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Christian Hastings says "this project...was about time," so it's no surprise that Get It On lives up to the old adage that good things take time. Hastings certainly took the time to pen six impressive originals for the album. His selection of covers gives a good hint at what to expect from his compositions.
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Christian serves up Bill Withers' '70s hit "Use Me" with a delivery that rivals Withers. The horn arrangements from the Sho' NuffHorns are nice and fat and Hastings' vocals are rich and soulful. Christian's fret work is precise and compelling but it doesn't overwhelm the rest of the band.
"Wonderful You" opens things with a swing mood framing his superb vocals and clean picking. "The Other Man" is a chilling slow acoustic number with Hastings stepping out solo for the song's first minute in a haunting reflection on how it feels to be the back door man. "Drowning In My Misery" picks up the tempo while the rhythm gets funky to match the mood. But when Christian and band light up Marvin Gaye's classic "Let's Get It On" they make you feel like everything is right in the world even if it's just for a few minutes. The blues get straighter with "Play You For The Fool" where Ken Soper's organ lines stand out along with one of Christian's brilliant guitar breaks. |
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Hastings' playing
is formidable throughout the CD, but he never bludgeons you
with it. "Deeper Shades Of Blue," as slow and blue
as the title suggests, is a perfect example where Christian
mesmerizes you with his fluid runs before you regain your
senses and realize just how stunning he can be. Those
who like a bit of soul and R&B in their blues will love
Get It On. |
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