Postscript, Ian Hunter, Rant, 11th Album

Hunter sent off a volley of five songs from the completed sessions but there was no Papillon single released. However, a four-song EP was issued. And, Fuel 2000 issued a promo with a caricature of President George W. Bush as Alfred E. Neumann of MAD comics fame. The promo CD notably included two acoustic recordings from Ian's US TV appearance on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn, accompanied by James Mastro. Although there was relatively little promotion, the CD was largely acclaimed by critics and the press. 

During May Hunter embarked on a promotional campaign visiting American radio stations playing acoustically with guitarist Mastro. In June Ian played eleven British gigs. The Rant Band was slowly building an audience for Hunter. 

In 2001, Ian was invited by Ringo Starr to tour with his Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band, a live supergroup of revolving musical stars. Hunter played All The Young Dudes, started with Still Love Rock and Roll, which was changed at Starr's request in favor of Irene Wilde. 

Also in 2001, Hunter co-wrote four songs with BDS, a band formed by members of Blue Öyster Cult and Alice Cooper. The songs included Having the Time of My Life, Love You Too Much, There Was a Girl, and The Real Thing. Once you feel nostalgic for harder rock and rock ballads that would not be out of place on YUI Orta you can give these songs a listen. 

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

It's Alright with Me, Ian Hunter, after Artful Dodger, c. 1998

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, Rant, 12th, not 11th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - vocals, keyboards, harmonica, acoustic guitar, piano, backing vocals

Andy York - electric guitar, mandoguitar, groovebox, autoharp, organ, zither, keyboards, mandolin, bass, backing vocals

Steve Holley - drums, percussion

Robbie Alter - guitars, bass, piano

Tommy Mandel - organ, keyboards, loops

Mickey Curry - drums

John Conte - bass

Rich Pagano - backing vocals, bongos, drums

James Mastro - six-string fuzzbass, mandolin, electric slide, electric 12-string, acoustic 12-string

Dane Clark - drums

Doug Petty - organ, keyboards

Jesse Hunter Patterson - gang vocals

Lisa Ronson - gang vocals

Willie Nile - gang vocals

Rick Tedesco - guitar, gang vocals

Produced at: New Calcutta, New York City, by Andy York and Ian Hunter
Release date: 21 April 2001
Running time: 56:47
Current edition: Papillion (UK), Repertoire (Europe), Fuel2000 (North America) 

Highest chart places: Did not chart. 

The unstoppable force that is Ian Hunter is back with a vengeance, armed with a collection of brand new songs that will rock your world. As the recording sessions unfolded, the sheer brilliance of tracks like "Salvation," "Morons," and "It's Alright with Me" became evident, leaving no doubt that Hunter's creative spark was burning brighter than ever before. And let me tell you, my friends, this is no swan song. In fact, it's just the beginning of an awe-inspiring musical journey that will leave you begging for more. The album itself, aptly titled to reflect Hunter's unfiltered commentary on the state of the world, is a powerhouse of vibrant and meticulously produced songs that will captivate your senses. But what truly sets this release apart is the incredible lineup of musicians who join forces with Hunter. Drummer extraordinaire Steve Holley, affectionately known as "Mr. Comfort" or "Rhino," brings his unparalleled rhythm to the mix, while the dynamic guitar duo of Andy York and James Mastro electrify every note with their exceptional skills. With the tragic loss of Ronson, Hunter had some big shoes to fill, and fill them he did, as this remarkable trio surpasses even the legendary Hunter Ronson partnership in terms of longevity. But let's not forget the mastermind behind the production magic: Andy York. His meticulous touch elevates Hunter's music to celestial heights, creating a sonic experience that will leave you breathless. Ian Hunter unleashed a string of first-rate albums that will redefine classic. Get ready to be swept away on a musical odyssey like no other, where truth meets artistry and Hunter's indomitable spirit shines through. The late 1990s mark a turning point, a resurgence of creative energy that will leave an indelible mark on the world of rock. Get ready to witness the birth of not only a new century but a new era of classic rock, where Ian Hunter reigns supreme.

