Personnel:
Ian Hunter - lead vocals, acoustic and electric guitars, harp
Darrell Bath - acoustic, electric and Baryton guitars, lead vocals
Torstein Flakne - guitars, vocals
Per Lindvall - drums, percussion
Sven Lindvall - bass
Robbie Alter - acoustic, electric and slide guitars
Kjetil Bjerkestrand - keyboards
Dennis Eliott - drums
Pat Kilbride - bass, acoustic bass
"Honest" John Plain - vocals, lead vocals
Frode Alnaes - guitar
Mariann Lisland - vocals
Per Öisten Sörensen - vocals
The Vertago String Quartet - strings
Running time: 55:09
Current edition: Citadel
Highest chart places: Did not chart.
The irrepressible Ian Hunter charged forward, fueled by the success of his previous release. With the winds of creativity at his back, he sets his sights on a new solo album, ready to conquer the world once again. And who better to join him on this journey than the extraordinary Bjørn Nessjø, a musical arranger of unparalleled talent? Together, they weave a sonic tapestry that will leave you breathless. The album's title itself went through a metamorphosis, starting as "Life, Get One," then evolving into "Pilgrim's Progress," until finally settling on the evocative "The Artful Dodger." Within its grooves, you'll discover eleven tracks that showcase Hunter's renewed focus and his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. But what about the band, you ask? Fear not, for Hunter has assembled a formidable lineup of guitarists to fill the void left by the legendary Ronno. Darrel Bath, Robbie Alter, Frode Alnaes, and Torstein Flakne step up to the plate, infusing the album with their electrifying talents. And let's not forget the rhythmic backbone, with the dynamic duo of drummer Per Lindvall, the maestro of beats, and the keyboard wizardry of Kjetil Bjerkestrand. Last but not least, anchoring it all with his pulsating basslines is Sven Lindvall. The stage is set, the players are assembled, and the music is about to transport you to new heights. Get ready to lose yourself in the magic of "The Artful Dodger" and witness the rebirth of a rock icon. Hold on tight, my friends, because this is just the beginning of an extraordinary chapter after Ronson and a brilliant and creative climax in Ian Hunter's storied career.
Hunter was on his way back musically by addressing his parents, youth, NYC, the yellow press, the after-life (possibly), and religion. As with Old Records Never Die he acknowledge those who passed on with Michael Picasso, Walk on Water, and Now Is the Time. Surprisingly, he started the record off on a low-key note whereas he usually began with a barn burner.
The verse on the liner notes are pure Darrel Bath. Hunter heard him say it once and asked him to repeat it which he did verbatim and Ian wrote it down. Bath is all rocker and quite the character inspiration for the title of the album.
The Artful Dodger and Skeletons (In Your Closet) attached to this studio release from the back end of Hunter's previous effort and are a bit out of place but similar to Dylan's Oh Mercy album. The release almost makes it as a complete record where you sit down and it's all of one mood. The record is a success if an album hangs together as one piece and since you go in with good intentions it doesn't always happen but that's the goal.
Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me
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