There's a lot to be said for experience, particularly in the field of music, for musicians, like fine wine, mature and their ideas grow more complex as time goes on. And when the musician in question is Dick Heckstall-Smith, you're talking about a first-rate musical intellect. Blues & Beyond - brings together many of the superbly talented musicians who have worked with Dick in the past; in fact, in a recent conversation he told me that this is the record he's wanted to make all his life. I can now give you much more information about the tracks. Thus far, thirteen tracks have been finished in London under the expert ears and poetic eyes of producer Pete Brown. Of these, nine are either written by Dick and Pete or by Dick himself. Following is a list of the main players on each track:
"Big Deal" features the exciting Irish performer Rab McCullough on vocals and lead guitar and Gary Husband (Simply Red) on drums.
"Millennium Blues" adds Clem Clempson (Bakerloo, Colosseum, Humble Pie) on lead guitar.
"Angie Baby" has the same lineup as "Millennium Blues".
"Don't Be On The Outside" shines the spotlight on Clem Clempson and drummer Jon Hiseman ( Colosseum, Tempest)
"Rollin' And Tumblin", the Muddy Waters classic, showcases the melodious harp and vocals of Paul Jones (Manfred Mann, The Blues Band).
"If You Know You Don't Love Me" features the legendary John Mayall on piano in addition to Clem Clempson.
"Hidden Agenda" brings the unique and powerful voice of Jack Bruce to the forefront, backed by Clem Clempson and Gary Husband.
"Grind, Glitch and Snit" has producer Pete Brown slipping out from behind the desk to take on lead and backing vocals.
"Watching Your Every Move" gives Rab McCullough another spotlight.
"Spooky But Nice" has a dream twin guitar lineup with Mick Taylor (John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, The Rolling Stones) on slide and Clem Clempson on lead guitar.
"Twilight Shuffle" moves Mick Taylor to lead vocals, while Clem Clempson handles the guitar licks.
"Dix WWW Swamp" combines Rab McCullough, Clem Clempson, Gary Husband and Pete Brown into a potent musical gumbo.
"Cruel Contradictions" is a massive song featuring the brilliant Peter Green (Fleetwood Mac, Splinter Group) on lead vocals, lead guitar and harp.
On all of the tracks, Dick Heckstall-Smith plays tenor, soprano, alto and baritone saxophones, electric saxophones and handles lead vocals on "Dix WWW Swamp".
Pictured below are some photos from the recording sessions and judging from them, it can perhaps fairly (but not unkindly) be said that here you have a group of musicians who collectively be called both hipsters and…napsters. Dick Heckstall-Smith - Blues And Beyond is now available.