The songs were all written exclusively by Hunter and Papillon released the album in May 2001, Fuel 2000 issued the American version in April with an alternate running order. The English release is how the core members conceived the record. The working title of the album was Worm's Eye View from a line in Honaloochie Boogie and started in December 2000. Label favorites were Death of a Nation or From the Knees of My Heart but one day Hunter said to York that the album was a rant from one end to the other. York responded that's it, that the title, and then the band became The Rant Band. The release is both intensely personal but a group musical effort by the entire band. 

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Postscript, Ian Hunter, The Artful Dodger, 10th Album

The project issued in September 1996 by Polydor Record, but only in Norway, seven months later Citadel Records released the tracks as a picture disc CD in Britain, followed by a box set contained a gatefold LP and Hunter's Diary of a Rock 'n' Roll Star presented as a cloth-bound 1972 desk diary. Michael Picasso and The Artful Dodger appeared as singles, the latter featuring the non-album F*ck it Up.

Off the radar for some time the press reviews were few but mostly laudatory. 

A thirty-date British tour from April to June 1997 was set to promote the release with drummer Alan Young, keyboardist Ian Gibbons, guitarists Paul Cuddeford, bassist Paul Francis, and the ever-present Darrell Bath. Later appearances came in September to November. Hunter began to perform a new song Salvation live but didn't record a studio version as he was saving it as the last track on his last CD. 

There were three VH1 television appearances during May and Hunter did the channel's My Top Ten focusing on his favorite recent releases and for Take It to the Bridge he recorded Michael Picasso and Irene Wilde. 

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Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, The Artful Dodger, 11th, not 10th Album

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

Produced at: Nidaros Studios, Trondheim, Norway. Additional recordings at The Time Machine, Vermont, USA. Michael Picasso recorded live 4 October 1995, overdubbed later by Björn Nessjö.

Release date: 1996 Norway; 21 April 1997 UK Polydor September 1996 
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

Postscript, Ian Hunter, Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry, 9th Album

The final title of the release came as a result of the record label request. The album was issued by Norsk Plateproduksjon in March 1995. The Norwegian label released a promo disc of Red Letter Day, then, My Revolution was issued as the album's single. The band promoted the song with a live television performance in Oslo, on NRK TV's entertainment show Rondo. Cleveland International issued the album in America and Good Girls scored highly on several US radio charts. 

Not surprisingly, the collaborative release received low-key press coverage but it did gather positive appraisal. The release is one of the significant shifts that Hunter has made during his career, provided an outlet for his music again after a long break, and most importantly, made a creative return following the tragic passing of Ronson. 

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Take a Long Line, by The Angels, Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter, Heaven and Hull, 1994

 Hunter and Joe Elliott shared vocal duties. 

Life's a River, Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter, Heaven and Hull, 1994

Cut with Hunter on Mick's last album; John Mellencamp sang lead. 

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry, 10th, Not 9th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - guitars, vocals

Casino Steel (Stein Groven) - keyboards, vocals, percussion

"Honest" John Plain (John Splain) - guitar, vocals

Darrell Bath - guitar, vocals

Glen Matlock - bass

Steve "Vom" Ritchie - drums

Blue Weaver - keyboards

Lasse Hafreager - piano, organ

Mitt Gamon - harmonica

Angela Clemmons-Patrick, Bård Svendsen, James Williams, Torstein Flakne, Vaneese Thomas - backing vocals

Torstein Flakne - guitar on "Invisible Strings"

Produced at: Abby Road Studios, Final vocals recorded at Nidaros Studio, Trondheim, Norway by Bjørn Nessjø
Release date: 10 October 1995
Running time: 49:59
Current edition: Cherry Red 
Highest chart places: Did not chart. 

Prepare yourselves for a tale that intertwines tragedy, friendship, and a whirlwind of musical creativity. It all started when the rogue-like Casino Steel and the visionary Bjørn Nessjø conceived a project like no other: The Gringo Starrs. Their quest for sonic brilliance led them to the indomitable Ian Hunter. 

