One Voice, one guitar...that's what you get with this CD. You might
think that it wouldn't be very entertaining,or limiting in style, but
you would be very very wrong. While it's a demo and the packaging
presents it as such, the music is excellent. Both vocals and guitar work
are very good in the style of a blues/folk artist who's comfortable with
his music and has the ability to put himself on the line with just his
voice and an acoustic guitar. Brian Himes does it quite sucessfully.
The CD contains nine songs written by Himes and one song co-written by
him. I would put the style solidly in the blues/folk area but with quite
a bit of variety between the songs. If somewhat electrified, many of the
songs could certainly work in the alternative style heard on the radio,
or with some harmonys could easily be done up in a 'Crosby Stills and
Nash' style. As presented, I could see these songs working very well in
any blues club. 'Waiting On Six', the title cut is an upbeat tune. 'Take
My Sickness' has a real bluesy slide sound to it. 'Marilyn Manson Is A
Seminole' opens with an indian beat and quickly goes into a heavier
acoustic blues slide. Between guitar parts, Himes keeps things going
with some pretty heavy tapping which ties everything together. 'Hurt
You' is a slow ballad, nothing fancy, comprised of basic stummed chords
and vocal but it works well. 'Concrete Jungle' is one of the most
blues/rock songs on the CD.
Bottom Line: Sometimes some of the best CD's I review are not the high
dollar professional ones from big record companies. This CD was better
than most that arrive in my mailbox. The songs demonstrate a nice range
of styles and the singing and musicianship is good. Even though it's a
demo, I give it four out of five stars.
Brian Himes - guitar, vocals & Taps.
Contact Info:
Bryan Himes
Web sites:
www.bryanhimes.com
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