I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Deacon Speaks, from Steve Hunter, and it's a cool rocker. Opening with a laid back rework of Willie Dixon's Back Door Man, with all instruments played by Hunter. With a keyboard rhythm, and light drum reinforcement, Hunter uses his gravelly vocals and strong guitar phrasing to craft a totally new approach to this track. Very nice. Independent Soul is very laid back with a jazzy rhythm, cool backing vocals and nice drum sizzle. Hendrix's Up From The Skies has a beatnik club sound with Hunter's vocals over bongos, light keys and bass. Hunter lays down some easy going blues bases phrases giving the track just that light edge. My favorite track on the release is Hunter's take on Bill Withers' Who Is He and What Is He To You. Using keys/synth, guitar, percussion and generated effects, this track has the essence of cool. Hunter's guitar solo on this track has just the right amount of bluesy solitude and ambiance to set the track off nicely. Wrapping the release is instrumental, In A Lonely Place, which really captures the solitude. With only the minimal of backing, Hunter creates a subdued, yet powerful melody on electric guitar. Nicely phrased and never overplayed, an excellent closer to a solid release.
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