacharach’s “This Guy’s In Love With You” and “Thou Swell.” The band itself handles the few instrumentals like an airtight infield, letting nothing get by them. But it’s Dokes himself that will get your attention. He’s got the suave and silky voice of a crooner like OC Smith, but with a touch of earthy church going grit that prevents him from sounding too pretty. “Walk On By” sizzles like a shrimp fajita, while “Tis Autumn” floats like a hawk looking for the kill. On the KC fare like “Roll ‘Em Pete” and “Alright, Okay” there’s no stopping the train, as it runs through like an express. I thought they stopped making records like this-grab it and see what music sounded like when it was fun to have fun.