CD REVIEW
The Headers 'Turn It Up'
by ROBERT E. KUPCZYK Entertainment Associate Editor

One thing is certain after listening to The Headers' debut CD "Turn It Up" - you'll do exactly what the title says.

The band, consisting of Bobby Lebel (guitarist/vocalist), Scott Freilich (upright bass/backing vocals) and Dan Stoll (drums/backing vocals), offer high-octane rockabilly that's ready to blow a gasket.

According to the band's Web site, The Headers infuse a style that includes rockabilly, jazz, country, chicken pickin' and rock.

Lebel's songwriting for "Turn It Up," according to the Web site, was influenced by Sun Records era Elvis, Eddie Cochran's rockabilly, Bobby Darin's swing style, Dick Dale's surf wave and the picking of Les Paul and Merle Travis - which all come through loud and clear on "Turn It Up." But while using these influences, the band also has a clear identity.

The CD revs up with the boogie woogie blues-based "Pretty Good Shape," featuring Lebel vocally sounding like Elvis/Brian Setzer. The solo is scorching, as are all the solos on "Turn It Up."

Surf rock is featured on "Lovin Stuff." "Eloise" could have been a Stray Cats song, ala "Rock This Town," highlighted by Freilich's upright bass and Stoll's solid playing, punctuated by another Lebel solo.

"Riptide" is a surf rock instrumental in the Dick Dale vein, featuring a pure rock solo, which is a nice combination. "How High the Sky" is a shuffling jazz song that shows off everyone's abilities, especially during the solo section: Lebel is chicken pickin', Stoll is playing the rims of his drums with his sticks and Freilich is walking the bass at a brisk

pace. "Hard Man to Love" is a driving country song with a hard-hitting drum solo by Stoll.

"Cajun Sugar" is a bit different from the other tunes on "Turn It Up,"

with a verse

that musically sounds like Little Feat and a chorus like ZZ Top. "Hey Ruby" is a swing song featuring guest drummer Doug Ackman. "Blue Highway" is "the one that's paved with broken hearts," sings Lebel in this shuffle that I pictured being used in a movie. "Turn It Up" is a blues swing. Steely Dan's "Bodhisattva" brings the CD to an emphatic conclusion with an extended solo section, highlighting Lebel's guitar work, and also solos traded among Lebel, Freilich and Stoll.

For more information on The Headers, visit www.theheaders.com.