Search - Ron Hacker & The Hacksaws :: Back Door Man

A TRUE AND VERY BLUE BLUESMAN

Patrick Earley | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 04/09/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ron Hacker is a tattooed 55 year old bluesman with two ex-wives who give him plenty of material to sing about. If you're lookin' for some slick, well produced Stevie Ray Vaughan type of blues, your not going to find it here. This is the real deal; raw, nasty, soulful, make you feel dirty type of blues. As a juvenile delinquent, Hacker got turned on to the blues while in a detention center. He later made friends with the legendary blues guitarist/mandolinist Yank Rachell, who passed on his vast knowledge of the blues to Hacker. The slide work on here is pure Mississippi Delta, with vocals that sound like Howlin' Wolf. He is backed here by a pretty cookin' band of Hacksaws. The bass player Artis Joyce is fantastic. His solo on "Diddley Widdley" is a killer. The drummer is Shad Harris, who also plays in Tommy Castro's band. Hacker uses the same type of Gibson guitar as George Thorogood. This gives him a sound that falls somewhere between Thorogood and early Z.Z.Top. There is not even a hint of rock and roll here though. This music is strictly from the Elmore James school of blues. Some of the best tracks here are "Two Timin Woman", "Hear Me Sing Like Elmore James", the title track "Back Door Man", which is one of my favorite Willie Dixon tunes. Willie's got to be lookin' down smiling at this one... it's soooo good. He does a tribute to his mentor with "Yank Told Me", and a nice one from Little Walter, "Hate To See You Go". My favorite here is the "live" 6 minute improvosational workout "Diddley Widdley". All the songs on here are great, and they're all a showcase for Hacker's agressive slide playing. This album was recorded both with and without an audience at the popular San Francisco nightspot The Saloon. I really enjoyed this Cd, It's a welcome change from all the mainstream blues rock out there. If you're an old-school slide guitar lover like myself, this is a great CD to have. Recommended!"

When My First, Second and Third Wife Left Me--Wow!

deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 12/29/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ok, I admit it. I never heard of Ron Hacker and no intention of buying his CD. I was searching for Willie Dixon's "Back Door Man" and this CD popped up. I ultimately found what I was looking for but added this to my basket as well. Fate can be a wonderful thing. This CD is great!According to the liner notes, Hacker sings from experience having been married three times and having served time as a youth in a juvenile detention center.The CD carries a strong ZZ Top tone with ZZ like vocals. Like any good music, it makes you want to get up and shout. No joke, there's not a bad tune on the disc. Check out the "Two Timin" Woman" who shakes her booty at every man she meets or "Yank Told Me" a tribute to Hacker's friend and mentor, Yank Rachell. Great Stuff! Oh yeah, and Hacker's version of "Back Door Man" is simply exceptional. Buy this disc, you won't be disappointed."

This man is the real deal!

Musesman | Tiverton, RI USA | 06/02/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This guy is as good as it gets if you truly love slide guitar. And as a human being, I must say he ranks right up there as far as I'm concerned. I e-mailed him with a heartfelt response to his music and told him how great his sound was and he personally wrote right back thanking me. He may seem rough around the edges, but he has a heart of gold! His latest, "Burnin'" is another keeper. Keep up the great work, Ron!"