EAR CANDY
Music Reviews: FEBRUARY 2006
Gary Hankins Spot of Blue,"Livin’ Life This Way" (Indie Release)
A great mix roadhouse country blues and ballads that don’t swing to the slick pop-trendy country that permeates most country radio airwaves t [+]EAR CANDY
Music Reviews: FEBRUARY 2006
Gary Hankins Spot of Blue,"Livin’ Life This Way" (Indie Release)
A great mix roadhouse country blues and ballads that don’t swing to the slick pop-trendy country that permeates most country radio airwaves today. There is a twist of rockabilly and Appalachian bluegrass to give this the album a unique sound. "Just a Cowboy" starts out like a country version of the Beatles "Blackbird" giving a very interesting song. At times Gary Hankins has an Elvis Presley voice, especially on the slower songs. A great alternative to today's average country and special kudos to the excellent guitar playing.
spotofblue.com
Rating:
Review by Scott H. Platt
KWEEVAK Music Magazine
SPOT OF BLUE – LIVIN' LIFE THIS WAY: Spot of Blue is founder Gary Hankins and a band of diverse, talented players. Gary is a singer/songwriter and rhythm guitar player. Hankins grew up in a musical family and has lived and worked in various parts of the United States. Gary pens poetic, real songs about America, life and travel. His music has a down-home flavor that blends a country base with assorted genres. Livin' Life This Way is Spot of Blue's impressive debut release. It features eleven earthy yet well-arranged songs that are light yet layered and serious. The CD explores a range of moods and "Hankins' vocals can capture the weary cynicism of Johnny Cash or the soft optimism of Jim Croche." 'Acey Deucey' is the playful opening track with cutting guitar chords and breaks flowing over a snappy rhythm. Hankins' vocals on the first song flip from gruff to smooth. The title track has a slow almost jazzy feel as Gary softy sings about the state of people and the planet. A subtle violin and backing vocalists also adds to the rich, reflective nature of the song. 'Amber' is a colorful tune that explores a full spectrum in under four minutes. Gary Hankins is an imaginative artist and Spot of Blue hits the spot!
• Recommended Tracks: (1,6,7) [USA/TX 2005 - web] (2006 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)
SMOTHER.NET
Music Reviews of World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical
Dec.2005
The windy plains of Texas is the home of Spot of Blue. The main songwriter for the band is Gary Hankins and his guitar play swaggers
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