Steve Hunter The Deacon Speaks Review by Gary Hill
There is a good range here. All the music features intriguing guitar work. There are several covers here along with a number of original tunes. The music here ranges from more pure blues to stuff that leans toward prog rock. There are two instrumentals here, but all the rest have vocals. I like this quite a bit. It does a great job of merging modern and classic sounds.
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Track by Track Review
Backdoor Man
I love the mood and tone of this classy electric blues romp. This Willie Dixie tune is updated, but also have a real faithful feeling to it in some ways.
Tiresome Blues
A bit more traditional in its arrangement, this is another fresh electric blues number that leans on classic textures and sounds.
Independent Soul
I love both the bass and guitar work on this thing. The whole tune really shows off a classy vibe and charm. I’m not completely sold on the backing vocals on this one, though.
The Ballad of John Henry Gates
Stripped back acoustic blues is on the menu here. This has that same balance between traditional and modern vibes.
Annabel’s Blues
Another acoustic tune, there is almost an early Pink Floyd vibe to this. Then again, David Gilmour has always had a lot of blues in his playing. This instrumental track really does lean toward progressive rock. This is one of my favorites here, by a healthy margin.
Up from the Skies
Percussion and vocals start this. This is a cover of the Jimi Hendrix tune, but given this rather stripped back arrangement, you’d never guess it.
Sweet Jane
Here we get a cover of the Lou Reed tune. Hunter turns it into more of a soulful mellow groove. I think I might prefer this to the original. It has a lot of style.
Waiting on a Friend
It’s Rolling Stones time now. This version works pretty well, bringing a mellow electric blues vibe to it. I like the original better, but this flavor of the tune has its charms.
Who is He and What is He to You?
There is almost an electronic vibe to this cut. It’s a little odd, but also very cool. It is a track that was originally done by Bill Withers. I really love the tasty guitar soloing on this thing.
In a Lonely Place
A slow blues groove is on the menu here. This instrumental features some really tasty guitar work and hints of prog. After the halfway point it turns toward dreamy symphonic progressive rock.
