Hunter, Steve: Before The Lights Go Out

Storied guitarist Steve Hunter has been slinging his axe for almost fifty years and has played with the likes of Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, Glen Campbell, Julian Lennon, Tracy Chapman, David Lee Roth, Peter Gabriel and countless others. He has contributed his guitar prowess to many artist's records and released his first solo album titled Swept Away in 1977. His second release titled The Deacon came eleven years later and he has a total of seven releases overall, including is latest called Before The Lights Go Out. The album title and artwork is also revealing, a picture of a long white cane leaning against a wall. It just so happens that Hunter suffers from pigmentary glaucoma and is considered legally blind. That certainly hasn't held him back lately as he has been quite prolific these last few years.

Guesting on the album are Joe Satriani (solo on "Mojo Man"), Erik Scott (bass on "Mojo Man"), Karen Hunter (vocals on "Under The Bodhi Tree" and "Happy Trails") and Andy Stoller (bass on "Under The Bodhi Tree"). This is an excellent guitar driven album starting with the first track "On The Edge Of Uncertainty". A cool moody electric guitar drone, very moody and almost otherworldly leads to an excellent acoustic picked guitar followed by stabbing electric guitar leads. It's a simple groove but so effective with impeccable guitar work. On "Mojo Man" soulful acoustic guitar and a thumping drum beat get the juices flowing before Satriani lays down a ripping solo as only he can. The mixture of acoustic and electric guitar is just right. More of Hunter's bluesy licks can be found on the fiery rocker "Softtail Deuce" and the toe tapping "Cinderblock". It's not all stabbing fretwork though, as Hunter can also play with a gentle finesse like in the breezy "Summer's Eve" and the delightful "Ice Storm" where is guitar tone is drenched in an ethereal shade of softly hued colour. Before The Lights Go Out is drenched with guitar highlights and every track is an enjoyable listen. A very impressive album from an artist who deserves to be heard. Do yourself a favour and give it a listen.

Track Listing:
1. On The Edge Of Uncertainty
2. Mojo Man
3. Summer's Eve
4. Cinderblock
5. Softtail Deuce
6. Tienes Mi Corazón (You Have My Heart)
7. Ice Storm
8. Under The Bodhi Tree
9. The Other Side Of The Coin
10. Happy Trails

Added: March 20th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 1948
Language: english

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