Thursday, December 2, 2010

Brian Hughes: Along the Way (2003)

Considering the musical journey that Brian Hughes has been on since becoming one of contemporary jazz's most popular guitarists, it's beautifully appropriate that he titled his long anticipated A440 Music Group debut Along the Way. Showcasing his most exciting melodies and guitar performances to date, the collection reflects on his cross country move from Toronto to Los Angeles and features guest performances from contemporary jazz stars, saxophonist Eric Marienthal and trumpet sensation Chris Botti.
"There is definitely a travel theme to Along The Way", says Hughes, "inspired partly by my move to Southern California and also by my extensive touring with (multi-platinum selling vocalist/recording artist) Loreena McKennitt " (a 16 year relationship of recording and performing that continues to this day). "In a way the new CD is a kind of loosely knit collection of musical postcards from my travels and the title serves as a metaphor for my musical journey."
"The move to Los Angeles has been very inspirational and the fantastic musicians who performed on Along The Way and make up my touring group, (bassist Tim Landers, well known for his work with guitarists Al Di Meola & Lee Ritenour, Neil Wilkinson, a top British session drummer who has worked with Paul McCartney, Van Morrison & Gil Evans to name a few, percussionist Jason Hann, who tours with Isaac Hayes & Rickie Lee Jones and longtime band member pianist Les Portelli), really take the music to new heights."
The musical chemistry is evident on Along The Way and Brian and the band have electrified audiences at festival and concert dates across the country. With his sizzling fret work and infectious compositions the media are accurate in saying: "Both a great artist and an accessible one. His passion is so obvious, intense and contagious, that his audience shares it.
Tracklist01. Along the Way
02. Picture This
03. Cruisin' Route 66
04. Omaha Unbound
05. Son y Lola
06. Brighter Day
07. Thinkin' of You
08. Wherever You Are
09. Endless Road
Fileserve @ 192K