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Gene Hilbert is a highly skilled guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and engineer with over 40 years experience in the music business. This array of talents has seen his involvement in countless live performances, session work, collaborations and the production of his own original material and cd's. Gene, who now resides in Georgia USA, is best known for his outstanding guitar work which has attracted and delighted audiences for many years. Following the success of his last cd, The Dark Horse, Gene Hilbert's new cd entitled Larger Prey has been the subject of much anticipation and is already causing a buzz of excitement.
How could Gene Hilbert be described? There are shades of Santana, Jeff Beck and Eric Clapton in his guitar playing, however it is the fusion of jazz, progressive rock, a touch of "world" music and a sprinkling of magic that truly defines this artist.
Larger Prey is a cd of 12 tracks (8 instrumental, 4 vocal), which runs for just over 50 minutes. With the exception of Talk To Me (lyrics by Joyce Davis) and Sun To Follow (co-written with D. J. Walo), Gene Hilbert has written all the music/lyrics and produced/engineered the entire project.
Guitarists are often accused of being excessive and overly exuberant. Gene never ventures into that territory. His guitar work throughout the cd oozes quality and is thoroughly impressive on many levels; the wonderful tones, the genius of the harmonies, sheer entertainment of the melodies, the arrangements and expression. The solos are never self-indulgent, brash or gaudy. The guitar parts are masterfully tasteful with just the right amount of flamboyance and well-placed audacity.
The vocals are charismatic, again with exceptionally crafted harmonizing. There is nothing passive about the percussion either - it is not there merely to punctuate. Instead Gene Hilbert's skills as a producer shine through as the percussion takes an active role in shaping and characterizing each track. The impressive bass lines do far more than simply drive or guide the tracks. There are some exquisite touches coupled with an assertiveness and power that cannot be overlooked.
The cd begins with Brass Monkey, a rhythmic, almost tribal prog-rock/jazz/world crossover with a full-on brass section. The calming Morning 20 follows with its gentle, subtle harmonies. Prepare to be stunned by the magnificent performance and musicianship of Mucheye Sea. A soulful, haunting track with moody brass, heart-melting guitar solo and totally captivating vocals. I defy anyone not to go around humming it afterwards; it's the kind of song you want to adopt and call your own. Life Is Short is just that - a short instrumental, reflective, yet sweetly executed. Boogeyman bounces in; it is fun, uplifting and designed to make you get up and dance. Make It Certain begins with beautiful guitar work; cascading, interweaving and reminiscent of a waterfall. The guitar throughout is sensational; the vocals in this track are similarly refined and impressive. The stomping, harmonic power of March To Baghdad is followed by another short instrumental, aptly named Just A Little; a very atmospheric piece which goes to show that a little can say quite a lot. Talk To Me is a timeless song which highlights Gene's vocal range and tonal quality, coupled with passionate guitar work. Only a top class producer has the necessary insight to create a track like Larger Prey; an outstanding arrangement with superb use of percussion. Solace puts its audience on cloud 9 with its smooth, subtle, moody blend. The finale is Sun To Follow, a dramatic masterpiece with an impressive brass section, unbeatable guitar work and marvelous arrangement. The icing on the cake is when the star of the show, Gene Hilbert, returns once again with a top notch vocal performance.
There are many highlights in this cd and it works on many levels; it impresses, entertains throughout and is an unmissable emotional journey. A cd you will want to re-visit time after time.
Negative points? None, however I would have welcomed even more vocal tracks in order to hear that great voice...but hey...I'm just being plain greedy! I would recommend this cd to any discerning music lover.
Further details/streaming/purchasing available at:
http://www.darkhorseproductions.org
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/genehilbert2
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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