Dave Hole Under the Spell Genres:Blues, Pop Australian guitarist Dave Hole is proof positive--if anyone still needed any--that one needn't be American to play the blues properly. On Under the Spell, he combines flash technique with a sensibility that prevents his gu... more »itar playing from overwhelming the songs. From the tasteful slide work on the opening "Short Memory" to the wailing solo on "Bird's Eye Blues" to the wistfulness of "Don't Say Goodbye," Hole's playing matches the mood of every song. Variety spices up this album with touches like the folky feel of "Lost at Sea," and both Hole and his band are tight and crisp throughout, making Under the Spell a genuine pleasure. --Genevieve Williams« less
Australian guitarist Dave Hole is proof positive--if anyone still needed any--that one needn't be American to play the blues properly. On Under the Spell, he combines flash technique with a sensibility that prevents his guitar playing from overwhelming the songs. From the tasteful slide work on the opening "Short Memory" to the wailing solo on "Bird's Eye Blues" to the wistfulness of "Don't Say Goodbye," Hole's playing matches the mood of every song. Variety spices up this album with touches like the folky feel of "Lost at Sea," and both Hole and his band are tight and crisp throughout, making Under the Spell a genuine pleasure. --Genevieve Williams
"I've had the pleasure of both meeting Dave Hole in person and seeing him perform live. I decided to skip the two shows in Chicago this past month, though, as this release soured me a bit on him. Dave Hole, like many artists, loses a bit with each release. The smoke and fire of his first two releases just isn't there anymore. Each release is of lesser quality than the one before it. I'm afraid the next one will be acoustic. If you're a true Dave Hole fan, this one can find a spot in the collection. For first time buyers, however, check out the searing "Short Fuse Blues" and "Working Overtime"."
You're not so good Dave!
Ricardo Neves Gonzalez | Petrópolis-R.J. Brazil-bluesfan@ig.com.br | 11/22/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a bluesfan from Brazil,and like others,don't liked this last Hole's work.He's far from his originals two best works,and we're waiting for better days! Poor album!"
Top quality blues rock from a highly underrated player
W. T Hale | 07/18/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dave Hole is Australian and unfortunately not well known, which is a pity because he is one of the best blues and slide guitar players in the world.All of his albums are good, and this one is no exception.If you ever have a chance to see him, and I believe that he is on tour in the Europe and the States in July / Sept, you will not be disappointed. Great player, great show."
It's Just Different
W. T Hale | Woodland Park, Co | 05/30/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album isn't as "in your face" as some of his other work. Do we need the same album repeated over and over? Enjoy the diversity or just put the first album on and set your CD player for repeat play!! Let the man explore a bit."
Finally Ran Out of Steam
W. T Hale | 06/07/2003
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Mr. Hole's first two efforts, "Short Fuse Blues" and "Working Overtime," just blew me away with his monstrous electric slide playing. I didn't think he could possibly top them, but he did with his next two efforts, "Steel on Steel" and "Ticket to Chicago." But "Under the Spell" lacks the fire, intensity and quality songwriting of these previous efforts, and especially is missing the outstanding acoustic numbers that peppered "Steel" and "Chicago." I'm a huge Dave Hole fan, but I ended up Ebay-ing this one. Not an awful album, just not up to par with his previous four. Not the place to start if you want the definitive Dave Hole."