Album Review of
Live At Red Clay Theatre

Written by Robert Silverstein
April 21, 2019 - 1:42am EDT
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Guitarist / composer Bill Hart has released several critically acclaimed instrumental jazz-fusion albums and on his 2018 Blujazz CD, Live At Red Clay Theatre the sound is authentic and compelling. Recorded live at the Atlanta concert venue, Bill’s sixth solo album, Live At Red Clay Theatre features a solid six piece band, including Pat Strawser (keys), Alex McGinnis (sax), Dwayne Wallace (bass), Steven Walker (drums) and Emrah Kotan (percussion), while the live stereo mix by Shalom Aberle captures the live in concert ambiance in all its glory. Speaking about Live At Red Clay Theatre, Bill explains, "This live CD will be number six. All the tracks are original but none of them are new, although you could say they are new versions that somehow have taken on a beautiful life of their own. Anytime I record a CD I have to have some kind of a concept. Otherwise it really makes it hard for me to compose. I look at a concept like planting a seed and then I try to let it take on a life of its own." With so many jazz-rock fusion guitar moves under the spotlight, it’s clear that guitar heroes like Metheny and Beck were influences in Bill’s playing while his early studies and seminar clinics with contemporary guitar heroes Mike Stern and Scott Henderson are also reflected in Bill's tasty guitar techniques. Although he's busy these days recording his music and performing live concerts, Bill also dedicated part of his career with the Atlanta Institute Of Music & Media, where he taught and inspired younger musicians for over 25 years. With ten tracks clocking at 70+ minutes, and most tracks at seven + minutes, Live At Red Clay Theatre makes for an electrifying CD of expertly performed, totally easy on the ears, guitar-centric jazz-fusion.