Search - Scott Henderson :: Well to the Bone

A great follow up to Henderson's masterpiece, Tore Down Hous

Steward Willons | Illinois | 03/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is another fine release from Scott Henderson's blue-oriented solo project. However, to call this "blues" is to misrepresent the music. While Dog Party started off with fairly recognizable blues forms, Tore Down House began to break away, and by the time we reach Well to the Bone, these are either the most abstract, "out" blueses ever, or it's basically a fusion album with a bluesy feel. Whatever you want to call it, it's great music.



On the whole, I think Tore Down House has stronger songs and Dog Party has, perhaps, more memorable ones. Dog Party is silly fun with goofy lyrics and a simple approach. Tore Down House is a total masterpiece - the songs are amazing, the lyrics are humorous, the vocalists are hot - everything is just working. The difference with Well to the Bone is that the lyrics are vocalists aren't such a big deal. Take "Lady P" for instance - the vocals are almost burried and the melody is such that it doesn't lend itself to singing along in the way that one could with, say, "Dog Walk."



Of course, it's all about the guitar. The only reason I'm talking about the vocals so much is that they're one of the only ways to differentiate between the albums. The guitar playing is stellar on all three. The writing is great. The soloing is inspired. On Well to the Bone, especially, the songs seem basically like a guitar-centric Tribal Tech recording minus Willis and Kinsey.



I'm rating it four stars because I don't think it's quite as strong as Tore Down House. However, it's all relative. Four stars for Henderson would probably be six stars for lots of other artists.



Henderson fans should *definitely* pick this up. Heck - anyone who likes fusion, blues, or guitar should pick this up. While I might recommend those new to Henderson start with Tore Down House first, this is also a great album - one that we'll all be listening to for years. I can't wait to see where Henderson takes us next."