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in Boston, Mass. A master of blues fiddle and Appalachian music, she is also a designer, a
painter and an embryonic author. In 2008 she started being mentored by Ronnie Earl, who
played on her first record and was instrumental in bringing her before growing audiences in
and around Boston.
This new album is a tour de force. Joined by Johnny Burgin and his band, the disc was
produced by “Ghost Town Blues Band” bandleader Matt Isbell who appears on some tracks.
Ilana was a guest on his last release.
Here are eleven tracks of stunningly good music. The fiddle work is immaculate and Ilana’s
skill, including some wonderful double stopping work, is enthralling. Her singing is
controlled and some of the songs are outstanding. Check out ‘Woman, Play The Blues’ with a
laid-back, jazzy vocal and ‘Downtown with the Devil’ (a jazzy piece with excellent fiddle and
more wonderful sultry vocals). My only, very minor complaint is that the reverb in the mix
makes it sound a little like she is still in the subway. Intentional? Maybe.
Get this one as soon as you can and start pestering festivals and venues to get her over
here!
Ian K. McKenzie
Dave Hunt—Behind the Moon—Mad Ears Production
Although Dave started his musical career at 18, as a
drummer, he soon found his position at the front of the
band, first as a vocalist and later combining singing with
blues harp playing. He is accomplished in both fields.
In 2012, he signed a deal with UK label Mad Ears
Productions, and through his work with the label has
featured as a guest musician on releases by Mockingbird
Hill, Mick Simpson, Malaya Blue, and Donna Shaw from
USA.
This is his fourth full album (plus a smattering of EPs) and a great job he has done too. The
opener ‘Take Me To The Sun’ is a stunner which has the air of a movie theme. Dave can
really sing! ‘Swamp Snake Moan’ with a ‘Spirit In The Sky’ riff is a magical atmospheric
piece and the title track is inventive and the musicianship is spectacular, as is ‘Funky Stew’
which incidentally comes with some first class drumming.
Producer is Andy Littlewood, and guest musicians, including Stuart Goodacre, Pete Nelson,
and the MEP Collective do an exceptional job, producing a big, big sound that will fill stadia
and rock venues. Fabuloso!
Ian K. McKenzie