It's
always refreshing to listen to European music with an own
interpretation of instrumental sound. Although German born guitarist
is specialized in Blues his stylistic interests also include funk,
jazz, adult soul and R&B. With more than six solo albums since 20
years activity he has layered the foundations of his today's musical
position. Gregor Hilden was influenced by musicians like B.B. King,
Mike Bloomfield, T-Bone Walker, Peter Green or Freddie King. But he
has found his own style as showcased with his new album Blue In Red
(2008).
Gregor was joined by Horst Bergmeyer (organ and
grand piano), Sascha Oeing (bass), Björn Puls (drums), Volker Winck
(tenor sax), Christian Kappe (trumpet, flugelhorn), Thomas Hufschmidt
(grand piano, additional keys) and as special guest Tom Principato
(guitar).
What can be a better start for an instrumental
album than Bobby Womack's Breezin'? This song was George
Benson's outbreak to a pop superstar in 1976 and is still his
signature song everyone identifies him with. Gregor performs the song
with the outmost respect to the grandmaster and shares the solo part
with trumpet player Christian Kappe.
Remember the great music of Dire Straits? When I
listen first time to Gregor's Blue Clouds I could resist to
think of the music of the legendary group. What an awesome melody. Pat
Upton wrote 1969 his huge hit More Today Than Yesterday. The
single, which Upton recorded as lead singer of the pop group Spiral
Starecase, has well sold over a million copies to date. Gregor
Hilden's rendition carefully catches the nucleus and spirit of this
classic tune.
Daydream is a sentimental journey into the
arcades of dream. Thomas Hufschmidt performs a terrific solo on Grand
Piano. It's a special talent to create a melody, write it down on
paper and perform it. OD-Special Blues is Gregor's Blues child.
So special, so unique. The up-tempo Zak is a guitar piece par
excellence. Another prove of Gregor's mastership.
Trading Time is a Blues tune in the old
fashioned way. Something for snip your fingers with. Wilton Felder,
member of the Jazz Crusaders, wrote the midtempo shuffle Way Back
Home for the album Old Socks, New Shoes...New Socks, Old Shoes.
This song was the Crusader's turn away from jazz to soul jazz and
Gregor's rendition is a wonderful incarnation of the original.
Tenor saxophonist Eddie Harris, best known by the
theme of the film Exodus, wrote the hit Listen There in the
'60s. Gregor's cover explores the more bluesy side of this tune. The
title tune Blue In Red has a strong jamming character
underlined by Bergmeyer's propelling Hammond B3 sound. For the lovers
of the smooth sound Gregor offers the final Shades Of Gold.
For those who are looking for the true spirit of
guitar, Blue In Red is the answer.
