Hadden Sayers (pronounced Had-den) does not fall cleanly into any specific category. He has the chops to be a guitar hero, the vocal ability to be a singer and plenty of song writing ability. His CD's tend to lean towards the singer/songwriter end of the spectrum, but contain some really great guitar work also. Vocally, on the slower songs, he reminds me a bit of a singer-songwriter in the James Taylor mold, but with a lot more attitude and guitar chops. It's been said that the test of a good song is to sing it acoustically with just one guitar. If that is true then Hadden's latest CD succeeds admirably. After listening to the CD and seeing almost all of these songs performed live, I can say that most of them could be performed solo. I can visualize Hadden sitting on a chair and doing the "unplugged" version of these songs.
The CD contains 11 songs written by Hadden Sayers. The best songs tell a story and there are plenty of stories here as Hadden comments on life and the world around him. The opening song 'Extraordinary Girl' is an up-tempo song, with a rock beat.
'These Are The Good Old Days' is definitely into singer/songwriter territory, as it has a very acoustic folksinger feel to it. I believe this song reminds me of James Taylor more than any other on the CD.
'Sunday Afternoon" sounds like a song on an old radio at the start of the song, then the chorus comes in full blast. The bridge has a Beatle's vocal quality to it.
'Hate Yourself Tomorrow' reminds me of Gov't Mule in style and sound. It marches along with a heavy underlying beat, driven by the vocals and chorus effect on the guitar.
'Rocknrollstar' is my favorite song on the CD. It has a funky beat and provides commentary on the actions of a musician with a "rock star" attitude. The song has a great rock feel to it. The wah wah solo in the middle is really cool also.
'Mister Know it All' is another rocker.
'Pray for Rain' has that all out rock and roll feel and reminds me a bit of Eric Clapton back when he used to have energy and excitement in his playing.
'Take a Little More' slows down and gets back into the James Taylor singer songwriter territory. It has a very acoustic almost folk feel to it.
'Up to You' is a funky little song with a syncopated beat with a jazzy feel to it. You could visualize this being played in some smoky jazz club. The guitar solo leans towards a jazz feel with Hadden vocalizing along with the lead work part of the time.
'Absolutely Free' jumps back into rock territory again, with a fast beat and simplistic musical backing. This reminds me a bit of 60's rock and roll.
Bottom Line: The musicianship and vocals are excellent and the CD has solid songs with a variety of styles. Hadden has the chops to do the guitar hero thing but he uses his guitar to support the songs instead. Hadden Sayers knows the way around his instrument and he is solid vocally. If you like blues/rock guitar, then you should like this CD. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. If you're looking for total guitar driven songs, then you might not appreciate this release, however, give it a chance and I predict that it will grow on you. I give it a solid three out of four stars.
Hadden Sayers - Guitar & Vocals, Bass guitar, Percussion, Organ
Chris Axebrad - Drums & Percussion
Steven Will - Backing vocals, Bass Guitar, Upright Bass, 12 String Bass Guitar
Web sites:
www.haddensayersband.com
www.intrepidartists.com
CD's and merchandise also available via mail order at
Radio Ready Records, 1-888-842-3336
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