Ranting & Rolling

This legendary Artist just doesn’t quit!!  Ian Hunter became known to the world as the lead singer of Mott the Hoople in the late sixties, early seventies.  Ian also was the group’s main songwriter, and an inspirational leader of the group.  Of course, “Mott the Hoople” became a leader in what was then called “Glam Rock”…but there was more substance to this group and they proved it time and again throughout the 1970’s.  Often considered the very first “Punk” band, which to this scribe’s mind is such a misnomer, as “Mott the Hoople” set the standard for high energy Rock groups throughout the twentieth century!  As the group was nearing its end, Ian Hunter launched a solo career that would give new life to his singing career.  The man just doesn’t quit—after countless solo albums, he still continues to rock the world stages with his “Rant Band” of highly rated musicians.  The year 2015 will see Ian continue to tour, popping up in a variety of places stretching from Japan to Europe.  As music lovers all over the world wait patiently for a new album, Ian has given the go ahead for the release of a new Live Cd.  Recorded during his UK Tour of 2010, Ian Hunter and the Rant Band toured the island along with a String Quartet—giving concert goers a refreshing take on all of his standards!  This particular live release covers creations from Ian’s time with “Mott The Hoople” as well as his storied solo career!  “Ian Hunter & Rant Band: Live in the UK 2010” is now available throughout Canada, and on line as a digital download…this is a great listen, and one that will fulfil the hunger of fans as they await the new studio release.

  Below is the Review I had written for his last studio album…”When I’m President”, and if you missed this one…it is still available at fine record stores everywhere…

Ian Hunter & The Rant Band: When I’m President
Slimstyle Records
Review by: Bruce E.J. Atkinson                                                                                                                       

From the opening track, this is the ultimate Ian Hunter!  A flawless offering from one of the most prolific singer/songwriters of our time.  “When I’m President” flows from strength to strength, whether a rocker or poignant ballad.  This is a master at work!

Get lost in “Fatally Flawed” and find your redemption in the title song; “When I’m President”!  Ian’s voice is as strong as it has ever been, and his song crafting is spot on.  Like most Ian Hunter albums, this one has many hidden messages, set to music that only can be described as beautiful. 

Produced by Ian and his long time guitarist, Andy York, this Work is not as angry as some of Ian’s previous, however it does display some hard hitting lyrics and good ol’ rock n’ roll!  The protesting musical activist has been replaced with a wise-ned troubadour.  Reflective and clever, this Ian Hunter release could be the most important release of 2012…don’t pass this one up!

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:    Hank Stallion:  Feb. 5^th & 6^th / 7^th   Zamboni Brothers:  Feb. 12^th  Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:  Feb. 13^th & 14^th

Doc Willoughby’s:   Agent Orange with In The Whale:  Apr. 28^th

Dream Café:   Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne:  Feb. 6^th & 7^th    Heather Blush & The Uppercuts:  Feb. 14^th

Fernando’s Pub:  Two Bears North & Wild Son:  Feb. 5^th    Cadboro:  Feb. 7^th

Flashback’s Nite Club:  Elliott Brood:  Feb. 12^th

Fleetwood Public House:   Jimmy LeGuilloux Band:   Feb. 6^th & Feb. 7^th

Minstrel Café:  Timely Wonders:  Feb. 6^th    Jayson Bendera & Band:  Feb. 7^th   Bruce Spencer:  Feb. 11^th   Devon Coyote:  Feb. 12^th

Neighbours Pub:   Honest Woods:  Feb. 7^th   Tiger Moon:  Feb. 14^th

O’Flannigan’s Pub:  Colt 45:  Feb. 6^th & 7^th   Papa Wheely:   Feb. 13^th & 14^th

Notable Concerts:   

Prospera  Place:    The Tragically Hip:  Feb. 7^th 2015     Lynyrd Skynyrd:  March 19^th  Counting Crows:   April 29^th   Diana Krall:    May 12^th     

Kelowna Community Theatre:    Jonny Lang:   March 13^th   Burton Cummings:  March 11^th    Colin James:  March 28^th   Whitehorse:  April 10^th   Los Lonely Boys:  May 10^th

Penticton Trade & Convention Centre:  Burton Cummings:  March 12^th 

Performing Arts Centre (Vernon):  The Irish Rovers:   March 9^th   Burton Cummings:  March 15^th 

South Okanagan Events Centre:   Celtic Thunder:  March 13^th-2015   Marilyn Manson:  March 28^th    Def Leppard:  April 15^th   Journey:   July 10^th

 

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.