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Brian Hughes - Fast Train To A Quiet Place

A

AC Tones

OK, guys. I have to preface this review by saying that Brian Hughes can do no wrong in my mind. I have followed this super-talented, super-underrated Canadian guitarist since his 1990 debut, "Between Dusk...And Dreaming." I have also had the opportunity to catch him live in his homeland in 1998 for his "One 2 One" tour, which to this day, was one of the best live shows I have ever seen. Project after project, all this guy does is write and compose ORIGINAL tracks with vibe and longevity. What do I mean by longevity? Music that does not sound old and stays relevant, even several years after its original release. So, if I seem a little biased, forgive me. :D

So what do I like about this album? On first listen, just about everything. In my mind, you get a little taste of everything Brian has done over the last 20 years. It is an amalgamation of all of his influences and his distinctly different sounding guitars. So for those not familiar with Brian's sound, this is a great way to play catch up while hearing brand new tunes instead of another Smooth Jazz greatest hits borefest. You get a little bit of the aforementioned "Between Dusk...And Dreaming," more of "Under One Sky" (if you like Brian's electric guitar work), a taste of "Straight To You," "One 2 One", and "Shakin' Not Stirred." But the CD begins where Brian essentially left off 8 years ago with the sound of "Along The Way." The full length version of "Fast Train" (the radio edit version of which is the target single) is TERRIFIC. This is vintage Brian Hughes---terrific guitar work full of vibe and diversity in tempo in 7+ minute tracks that fly by and leave you wanting more. Really like "Would You Like Fries With That My Dear?" (no kidding, that is the name of the tune!). And if you want some funky, electric Brian (and a little Hammond B organ), check out "Super Tight." Great to have you back, Brian. Don't leave your fans hangin' for another 8 years!!! ;D
 
I should also mention the downtempo "You & I" (of which there is also radio edit on the CD) is another track that stands out for me. And Hughes combination acoustic and electric sitar work (a la Metheny in "Last Train Home" and Russ Freeman in "Hideaway") is pure perfection in the wonderfully dreamy cut "The Gift." It's funny how my ear adapts and appreciates downtempo stuff more at night. Unfortunately, in the world of Internet radio, it's ALWAYS 5:00 somewhere! :eek:
 
So glad I saw this because the smoothviews copy went to our staff addy in VA and I wouldn't have known about it..he just sent me the download. I've loved everything he's done since day 1, can't wait to hear this
 
AnotherCat said:
needless to say I love it
Click to expand...

I knew you would. The guy's diversity and ability to seamlessly chance pace are amazing. He can sound like Peter White in one track, Pat Metheny in another, Russ Freeman in another, Marc Antoine in another, or all four of them in one cut. That's why his lengthy tracks seem to fly by...they are tunes within tunes.
 
So far, my CD of the year! Favorites include Hallelujah and Super Tight among others. The bar has been set for the format and all the artists involved. To stay in the game you can't be lame. Excellent work Mr. Hughes!
 
To stay in the game you can't be lame" I think that should be the new mantra.. I'm lovin Will Sumner's new one, and Patrick Bradley, and the Deodato comes out in the US in a month but I've loved Brian since "Dusk and Dreaming" and this is a great time for this one to come out
 
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