But before destiny fully unfolded its hand, Hunter and his faithful companion Ronson ventured into the Swedish music scene, leaving their mark as Klubb Rock and the legendary Park Rock during the heady years of 1990-1991. Fate, it seems, had a different plan in store. In a twist of cruel irony, Ronson was struck by the insidious presence of carcinoma of the liver. While Mick's spirit burned bright, his body faltered. Undeterred by adversity, Hunter carried on, embarking on a Scandinavian summer tour alongside The Mats Ronander Band and the spirited Swedish covers group, The Few. Alas, the music world mourned the loss of Ronson on that fateful day, April 29, 1993. Yet, in the face of tragedy, Hunter found solace in his art and a renewed drive to create. 

With a newfound urgency, he joined forces with the talented Robbie Alter, crafting soul-stirring demos that would become the cornerstone of a project that would soon be known as Ian Hunter's Dirty Laundry. In a mere eleven days, they captured the essence of raw rock and roll, channeling the spirit of proto-punk and harkening back to the golden era of The Rolling Stones in 1962. Get ready to dive headfirst into a musical odyssey like no other as Hunter lays bare his soul through twelve electrifying tracks. From sorrow to triumph, from tragedy to defiance, this is the tale of Dirty Laundry, where the power of music becomes a balm for the wounds of tragedy.

Hunter picked up gigs from time to time. In August 1993 Hunter performed in Europe with Johan Wahlstrom and Ricky Byrd on the Hamn Rock (Harbour Rock) tour. Ian and Byrd appeared as guests of The Mats Ronander Band in particular at Stockholm's Melody Club where Hunter first played a new song as a tribute to Ronson entitled Michael Picasso. In September Hunter appeared on Joe Elliott's Retroactive featuring Ian as "Honky Tonk Messiah" on piano and Ian vocalized the introduction to The Golden Age of Rock 'n' Roll on their covers album, Yeah!

On 29 April 1994 the Mick Ronson Memorial Concert was staged including the tribute to Mick Ronson and another new song debuted Resurrection Mary. 

Seven of the twelve songs were penned or co-written by Hunter. This was the most written by Ian in the studio which was not his usual modus operandi. Previously and mostly afterwards he had difficulty writing in the studio. Big Kid was one song that didn't make the cut.

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

Darling, Let's Have Another Baby, Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter

Never recorded in the studio but often performed by Ronson as part of the Hunter Ronson Band. It was first recorded in the 1970s by Johnny Moped.  

White Light/White Heat, Mick Ronson, Ian Hunter

This was never recorded in the studio but was often played live by Ronson as a member of the Hunter Ronson Band. 

Postscript, Ian Hunter, YUI Orta, 8th Album

YUI Orta was issued by Mercury Records in America on 3 October 1989 and 22 January 1990 in Britain. The album artwork by Martin Kanner included photography by Mick Rock and critics generally praised the effort. The album hit #157 for Billboard but did not chart in Britain. It was marketed by Mercury Records with the American Music single and Women's Intuition. Polygram produced an impressive marketing video for American Music dramatically revealing a boy-girl relationship highlighting the 1950s glory of Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Little Richard, and Chuck Berry. 

The band played twenty five concerts during January and February 1990 and crowds celebrated but some members of the press flaunted ageism. It was poor timing in that Ian's mother Freda Patterson had passed away in early 1989 and unfortunately was aware of bad reviews. 

Poor sales scuttled further discussion of additional touring or label interest in another recording. Label upheaval ended any further promotion which killed the record. Hunter reflects that perhaps the production is lacking but was still proud of Following in Your Footsteps and Sweet Dreamer.

Respectfully disagreeing with Hunter this was the most powerful and hardest rocking album of his solo career but once again his career appeared to be at a standstill despite producing an exceptionally strong effort. 

If that were not bad enough a total tragedy was about to strike. 

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

My Love (The Jar), Ian Hunter, John Jansen, 1987, YUI Orta, Experiments, Stranded In Reality

Although a demo My Love (The Jar) is a good song. Despite the quality the timing does not always work out for it to be a part of a regular studio release. It was recorded in Hunter's NYC home studio. Jim Steinman who was Bonnie Tyler's producer tried to find other artists to record the song around 1983. In collaboration with John Jansen around 1987 it was considered to be included on YUI Orta.

