The Manhattan Blues Project
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Classic Rock Revisited | A[1] |
| Danger Dog |  [2] |
| Power Line |   [3] |
| All About Jazz | [4] |
The Manhattan Blues Project is the fifth studio album by guitarist Steve Hunter. Released in 2013, the blues guitar album features instrumental interpretations of New York City. It is particularly notable for its all star lineup of guest musicians: Phil Aaberg, 2Cellos, actor/musician Johnny Depp, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Tommy Henriksen, Tony Levin, Joe Perry, and Joe Satriani.[5] The album also includes a composition by Jason Becker co-founder of Cacophony.
Production
Hunter left the Alice Cooper - No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour in early 2012 to work on this album.[6] Hunter used his experience gained by his many years of studio recording under the direction of legendary producer Bob Ezrin to self produce this album. He invited some of the artists that he has met and preformed with over his musical career to appear with him on the album.
Jason Becker, who is afflicted with ALS and is able to communicate only with the movement of his eyes, composed "Daydream by the Hudson" with the use of computer software.
Hunter made his reputation in vintage hard rock but on this album he delves deep into his blues roots, capturing the rhythm of New York through his "Debussy style" interpretations of images of the City. He interlinks sketches, moods, grooves and full blown songs on an instrumental album subtly coloured by prepared vocal parts.[7]
Critical Reception
Glenn Astarita in All About Jazz says "each track on this enjoyable album casts an alternating vibe via Hunter's deft acoustic and electric work, conveying great sensitivity while reaffirming his stature as one of the best in the business".[4]
In his review for Classic Rock Revisited, Jeb Wright notes; "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. 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."[1]
Danger Dog reviewer Craig Hartranft wrote " Steve Hunter's The Manhattan Blues Project is superb, some of the most beautiful melodic blues rock I've ever heard. Strongly recommended."[2]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Prelude to the Blues" | S. Hunter | 3:11 |
| 2. | "222 W. 23rd" (Slide solo: Michael Lee Firkins * Vocal rap: Tommy Henriksen * Background vocals: Karen Hunter) | S. Hunter | 5:43 |
| 3. | "Gramercy Park" (Background vocals: The Karen Hunter Singers from Cloud 9) | S. Hunter | 4:22 |
| 4. | "A Night at the Waldorf" (Piano: Phil Aaberg) | S. Hunter | 3:18 |
| 5. | "Solsbury Hill" (Bass: Tony Levin) | Peter Gabriel | 5:02 |
| 6. | "Daydream by the Hudson" | Composed and programmed by Jason Becker | 1:11 |
| 7. | "Flames at the Dakota" (A tribute to John and George * Backgrond vocals: Karen Hunter) | S. Hunter | 3:21 |
| 8. | "The Brooklyn Shuffle" (1st guitar solo: Steve Hunter * 2nd guitar solo Johnny Depp * 3rd guitar solo: Joe Perry * Background vocals: Karen Hunter) | S. Hunter | 4:01 |
| 9. | "What's Going On (Remix)" | Renaldo Benson, Al Cleveland, and Marvin Gaye | 5:13 |
| 10. | "Ground Zero" | S. Hunter | 2:48 |
| 11. | "Twilight in Harlem" (1st guitar solo: Joe Satriani, 2nd guitar solo: Marty Friedman * Keyboards: Phil Aaberg * Drums: Todd Chuba) | S. Hunter | 5:26 |
| 12. | "Sunset in Central Park" (Bass: Tony Levin * Cellos: 2Cellos (Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser)) | S. Hunter | 3:41 |
| Total length: | 47:21 | ||
Personnel
Musicians
- Steve Hunter – guitar
- Karen Ann Hunter - vocals
- Todd Chuba - drums
Notable guest appearances
- Phil Aaberg - Piano, keyboards
- 2Cellos - Cellos - Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser
- Johnny Depp - Guitar
- Marty Friedman - Guitar
- Michael Lee Firkins - Slide guitar
- Tommy Henriksen - Vocal rap
- Tony Levin - Bass guitar
- Joe Perry - Guitar
- Joe Satriani - Guitar
- Todd Chuba - Drums
Production and additional personnel
- Produced by Steve Hunter for deaconrecords
- Composer, programming - Jason Becker
- Cover design - Karen Hunter
- Photography - Michael Woodall
- Mastered by Dave Shirk for Sonorous Mastering
References
- ^ a b Wright, Jeb. "Steve Hunter – The Manhattan Blues Project". Classic Rock Revisited. Retrieved 2015-04-09.
- ^ a b Hartranft, Craig. "Steve Hunter: The Manhattan Blues Project". Danger Dog Music Reviews. Retrieved 2015-04-09.
- ^ Prince, Patrick. "Steve Hunter = "The Manhattan Blues Project"". Powerline Magazine. Retrieved 2015-04-11.
- ^ a b Astarita, Glenn (September 23, 2013). "Steve Hunter: The Manhattan Blue Project (2013)". All About Jazz. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
- ^ "CD Preview: Steve Hunter's The Manhattan Blues Project". The Devil Music. 2013-07-15. Retrieved 2015-04-09.
- ^ "Steve Hunter Leaves Alice Cooper Group To Concentrate On Solo Album". Sleaze Roxx. 2012-02-11. Retrieved 2015-04-09.
- ^ "Album Review: STEVE HUNTER - The Manhattan Blues Project". Get Ready to Rock. 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2015-04-12.
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