From: Pete Gill To: <shorty@danhicks.net> Subject: Surprised and delighted. Nottingham August 1st 2003 Date sent: Mon, 4 Aug 2003 Several years ago, with the advent of the now ubiquitous CD format, a good friend of mine gifted me his vinyl copies of first four original Dan Hicks LP's and a copy of IHOB. I had heard the albums at various times over the years and expressed my appreciation of them but sadly they were often difficult to locate and purchase in this place far flung from sunny California. The records resided in my collection and were enjoyed many times but sadly, I had never seen the man and his band live before my very eyes and ears. My surprise was palpable therefore when I read in my local paper that Dan Hick and his Hot Licks were to visit Nottingham a week hence and that he had new recordings available to enjoy! It was like finding a lost relative, returned from the dead, almost unbelievable yet tinged with trepidation. What would it be like after all those years? Different band members from those that featured in the halcyon era? Mmmm I pondered but there was no way I was going to miss the opportunity, even if I risked disillusionment. I need not have worried. From the moment I stepped into the Rescue Rooms in Nottingham and heard the laconic introduction of the man himself (looking dapper and fitter than many of his contemporaries I might say) the band rolled into action and I was transported. I flew back to the days when I had more hair (Dan beats me on that score too) and high hopes of the golden years to come. I didn't take notes so I cannot provide a listing of the numbers played but I was heartened to hear many old favourites from the early albums (Canned Music, I scare myself, Along came a viper, The buzzard was my friend) as well as tracks from the recent Surf Dog catalogue. There seemed to be a song for nearly every mood or emotion and the band reeled through them with sublime professionalism and style. Dan gave us hearty dollops of his laconic wit and much to my lady companion's amusement, a very snappy dance routine at one point! The previous weekend, I had compiled a cassette tape for my lady friend, by way of introduction to Dan's music and though she had not heard his songs before she warmed to the style and content quickly and was as charmed and delighted by the evening as myself. Pleased to hear many of the songs that I had assembled on tape for her. The Rescue Rooms is a small venue but sadly, was not full that evening, nevertheless what crowd there was seemed as pleased to see Dan and his band I was and enjoyed the songs, repartee and performances. The new Lickettes were georgous, the accompanying musicians quite superb (I am amazed to learn that the english bass player was such a late addition to the band). The crowd, which I now understand had a few travelling Dan devotees in its number, shouted loudly for an encore at the close which Dan graciously provided, seeming genuinely sad that the rest of the evening was to be given over to a 'club night' featured in his words the local 'nazi youth hordes'. Whether that was true or not, I did not stay to discover, but my lady and myself made our way home on a pleasant Nottingham evening made extra special by the appearance of the long 'lost' Dan. I sincerely hope that Dan will return again before too long and that he will consider putting Nottingham on his list of venues despite not having a huge turnout on this occasion. The word will spread and I for one will urge many more to take the chance with both hands to see Dan and his band should they visit town again! Best regards Pete Gill