Ian Hunter On Track for Sonicbond Publishing, TheDoctorOfDigital@pm.me

National Holiday, , Ian Hunter, John Jansen, 1987, YUI Orta

Sign of Affection, Ian Hunter, John Jansen, 1987, YUI Orta

Personnel, Introduction, Ian Hunter, YUI Orta, 8th Album

Personnel:

Ian Hunter - lead vocals, backing vocals; piano on "Sweet Dreamer"

Mick Ronson - guitars, backing vocals

Pat Kilbride - bass

Tommy Mandel - keyboards

Mickey Curry - drums

Joe Cerisano - backing vocals

Carmella Long - backing vocals

Donnie Kehr - backing vocals

Robbie Alter - backing vocals

Carola Westerlund - backing vocals

Bernard Edwards - bass on "Women's Intuition"

Benny Marshall - vocals on bonus tracks

Produced at: Power Station, New York City, Bernard Edwards
Release date: ?
Running time: 71:11
Current edition: Mercury
Highest chart places: UK #72, US #157 

Hold onto your hats, music aficionados, for we are about to embark on an electrifying journey into the heart and soul of Ian Hunter's musical resurgence. In a fortuitous twist of fate, Hunter found himself teaming up with the illustrious John Jansen, igniting a creative spark that would set his recording aspirations ablaze once again. But that's not all, folks! Brace yourselves for the triumphant reunion of Hunter and his longtime musical compadre, Mick Ronson. The dynamic duo took their newfound songs on a whirlwind tour across the vast expanse of North America, accompanied by the rock 'n' roll-stirring melodies of the Roy Young Band. Oh, the sheer excitement of it all! With a fresh arsenal of captivating tunes and a string of exhilarating live performances under their belts, The Slimmer Twins were ready to reclaim their rightful place in the musical pantheon. So, dear friends, prepare to witness the glorious resurrection of Hunter's creative genius. The stage is set, the guitars are tuned, and the magic is about to unfold. Let the music reignite your soul as The Slimmer Twins make their triumphant return!

Bob Ridge of Variety Artists pushed for the Twins to tour and informally they were HRB touring between 27 September and 4 December 1988 for sixty shows and considered naming the next record American Music, Balance and later Wish. The Canadian trio of Shawn Eisenberg on drums, bassist Pat Kilbride, and keyboardist Howard Helm backed the Twins. By early 1989 European dates were scheduled but drumming duties were completed by the addition of Londoner Steve Holley who would later figure as one of the most instrumental members of The Rant Band. The core band can be heard on The Hunter Ronson Band BBC Live in Concert. 

The title of the release was an adaptation of  `Why you I oughta . . . ' a comedy phrase by American wisecrackers The Three Stooges. While beginning the recording Hunter assisted Mick Jones of Foreigner on Just Wanna Hold and the song was credited to Jones, Hunter, M. Phillips, and Mick Jagger. Ian also played piano, co-produced the track, and appeared in the promo video. For the recording Holley worked with Joe Cocker so drummer Mickey Curry substituted while keyboardist Tommy Mandel joined as well. 

Abnormal, Ian Hunter, John Jansen, Cutting Crew, 1987

In 1987 Ian played piano on four tracks for Michael Monroe's Nights Are So Long album and he connected with John Jansen, known for the Cutting Crew hit (I Just) Died in Your Arms, especially assisting on a track called Abnormal for Hunter and American Music. The track hung around but it was disbanded as a Rant unused track.

White on White (Hunter-Folsom), Ian Hunter, After All of The Good Ones Are Taken, 1987

In 1987 Scott Folsom recorded Hunter's Red Letter Day and their co-written White on White. 

Inch by Inch, Ian Hunter, Urgent

Hunter wrote a total of four songs for the release and the Running Back single hit #87 on Billboard. Ian also co-wrote If This Is Love, Inch by Inch. 

If This Is Love, Ian Hunter, Urgent

 Hunter wrote a total of four songs for the release and the Running Back single hit #87 on Billboard. Ian also co-wrote If This Is Love, Inch by Inch.