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With his new release, Greg Hobbs has four CD's in his discography. "Threats and Promises" is my first exposure to this Toronto based musician. Without hesitation, I can assure you I will be tracking down his earlier releases. Greg is well known in Canada playing tours, clubs, and festivals. His US tours have included stops in New York, San Francisco, and Nashville. The new release is laced with his unique observations about life in song. Greg's lyrics include sometimes mild to fairly acerbic and often humorous comments about life's twists and turns. Favorites on this CD include:
"Storm" opens the dozen songs on the CD. Erie slide guitar [Chris Staig] and organ [Dave Engle] set the stage for this tune. Greg spins a tale of a foreboding romantic storm coming. The refrain, "I knew this was coming…" conjures up memories for this listener.
"Won't Always Be Smiling" is a confession about the realities of what someone can contribute to a relationship. Nicole Dueck joins Greg on vocals on top of a band of acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and brushed drums. It is a very appealing song in it's relaxed vocal and instrumental approach.
"Threats and Promises" is the title song and opens with Greg playing guitar and singing. It bemoans a past relationship that holds the story teller in a limbo where his life is focused on getting past the grief by pushing the memories behind the foreground of his mind. He realizes that the best and the worst was in his past love.
"Leave This Town" tells the story of a person who drifts from love to love without a commitment. It features the beautiful accompaniment of Chris Staig's electric guitar solos and turnarounds. Drummer, Brian Lahaie, adds quiet brushed drums that perfectly augment the song. Ayron Mortley backs the song up with defining bass notes.
"Me & This Girl" is an upbeat song about a guy hanging in a bar wishing the barmaid would fall in love with him. He examines all of the scenarios and realizes he better head home to his wife?! Burke Carrol provides some tasty steel guitar along with Chris Staig's strongly supporting guitar work.
The raucous "Tonight The Guys Are Coming Over" is a satire about a fellow who knowingly has the guys over for a drinking party while aware that his wife hates this. He describes them as playing music loudly while drunk knowing that she is struggling not to listen with her head under a pillow. Chris Staig plays a tasty solo and great backing. Lahaie and Mortley drive the song home with perfect choices of beat and drive.
The live song "Beautiful Girls" is a performance gem and shows how Greg as a solo story teller can whip up a satirical and humorous song and capture the whole audience. He asks why all the beautiful girls all pick ___s, losers, & ___s to the delight of the audience. The crowd joins him in singing the refrain.
You can visit Greg Hobb's web site and find out more about this terrific musician. He also offers samples of his music as well as all of his CD's being available for sale online. Pick up "Threats and Promises" and listen up! ~ steve ekblad audiogrid.com
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