The Hi-Risers live at Milestones, Rochester NY, December 13, 2001

Yeah yeah kids, the Hi-Risers put out with their own blend of rock and roll circa 1950-something that melds twang, reverb, twisted humor and squeaky clean playing, turning a fairly innocent show into a wonderful ride for those who know what's good for them. Playing as part of the Fred Costello Christmas Show, the Hi-Risers performed for an hour, wooing the young and old alike with the solid and upbeat sounds of songs like (but not limited to) Blast Off, Johnny, Jim and Jack, The Nite Bo Diddley Came To Town, Co-Education, (one of my favourites, and a song that was originally written by Bobby Francis (aka Rob's Dad) Filardo), Ain't No Beatle, which featured a slick nod to George Harrison with a quick change of a lyric, Goin' Mad, a haunting little surf-esque song that features a lick reminiscent of the one in Link Wray's Rumble, and the wonderfully entertaining Christmas In Jail, a tongue in cheek look at uh, spending Christmas in the slammer designed to get even the most hardened of listeners in the holiday spirit. How can you go wrong? I don't think there was a toe that wasn't tapping and dancers that weren't dancing by the time the Hi-Risers finished working their magic. If any of this sounds more enticing than your Aunt Thelma's fruitcake, catch the Hi-Risers live around town. And while you're at it, give their most recent album, In the Spotlight, numerous spins.