Search - Chris Whitley :: Hotel Vast Horizon

SUITE FEEL

Kerry Leimer | Makawao, Hawaii United States | 08/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Some say that every Whitley record has a different feel, a different style. Yet, if you listen closely you'll find a deeper consistency across all his work: no reason to be distracted by first impressions, right?"Hotel Vast Horizon" is an especially consistent piece of work: the songs, lyrical themes, instrumentation and mood are strikingly well integrated, creating an atmosphere of sadness and just-missed redemption. In fact, at times the playing here hints at a leitmotif-like approach, and some phrases seem to echo through the individual pieces. The sound is warm and fat with a great bounce in the bass -- maybe that's why there's a picture of a mic on the CD itself. The guitars have more of an acoustic feel, dobro-like with a ringing, metal string raggedness that makes the music loose and tight, lazy and focused all at once. It's easy to recall some of the better moments of Tom Waits -- particularly moments in "The Mule Variations". But Whitley's voice gives us more range and more shades of meaning. And the music and lyrics are here more single-minded, more interested in interior perspectives than the world outside. The title "Hotel Vast Horizon" and its bleak winter setting must be meant to act as a metaphor, and more than a few come to mind. But it seems better to leave it undefined. Whitley's band here -- Heiko Schramm on basses and Matthais Macht on percussion -- play with the same understated authority. The overall impression is one of musicians who have played together for a long time, whose playing interacts in ways that are free of overstatement, ornamentation and sensationalism. Every note is necessary. So, what are you worried about? Buy this CD and support someone whose work is both emotionally and intellectually aware."

A vast horizon indeed!

Greg Rode | Indianapolis, IN | 06/13/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Whitley's picture appears in the dictionary next to the term "chameleon-like artist." His output has traced a path through Americana, chainsaw guitar-driven rock, live solo performance, jazz-style improvization, computer-inflected electronic wizardry, and back. Whitley has never been satisfied with taking one approach to his craft, a choice which has produced a truly impressive catalogue, but also has tended to bewilder the public. No matter, he is what he is. As Dave Matthews said upon signing Whitley to his personal record label for 2001's Rocket House, "Chris is the real deal." In a sense, Whitley returns full circle with Hotel Vast Horizon. This latest will certainly draw comparisons to his debut effort, Livin With the Law, because of its acoustic flavor and roots-rock take on Americana. But whereas that CD was more of a producer's album, this is truly a band effort-self-produced, no guest artists, just three guys going at it. And go at it they do. Whitley and his cohorts, Heiko Schramm on bass and Matthias Macht on drums, truly constitute an acoustic power trio. Although Whitley plays strictly resonator guitar (banjo on one tune) and Macht relies heavily on brushwork to transmit his message, there is a potency to this music that belies its acoustic tone. If I may venture a personal note, I'd say that while Whitley takes center stage and all three musicians share in making the magic, a great deal of the power of Hotel can be attributed to Schramm's husky, chordal bass playing. His contribution to the "bottom line" perfectly accentuates Whitley's steel stylings and Macht's brushes. Hats off, Heiko!Whitley is one of those rare guitarists who plays to the song, eschewing pyrotechnics in favor of hitting the mark. He could play like a Guitar Magazine poster child if he wanted to, but fortunately for all of us, he chooses to take the route less-traveled and deliver the goods via an understated brilliance that is rare in today's musical universe. These are songs with heart, packaged in a plain brown wrapper, but bearing a precious gift."

The king of what he does is back for more

Timothy K. Schwader | Austin, TX United States | 06/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chris Whitley is just one of those artists that has more talent than any 1000 artists on the hot lists, charts, video shows, etc, but can't seem to get a break with the mainstream. Most of my favorite acts are that way--King's X, Dada, Butterfly Jones, Jets To Brazil, Gus Black, I Mother Earth, Slobberbone, Bare Jr, a few more. But thankfully, Chris is still out there working it as hard as he can for the loyal fans, the discriminating music lovers of the world. Hotel Vast Horizon showcases Chris' voice and his stunning--yet understated--guitar playing. This album is stripped down and quite mellow, and it contains some of the finest songs Chris has ever recorded, like "Free Interval," "New Lost World," "Assassin Song," and the title cut. I recently saw Chris live in Reno with GUS BLACK, whose amazing new album Uncivilized Love compliments this album perfectly, and JOHNNY SOCIETY, a very cool band from New York who are very good on CD but absolutely stunning live. If you are an old Chris Whitley fan who hasn't picked this up yet, do yourself a favor and get it. As much fun as it may be to hit the repeat button for hours on "Big Sky Country," it's even better to play that track once or twice and then hear the evolution of song with Hotel Vast Horizon. This is a rare gem--a flawless album."