Hank's return to instrumental recordings
Daniel S. Sullivan | Gibbstown,N.J. USA | 04/07/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"After the Shadows took another break at the end of the 1980's, and 2 vocal-oriented solo recordings, Hank's 1992 release "Into The Light" placed him back where he belonged: guitar instrumentals.
Co-produced by fellow Shadows member Brian Bennett,and arranged mostly by Brian's son Warren, Hank's classic guitar sound is brought into the technological 1990's.
The Tracks:
Of the cover tunes Phil Collins' "Another Day In Paradise" opens the album, at a slightly more up tempo feel than Collins' version.
The Tears for Fears anthem "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" is tailor-made for Hank's style, and Dave Bishop's sax solos are sweet.
The Ronstadt / Neville ballad is tastefully covered here-"Don't Know Much" - Hank knows how much.
The Allman Brothers' "Jessica" is wonderfully faithful to the original.
Steely Dan's "Rikki, Don't Lose That Number" is one of the big highlights of this collection-Hank's really on top of this one.
Bryan Adams' "Everything I Do" is also nicely handled-not over done.
"Pipeline" is a duet with the legendary Duane Eddy. Hank's English twang and Duane's country twang give a whole new perspective to a California surf classic.
Of the originals, "Sumiko" , "Scirocco" , "Road Train" , "Moontalk" & "Tailspin" are all well-crafted pieces.
The Cd's top highlights, however, are these:
"Into the Light" features a solid groove and Hank's multi-tracked guitars in several different tones.
"Steel Wheel" is my favorite of the originals - Hank just plays his a** off.
My favorite moment, however, is "We Are The Champions", a duet with legendary Queen guitarist Brian May.
Hank's classic Strat along side Brian's "Red Special" show that two generations of rockers can get along in perfect harmony.
The really programmed sound dates it somewhat, but still, a fine collection from Hank."
