This CD is Scott's second solo effort and it definitely rocks, much more than his previous release, which was excellent also. I would describe this music as solid blues/rock that will definitely get the house going in any club where he might play. Scott wrote or co-wrote eight of the twelve tunes on this disk and the original songs are high quality and mix well with the songs by others.

'Too Far Gone' is a solid Texas Blues style shuffle that fans of Kenny Wayne Shepherd or Stevie Ray Vaughan should love. 'Dress You Up' is an interesting song, changing from a light almost laid back verse to a heavy rocking distorted chorus with some really heavy guitar work. You could almost put an alternative rock label on this song. 'The Unforgiven' is another heavy rocker that would work great in any club setting. 'I'll Make Love To You Anytime' is a J.J Cale song that gets a workout by Scott. This is a great version of this song, with lots of great guitar work. 'Up In Flames' starts out slow and low and builds to a heavy rocking chorus. There is some pretty good dynamics on this CD which help accent the songs. It adds to the experience. Nothing is more boring than a CD which has the same volume levels throughout.'Spanish Moon' is driven by some funky wah-wah based rhythms, keyboards and horn work. This is a pretty cool song which is definitely different than the rest of the CD. 'I've Got A Mind To Give Up Living' is one of those smoky slow blues songs. The style leans more towards slinky rather than grinding blues that one might expect. This traditional song is done in a very tasty manner. Portions of it remind me a bit of Gary Moore's blues playing. 'Blind Willie McTell' is a Bob Dylan song. I guess it goes without saying that the vocals are better than Dylan could ever do. This song is done with plenty of feeling and works well. Most every song on this CD is very good to excellent.

If you like guitar based blues/rock music, then you should really like this CD. The music and vocals are excellent. I think this is one kick-assed CD with lots of great guitar work and dynamics. Bottom Line: I give it four stars and this will be going into my personal CD collection. Go out and buy this CD!!!

Web Site - www.bluestormmusic.com

Scott Holt - All Guitars & Vocals
Geno Haffner - Keyboards
Tom Larson - Drums, Percussion
Keith Kenyon - Bass

Murf
e-mail murf01@bellsouth.net
http://personal.mco.bellsouth.net/~murf01/

This review is copyright © 2001 by Robert Murphy, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.