Steve Hunter – The Manhattan Blues Project
Deaconrecords
www.stevehunter.com
Rating: A
Steve Hunter hit the rock scene in a big way, first with Lou Reed and later on with Alice Cooper circa Welcome to My Nightmare and Peter Gabriel. Now, Hunter has released a guitar oriented album titled The Manhattan Blues Project that can only be described to six-string aficionados as pure ear candy.
Hunter, who until recently had teamed up with Cooper again, both in the studio and on stage, has some physical limitations with his eyesight that are slowing him down a tad these days. However, if giving the musician some time off led to his picking up, plugging in and blasting out these bluesy rocking tunes then, by all means, give the man some more time off! Hunter may have a reputation as a hard rocking, distortion loving rock and roll maniac, but with The Manhattan Blues Project, he has revealed what a true, honest and talented muse he really is.
A man of many emotions and creative inspirations, Hunter took what he learned throughout his years with guys like Peter Gabriel, Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and mixed it with his passionate guitar playing, creating one hell of a solid musical experience. And, for good measure he invited some of his favorite rock and roll, and even wanna-be rock and roll, peeps along for the ride.
For starters, he brought along Tony Levin from their time with Peter G in for an emotional instrumental take on the classic “Solsbury Hill.” On “The Brooklyn Shuffle” he trades solos with none other than Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and actor Johnny Depp. “Twilight in Harlem” shows Hunter has no problem mixing it up with one of the best axe-slingers in the world, Joe Satriani.
One of the most poignant moments on the album is the tune “Daydream by the Hudson” written and programmed by guitar virtuoso and Lou Gehrig disease victim Jason Becker. This collaboration brings the album to a new level of virtuosity.
The music does a fine job at reflecting the different personalities of Manhattan. Hunter gave these songs a lot attention to detail comes, which across in the mood and vibe the music is meant to convey. And, his guitar tone…this guy’s tone has tone. Part guitar, part amp and part his own fingers, Hunter’s guitar tone is as smooth and fresh as vanilla crème—yep, that’s crème with an ‘e’ baby!
This album is Steve Hunter’s masterpiece and if one is not careful, one will find this album quietly creeping its way back onto your playlist, time and time again. In fact, this writer predicts The Manhattan Blues Project will also sneak its way onto many Best of 2013 lists by years end!
Don’t delay, go to http://www.stevehunter.com/Store.html and pick this one up. For only a few more bucks, Hunter will even send you an autographed copy!
TRACK LISTING:
1. PRELUDE TO THE BLUES
2. 222 W. 23rd
3. GRAMERCY PARK
4. A NIGHT AT THE WALDORF
5. SOLSBURY HILL
6. DAYDREAM BY THE HUDSON
7. FLAMES AT THE DAKOTA
8. THE BROOKLYN SHUFFLE
9. WHAT’S GOING ON (REMIX)
10. GROUND ZERO
11. TWILIGHT IN HARLEM
12. SUNSET IN CENTRAL PARK
By Jeb Wright
