It's a testament to the music of Jimi Hendrix
that people still record it, and somewhat amazing
that people like Steiner Gregertsen
find new ways to interpret it. This record features
Gregertsen mostly on lap steel, with some guitar,
and it works wonderfully.
His one-man string show starts with "I Don't
Live Today" and it's a good sign of things to
come, starting as a country-blues played on acoustic
lap before getting loud and nasty with ringing slide
guitar. He does the same with the criminally ignored
"Angel", the Hendrix ballad that here gets
the full treatment in an instrumental rendition that
includes big, sweet sounding lap steel that hints
at the melody. His take on "Drifting" uses
various guitars while creating the melody and soulful
solo. About the only six string he doesn't handle
is on "Remember" where Tom Principato comes
in with an almost chicken-pickin' solo before Gregertsen
finishes on lap steel. "Belly Button Window"
becomes a stomping blues-rock tune that actually gets
jazzy on the solo. Another guest, Espen Larsen, adds
very nice acoustic soloing to "Pali Gap".
His soloing mixes with Marianne Rodvelt's vocal and
Gregertsen's electric and lap steel to round out the
song.
Gregertsen is a fine player and interpreter. It's
nice to hear someone focus on Hendrix as songwriter,
not just his guitar skills.
John Heidt
Standing at the pinnacle of excellence!
I've been a slide guitarist for over 30 years and currently
involved commercially with all aspects of the slide
guitar. Steinar's new C.D. here is truly breathtaking
~ the arrangements, touch, tones & slide-playing
are truly world-class. Every mainstream slide style
is here on one C.D....electric rock-slide; sweet acoustic
slide ballads ~ combined with lovely vocals & an
excellent choice of material this is a must for every
serious slide guitarist to own. If a fledgling guitarist
asks me to recommend just one C.D. to experience every
mainstream slide syle, played by a true master of the
instrument ~ this C.D. will be my #1 choice of recommendation.
:o)
A fantastic tribute to Jimi Hendrix. It's a great compilation
of Hendrix songs done in a variety of genres and styles.
Steinar reminds us of the great songwriter and musician,
that Jimi was. The message in the music is the same
and eternal. It is so tastefully done that I know Mr.
Hendrix is smiling with this release. I am!
