Get familiar with the name. You are going to thank me for it. Dustin Hofsess has released a solo album "Short Stories", which was produced by Jim Brock, whom a friend of his recently called "The Hendrix of Percussion". Yup...True. He is recognized world wide as a master of percussion and an award winning producer. I've heard Brock's work as a producer being described as "cinematic". I think that is accurate. I feel as though I am hearing music that should be front and center on the big screen. There is a huge open quality in the sound. The nuances are breathtaking. He understands the use of sound, and silence. Dustin is more than amazing, and Brock was able to capture and present him exactly as he is. Brock's discography is extensive, and although this blog is about the guitar, I highly recommend you check out www.JimBrock.net for info on his extraordinary talent and achievements. Now about this guy Dustin Hofsess I recently had the opportunity to see & hear him perform tracks from his new album "Short Stories". He does not disappoint. Jim Brock calls him "a Freak". Believe me: that is a compliment, and actually quite accurate. I've seen Dustin play R&B, Rock, Blues- he handles it all equally well, adding his own flavor. The real treat is when you hear him settle into his jazz soul. It is there that he finds and defines his genius as a songwriter and artist. Intonation, dynamics, emotion all play a role in his execution. He draws you in, and holds you there. Live: you feel his joy, on disc: you move into his world and feel at home. His music is universal: it evokes images of a traveler. "Short Stories" is most appropriately named, as each song stands alone in its uniqueness, yet draws images in the mind. The title track "Short Story" is lyrical. not too sweet, just enough discord to make you wonder about backstory. The talent of George Porter Jr on bass, along with the tasteful keyboard work of Lovell Bradford is evident. Hofsess pulls it all together to tell his musical tale. "Lament for Camille", the first track, is a lush melody that is lovely live or heard quietly at home with eyes closed...the better to soar with the fingerwork. Not giving it away, but you'll love the way it ends. Dustin is not ordinary. "And the Children Danced" is playful. I smiled the first time I heard it, and it has not lost its charm. The bass line is fantastic...pure Dustin. His fingers dance along the frets with light abandon. The Zeppelin classic "Kashmir" takes on a whole new life with Dustin at the helm. Jimmy Page will cheer when he hears this. This is the way this song was meant to be performed! Sans vocals, it is magnificent. The Eastern influences are front and center, and it illustrates perfectly how beautifully Hofsess creates something totally new out of a song that is a standard on every rock radio station. It is now reborn as whole new animal. BRAVO DUSTIN!!! One of my favorites is "Simple and True". OK. Dustin knows I gave this another name, and I think mine is better, and more perfect, as the images were so strong in my mind from the moment I heard it. I refer to it as "The Elephant in the Room". There is this incredible heavy yet graceful movement that has deep roots. Performed live, it blew me away. As I listen to this now, the impact is the same. It thrills me with its beauty. Pondering, thick, gorgeous. Yup, I adore this song. simply and truly adore it... Oh, and if you happen to agree with me on the title, tell Dustin. LOL! "It's the Poets, Not the Newspapers" is another intriguing piece that has movement and scope. Delicious bass! The depth of sound is part of what I referred to earlier as cinematic. There is a spaghetti western hidden inside the song. And then it moves a continent away. I find myself drawn to this track more each time. "When Death Finds You, May it Find You Alive" The title alone made me curious. Ghostly images in the beginning make way for a more precise and deliberate attack. Great contrast, with just the right amount of effects to make you say "Yes!" Dang!!!! This album was so good, I bought two copies immediately. One for me, one to share with a friend. I may need to get more. This is one to share with the world baby! The fact that Hofsess played all guitars, lap steel, electric and upright basses with the exception of a couple of songs, was impressive indeed. But the magic was his ability to have you explore a place that is not your own. Images were created within my mind, clearly defined paintings developed with intricate details as I listened. Dustin Hofsess is an artist of the highest form. He is a "Freak" and I for one am grateful. Let your Freak Flag Fly my friend!