Based around the vocal talents of songwriter and ukulele player, Angie McLaughlin (known for her past work with The Sick And Indigent Song Club) Minnie & The Illywhackers oeuvre is rooted in the cabaret joints and speakeasies of the 1920s and 1930s.
Sepia-toned and timeless, this is the sound of café orchestras, Bakelite radios, art deco furniture and Brylcreamed hair. It’s joyous stuff guaranteed to put a smile on your face. But it’s far from being gimmicky and the playing is never less than stellar on tunes such as ‘Don’t You Touch My Ukulele’, ‘Everything In Life is Free’ and the country-ish ‘You Saved Me’. Minnie’s voice – or rather Angie’s – is as pure as the jet-stream. ‘Nobody Do Me’ – which recalls the Etta James classic, ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ – is more Bessie Smith blues, while other highlights include ‘I’m Too Lazy For Anything (But Makin’ Soup)’ and the jazzy title-track, which reminds this scribe of Rory Gallagher’s ‘Hands Off’!
Infectious stuff

Key Track: 'Nobody Do Me'