Borrowing from a favorite phrase from our beloved editor, “this may be the best album I have heard all year!”..and this one actually may be……….
Boston born, instrumental rock icon, Gary Hoey, releases his 20th album on July 29, 2016, through Mascot Label Group and takes the blues to a whole new level of “WOW”! Dust & Bones, deliberately nods to legendary blues, rockabilly stars and influences, Johnny Winter (“Steamroller”), Brian Setzer (“Who’s Your Daddy”), Robin Trower (“This Time Tomorrow”) and as quoted on Gary’s website, “a thrill-a-minute mash up of Robert Johnson meets Led Zeppelin. (“Boxcar Blues”)” You can also hear shades of Billy Gibbons in the rock heavy, “Born to Love You”. Gary takes his rock guitar prowess and blends it flawlessly into an energetic, fun and lyrical trip through the Delta. If that is not enough, Gary teams up with hard rocking, Lita Ford, on the beautiful blues ballad, “Coming Home” and closes it out with a classic Hoey instrumental (“Soul Surfer”).
Gary Hoey has long been cemented in American music history, starting around the late 1980’s when some arbitrary rock-dude, by the name of Ozzy Osborne, caught wind of him, convinced him to move from Boston to Los Angeles and from there a star was born. Gary self-describes himself as “musically schizophrenic”. Over the years he has tested the waters of hard rock, rock, surf, progressive rock, the blues and has proven his worth in each genre, but in my opinion, its in the blues where he really shines.
As I have said in several reviews this year, it is difficult to choose a favorite track, and this album is no different, each track reflects something individual and unique yet so familiar and the end of one leaves you wanting for the beginning of the next. Gary’s superb instrumental style now mixed with an amazing vocal range is going to make this album your go-to favorite whether it be a road trip across a lonely landscape, housecleaning and dancing with a broom and a mop (and yes, you will find me doing exactly that), in quiet reflection, having more energy to burn than there are hours in the day or simply background music while enjoying a bottle (or two) of wine with friends!
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hoey on more than one occasion and have now been to more performances than I can count and can personally say, Gary is as amazing as his music! A humble man that thoroughly loves what he does, is thankful for his fans and defying the odds in what can be a thankless industry.
Gary is currently touring in the U.S. Be sure to catch him at a show near you and pre-order a copy of Dust and Bones on his website or hit “send” on Amazon, July 29th!
LISTEN TO A SAMPLE OF: DUST AND BONES
U.S. Tour Dates:
06/30/16 – San Francisco, CA
07/01/16 – Seattle, WA
07/02/16 – Reno, NV
07/22/16 – Auburn Hills, MI
07/23/16 – St. Charles, IL
07/24/16 – Milwaukee, WI
08/04/16 – Los Angeles, CA – Rock n Roll Fantasy Camp – Vol 2; Hellbent For Hollywood
08/04/16 – 7th: Richie Faulkner, Scott Travis, Rob Halford & Ian Hill
08/04/16 – Los Angeles, CA – Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp – Vol 2; Jam With Judas Priest
08/04/ – 7th With Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner, Ian Hill & Scott Travis
08/18/16 – Hartford, CT
08/19/16 – New Hope, PA
08/20/16 – Teaneck, NJ
08/21/16 – Westford, MA
01/19/17 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Rock Legends Cruise V
Dust & Bones Track List:
Boxcar Blues
Who’s Your Daddy
Born To Love You
Dust & Bones
Steamroller (tribute to Johnny Winter)
Coming Home (featuring Lita Ford)
Ghost Of Yesterday
This Time Tomorrow
Back Up Against The Wall
Blind Faith
Soul Surfer