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Jack Barksdale Death of a Hummingbird Review by Gary Hill I previously reviewed another disc from Jack Barksdale, but this is his 2022 release. Barksdale is a prodigy (my label, not something I've read). He's an amazing slide guitar player and writes mature songs. Yet, he's not even old enough to drive yet. This new acoustic guitar dominated release showcases an intimate side of the artist. It's another winner for a performer with a bright future ahead of him. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023 Volume 2. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review

Revival Song No. 3 Fast paced acoustic guitar grooving is on the menu here. This is so intricate and tasty. It makes me think of some Jimmy Page's acoustic work circa Led Zeppelin III.

Sideways This comes in on acoustic guitar, too. It's more of a bouncy folk rocker. There are some jazzy vibes at play, but it also has plenty of country music in the mix. While the previous tune was an instrumental, this is a vocal number.

Trances A mellower and slower tune, this has some intriguing guitar work. This is introspective and lyrically mature. Barksdale's youthful voice provides a stark contrast to that element.

Man in the Ground After a count-in, we get a classy acoustic blues sound. This gets more rocking as it continues, with other instruments lending more vitality to the arrangement.

Death of a Hummingbird The title track is another mellow piece. It's heartfelt and evocative. It's also quite pretty.

World Full of Nothing Packed full of killer, acoustic slide guitar, this track is so strong.

Unnamed Colors More of a folk rock concept seems on display here, This is another classy tune on a disc full of classy music.

Isn't It Crazy Fast, but stripped back, this features some killer acoustic guitar work. It also has a harmonica solo.

Before the Devil Knows The slide guitar on this is so tasty. The vocals bring some real meat. It's a classy blues rocker of the acoustic variety.

Wishing Well This is intricate and mellow. It's also quite classy.

Bugle Boy Blues Barksdale closes the album with another killer instrumental acoustic blues guitar romp.

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