The Manhattan Blues Project


The Manhattan Blues Project is the fifth studio album by guitarist Steve Hunter. Released in 2013, the blues guitar album features instrumental interpretations of New York City. It is particularly notable for its all-star lineup of guest musicians: Phil Aaberg, 2Cellos, actor/musician Johnny Depp, Marty Friedman, Michael Lee Firkins, Tommy Henriksen, Tony Levin, Joe Perry, and Joe Satriani.
The album also includes a composition by Jason Becker co-founder of Cacophony.

Production

Hunter left the Alice Cooper – No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour in early 2012 to work on this album. Hunter used his experience gained by his many years of studio recording under the direction of legendary producer Bob Ezrin to self produce this album. He invited some of the artists that he has met and performed with over his musical career to appear with him on the album.
Jason Becker, who is afflicted with ALS and is able to communicate only with the movement of his eyes, composed "Daydream by the Hudson" with the use of computer software.
Hunter made his reputation in vintage hard rock but on this album he delves deep into his blues roots, capturing the rhythm of New York through his "Debussy style" interpretations of images of the City. He interlinks sketches, moods, grooves and full blown songs on an instrumental album subtly coloured by prepared vocal parts.

The guests

The first guest Hunter approached to play on the album was bass player Tony Levin. He and Levin had worked together on Peter Gabriel's first solo album and tour in 1977 Peter Gabriel and Hunter is a huge fan of Levin's playing. Tony played on two tracks of Manhattan Blues, Solsbury Hill and 'Sunset In Central Park'.
Next came Joe Satriani. Satriani and Hunter had met a year earlier on a benefit show for Jason Becker. Much to Hunter's surprise, Satriani had invited him up to play on his encore and a friendship was formed.
Satriani did not hesitate when asked to play on 'Twilight In Harlem' and offered up an inspired solo that blew Hunter away.
Gaining courage for whom he might ask next, it was decided to try the 2Cellos. Hunter had played the melody on 'Every Breath You Take', a bonus track of their 2012 album In2ition which had been produced by Bob Ezrin.
With Ezrin's help the 2Cellos were contacted and to Hunters joy they said yes. They play hauntingly beautiful Cello over the outro of 'Sunset In Central Park' which also happens to be the final track on the album.
Meanwhile, as Tony Levin had been brought on board, Hunter decided to track down his old keyboard buddy from that same 77 Gabriel tour and so Grammy Nominated Phil Aaberg also contributed.
Hunter met Johnny Depp in London in 2011 when, as part of the Alice Cooper No More Mr. Nice Guy Tour they had stopped in the city for a one off show at The 100 Club where Depp sat in on guitar during the set. With the help of Tommy Henriksen who also contributed some rap vocal to the album, Depp was asked and he said yes. Steve pretty much wrote 'The Brooklyn Shuffle' specifically with Depp in mind and then throwing caution to the wind he decided to ask Joe Perry of Aerosmith about doing a solo on the same song. Back in 1974 Hunter had played the opening solo of Train Kept A-Rollin and it seemed somehow fitting that 40 years later Perry would put a solo on Hunters album. Depp and Perry are also good friends, so that sealed it. They both played solos on 'The Brooklyn Shuffle'.
Hunter had initially asked Steve Vai to play the second solo on 'Twilight In Harlem', they had known each other for many years. But Vai was in the middle of a major project with an imminent deadline and did not have the time. Hunter asked Jason Becker whom he would suggest to fill that spot after the Satriani solo. Jason immediately said Marty Friedman who had been the other half of the band Cacophony. Hunter did not know Friedman who lives in Japan but after an introduction though Becker, Marty said yes and sent over a stunning second solo for that track.
Jason Becker also recommended Michael Lee Firkins to Hunter for a perfect slide solo in '222 W 23rd', Michael is now a good friend.
It is fairly well known that Hunter and Jason Becker are close friends, they met whilst recording the David Lee Roth album A Little Ain't Enough''. In 2012 Hunter had asked Jason if he had any compositions he could add guitar to for his new album and Becker sent over a beautiful programmed piece that eventually became '.

Critical reception

Glenn Astarita in All About Jazz says "each track on this enjoyable album casts an alternating vibe via Hunter's deft acoustic and electric work, conveying great sensitivity while reaffirming his stature as one of the best in the business".
In his review for Classic Rock Revisited, Jeb Wright notes; "This album is Steve Hunter's masterpiece and if one is not careful, one will find this album quietly creeping its way back onto your playlist, time and time again. One of the most poignant moments on the album is the tune "Daydream by the Hudson" written and programmed by guitar virtuoso and Lou Gehrig disease victim Jason Becker. This collaboration brings the album to a new level of virtuosity."
Danger Dog reviewer Craig Hartranft wrote " Steve Hunter's The Manhattan Blues Project is superb, some of the most beautiful melodic blues rock I've ever heard. Strongly recommended."
In TMR Zoo reviewer, Joe Viglione affirms: "The Manhattan Blues Project is a superb and visionary exploration of the guitar that sets a mood and lends itself to repeated spins".

Track listing

Personnel

Musicians