[.ca] Hot House

hot house infested with jazz:
Undoubtedly Hornsby's best studio recording to date. Each song has its own character while still retaining his hybrid, jazz-pop trademark. He made the right decision to leave the Range and this cd really proves it (not to diminish his work done on harbor lights which was also fantastic). But this cd shows how his confidence has grown while deciding to become independent. And if fans from his early days say he cannot produce songs quite like he used to than check out "Walk in the Sun". Anyways, he's not quite solo on this cd, getting lots help from virtuoso jazz-guitarist Pat Metheny who contributes to about half the songs and who was a major influence, even on his last record. On some pieces Metheny really is the main star such as on "The Changes". On others he and Hornsby feed off each other to produce songs such as "Country Doctor" which I feel is absolutely brilliant and maybe even the pinnacle of the cd and a highlight of his career. Both musicians show their sheer talent on this song while telling a complex story, which is similar to "White Wheeled Limosine". That is something not easily achieved and so successfully, (even though overlooked) in the music industry. Personally, I consider the whole work in its entirety a masterpiece in its particular field, from the funky-high energy "Spider Fingers" all the way to "Cruise Control". There is a lot more depth and substance musically than his time spent with the Range. Not one bad song, and I do not say that often. I highly reccomend you pick up a copy.

good but could be better:
I got this album because I really like the song "Walk in the sun" and I love his piano playing in it, he always has a story to go with each song which makes me picture what he sings about. The backround keyboards and backup singers put an addition to the songs. The songs I like most on here are "walk in the sun" "the tango king" "Big Rumble" "the longest night" and "Swing Street" I think those were the only hits that made this album so popular. The other songs needed work and I was sad to find out that this is the last album that Jerry Garcia was on before he died, he was a great guitarist and will definitely be missed. Over all this is a great album but it needed more work. His last good album was " A night on the town" I wish his future albums could've been just as good as that one.

Hot House rules!:
If you're a Hornsby fan like me, you'll love this CD. If you're not a Hornsby fan like me, you'll love this CD. Its so much fun! Check out Hot House Ball, Country Doctor, Big Rumble... heck... check it all out! A+

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!:
Bruce rocks. He rules. And he's not stuck in a rut. In fact, I doubt if he even has a nodding acquaintance with one. He's gone from Top 40 pop to Deadhead and in between showed us what a jazzman he is. He's exploring and I'm gladly letting him lead the way. I'm on my second copy of 'Hot House', having abused my first one by dragging it all over creation with me like some kid's blanky.

Bruce Hornsby Re-invents Himself:
After a musical stumble in "Harbor Lights," Bruce Hornsby gets back on his feet and delivers a masterpiece. While lacking a haunting ballad like "Mandolin Rain" or "The Valley Road," "Hot House" is probably Bruce's most consistent and satisfying recording. As with "Harbor Lights," "Hot House" adds jazz influences to Bruce's Appalachian-rock. But, while "Harbor Lights" is mired in adult-contemporary noodling, "Hot House" kicks the intensity up several notches, and the jazz influences create a hearty, funky musical stew. "Hot House" is, in my opinion, the true musical heir of Lowell George's classic Little Feat recordings - and I can think of few higher compliments for a roots-rock album.

• Spider Fingers
• White-Wheeled Limousine
• Walk in the Sun
• Changes
• Tango King
• Big Rumble
• Country Doctor
• Longest Night
• Hot House Ball
• Swing Street
• Cruise Control