Turn It Up!
THE HEADERS
Helmed by singer/songwriter/guitarist Bobby Lebel, The Headers (newcomers to Tampa Bay by way of Buffalo, N.Y.) craft a tight disc of old-school roots rockabilly. Lebel's vocal stylings recall Elvis circa early Sun Records ("Pretty Good Shape"); elsewhere, the frontman channels Dick Dale surf. His nimble playing is front-and-center on the boogie title cut and "Eloise," a track straight out of the Stray Cats playbook, while the jazzy swing of "How High the Sky," "Blue Highway" and an imaginative Steely Dan cover ("Bodhisattva") showcase the talents of drummer Dan Stoll and bassist Scott Freilich. Throughout, Lebel, a Buffalo Music Hall of Famer, and his wingmen display a genuine affection for and knowledge of the era, from Eddie Cochran to Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly. 3.5 stars
This article appears in Jun 18-24, 2008.