Although you can find Tom on a number of recordings, providing excellent keyboard work for other artists, this CD is all his. "Big Thunder," an eleven song, fifty-six minute effort by Tom, and some of the best musicians around, is an excellent example of great blues piano. The four original compositions take you on a journey of sorts, through loneliness, despair, and troubled relationships. The song that grabs you first is "Stop," a story of regaining control, and taking charge of a life gone astray. These four Hunter originals are good blues songs. Rounding out the disc are a number of old favorites, including, "Bad Bad Whiskey," and "Smack Dab In The Middle." Tom put together a good group to take into the studio, Jon Gunvaldson (guitar), Rob Stupka (drums), Gordon Johnson (bass), and Kenni Holmen (sax). Together, they have produced a fine CD. You will also hear echo's of Charles Brown, as Tom has dedicated this CD to the memory of the late piano great, as well as to Tom's own children. A very good CD, highly recommended to blues piano buffs, and to all blues music lovers.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Michael Evan, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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