Pop Music Review : Isaac Hayes Rehashes the Old at Hip New House of Blues

With his sex-drenched, foghorn voice, Isaac Hayes--the singer-songwriter-producer best known for the “Theme From Shaft”--was the Barry White of the early ‘70s. Decked out in chain shirts and shades, he played the supercool stud as he remade sappy hits such as “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” in an achingly slow, smoldering soul style.

These days Hayes is trading on the considerable nostalgia value of such oldies as “Don’t Let Go” and “Never Can Say Goodbye.” On Sunday Hayes, starring in the first public show at the new House of Blues club on the Sunset Strip, came on like a lounge act. Wearing a silly, glittery outfit and supported by a small band and three female singers, Hayes was well-received by the audience, but his big problem--a lack of vocal range--hasn’t improved with age.

As a place to see a show, the House of Blues is mostly OK. If you happen to be sitting on the floor just in front of the stage, the sound is fine. At this packed show, the sound was just fair in other parts of the room.

You can see fairly well from most places on the showroom level, though when it’s crowded, the constant parade of people makes it tough to concentrate on the show. Right now the House of Blues is the hip new place in town, so many customers are more interested in checking out the place--and being seen there--than listening to music.