Jon Cleary may be better known as Bonnie Raitt's keyboard player these days, but his own band are not exactly slouches when it comes to live performances. Recorded live at the Vanguard Club in Sydney, Australia, "Mo Hippa" is as funky and sweaty as New Orleans R&B gets. It almost goes without saying, but Cleary's keyboard playing is a joy to behold. This guy may have grown up in Kent, but he is New Orleans through and through. Having been adopted by the Big Easy, he is the natural successor to piano players like Professor Longhair, especially on 'Port Street Blue'. His talent is jaw-dropping to say the least and you can hear why people like B.B. King and Taj Mahal give him a call whenever they need a keyboard player. The Absolute Monster Gentlemen keep the groove lean and mean. Their rendition of the Meters' classic 'People Say' is just as funky as the original, which is no mean feat. The set also leans on original material from the group's own CDs. 'When You Get Back' and 'Mo Hippa' are just great songs and, frankly, I wish I had been there to groove the night away. "Mo Hippa" is an absolute monster of a funk record and no mistake.