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Blurring The Lines Between Jazz And Contemporary Rock
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Scott Hughes' four-song cassette release, Guitarstuff, released in 1996 demonstrates a flair for fusion composition, blending his love for jazz with rock guitar techniques. With influences ranging from Robben Ford to Steve Vai, his music is extremely tasty, yet never predictable. Fans of Scott Henderson especially will warm up to Hughes' release immediately, because of both the upbeat style and the harmonic interplay.
Hughes got his first guitar at age 15 and learned to play by jamming along with heavy metal records. He has studied music at the University of Nebraska and most recently, at the University of Maine, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music. Hughes has played live throughout the New England area with a variety of rock and top-40 bands. Hughes credits further development as a player and a composer to his private lessons with Bob Thompson, a top studio guitarist..
One of Hughes main goals is to draw on his many influences outside of the rock idiom and assimilate them into a style of his own, stressing his uniqueness as a composer and player. Other goals include more original recordings, studio work and perhaps joining an established band. Hughes has received a great deal of joy from music, and hopes to do the same for others through his compositions.
Contact Information
Scott Hughes
36 O'Brion Street, Suite 2
Portland, ME 04101
United States
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Three Musicians Become One, United!
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Truthcircle's first full-length CD, 3/3, released on their own label, Airquake Records, is a fiery, funky record incorporating samples, great guitar work and poignant, relevant lyrics. Guitarist-vocalist Al Mitchell and bassist Scott Hildner combine with drummer Tom Baratta to form a formidable trio, hell-bent on breaking down musical boundaries and playing music that is absolutely true to themselves. Mitchell's blues-based but highly modern guitar style cuts deep on every track, without overwhelming the production or sonic landscape.
Truthcircle was formed in late 1994, when the musical prospects for the trio were looking bleak. After the first rehearsal, they knew they had something out of the ordinary. They all added their experiences and influences to the mix. Mitchell's expressive vocals and guitar work was launched into overdrive when coupled with Hilder's hardcore punk bass sound and industrial, hip hop patterned samples. Baratta grounded the two by laying down monstrous back beats and fills in the style of the great old school metal and progressive drummers.
After recording a five-song, two-track, 100% live demo, Andthepeoplesay and selling over 200 copies at gigs, they decided they had to take the next step and record a CD that would document what the band had become. They started Airquake Records in February, 1996, and entered a local studio to start recording 3/3. The end result is an aggressive, powerful musical statement on the realities of life, covering domestic violence, self abuse, and human survival.
Contact Information
Truthcircle
C/O Airquake Records
16 Park Avenue
Rutherford, NJ 07070
United States
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Vol. 16, No. 6: Apr.-May 2012
