Now
this is Rock 'n' Roll. Tracie Hunter has
put together a Band so fresh and potent,
the sound fair crackles with excitement.
As only a three track disc, it probably
will not come near the top of Mott's albums
of the year. I guess you can think of
it as what we used to call an E.P. before,
and it faces some overwhelming competition
from Led Zeppelin with their three disc
"How the West Was Won".
None the less, Tracie Hunter has let
the world know that Rock 'n' Roll is back
with the release of this taster to the
album (Race) that will follow hopefully
in the early stages of next year, and
with Hard Rock music making a big comeback
through the likes of 'The Darkness' and
a rekindled 'Iron Maiden',Tracie should
ascend to be the new lady of Rock 'n'
Roll.
Rock 'n' Roll obviously runs in the genes
and black jeans of the Hunter family as
Tracie Hunter is the daughter of the excellent
Ian Hunter. Like her father, Tracie not
only sings the songs but writes them,
too. Another similarity that has been
handed down is the ability to pick gifted
sidemen to play in the band on this record
(Ian Hunter has played with the impeccable
Mick Ralphs, the loveable rogue Ariel
Bender, and the late lamented Mick Ronson).
The band playing with Tracie is as tight
as the England Rugby team’s front
three. On lead guitar you have Neil Gabbitas,
who also shares writing credits with Tracie
on all three songs. He has a very unique
guitar sound, very gritty and Rock 'n'
Roll, which gives the rockers a real edge,
whilst his strong playing does not allow
the one ballad to become slushy. In the
rhythm section there is Neil's brother
Mel on bass, who also takes on production
responsibilities, and gives his brother
full support with some melodic bass work.
Then behind the bins is Steve Washington,
who comes from the Keith Moon school of
drummers (pun intended), driving each
song along, filling out every inch of
sound. Steve is obviously the sort of
drummer who wants to be heard. Since these
songs were recorded, the very talented
Matt Pearce, on guitar and BV's, has been
added to the lineup.
But then in front of this lot is singing
star Tracie Hunter. Pure Rock 'n' Roll
is soaked all the way through her voice.
Listening to any of these three songs,
by the half way point you cannot help
but sing along, such is their catchiness.
This girl is a serious talent. The nearest
I can come in comparison is a young Elkie
Brooks from her Vinegar Joe days or Harpic
Bryant. These are not twee bits of music
for pre-teens, this is the business end
of Rock 'n' Roll. This band must be scorching
live. The reviews on the band’s
website at www.traciehunter.com give every
indication I'm right.
Opening up with title track Maybe, Neil
Gabbitas' guitar peels off a few licks
before Tracie Hunter's voice comes in
over the top. The sheer emotion and energy
that comes with her voice, grabs you by
the ears and drags you along. This is
hard rock music that should be played
in your car or at Tahitian Queen's famous
Rock 'n' Roll happy hour on Pattaya Beach.
To add to the songs riches, Neil Gabbitas
nails two screaming guitar solos to add
to the excitement. The rest of the band
keeps the Rock 'n' Roll at "11''.
Mercury is another rocker, a little heavier,
but taken at a slightly slower pace, with
a vocal -guitar refrain to bring the song
to a climax, which is to die for. Music
made for heaven.
Finally we get Lost Inside You. The band
switches over to their acoustic gear and
allow Tracie to show off her softer side.
It's the sort of song that will have them
cuddling in the aisles when the band step
up to the spotlight and start playing
stadiums.
If you have never heard of Tracie Hunter
before, remember you heard it first in
Mott's column. A big thank you to Colin
Powell for bringing it to my attention.
2004 will be the year of Tracie Hunter.
I personally cannot wait for a full album’s
worth of songs. My only complaint about
the album is - no picture of Tracie on
the cover, as she is one very hot lady.
I bet Dad’s proud, too.
Pawed by Mott The Dog
Remastered by Ella Crew
E-mail:
review@mott-the-dog.com
