The April 29 edition of Greasy Tracks featured a three-hour Ian Hunter feature, including an interview and tracking through his just-released gem, Defiance Part I (Sun Records).
Check out the archive, while playlists are here.
Hunter’s latest is the first of a two-part project, most all of which was recorded during the Covid pandemic when musicians were off the road.
It’s a star-laden affair and guests include a veritable who’s who from many eras of rock, including Jeff Beck, Mike Campbell, Dane Clarke, Joe Elliott, Billy F. Gibbons, Taylor Hawkins, Duff McKagan, Todd Rundgren, Slash, Ringo Starr, Robert Trujillo, Jeff Tweedy, Waddy Wachtel and Brad Whitford, amongst others.
Sadly, Beck and Hawkins passed away before the album was finished. Beck’s contributions were his last recordings.
Collaborations are nothing new for Hunter, nor is his consistency for delivering the goods.
A founding member of Mott The Hoople, Hunter embarked on a solo career when the band called time in 1974. In addition to the great musical partnership he forged with guitarist Mick Ronson, there was no shortage of noted additional personnel when it came time to make records. Over the years, members of Queen, The Clash and The E Street Band were on sessions along with Jaco Pastorius, David Sanborn, Earl Slick and Andy York to name but a few.
Hunter’s songwriting is often introspective and reflective and the latest work continues the tradition with a collection of 11 tracks, primarily upbeat, straight-ahead rockers, but with a handful of ballads to strike a perfect balance.
In addition to the new album, there will be music featured that will go deep into Hunter’s catalog.