Blending Latin, jazz and flamenco styles, guitarist Russ Hewitt brews an intoxicating oasis of sound on Bajo el Sol, Hewitt's long-awaited 10-song debut solo album. Hewitt's lightning runs on guitar and strong "rumba flamenco" rhythms are fused with Arabic and Indian textures on songs like "Byzantine," "Inger" and "Simati (View from the Great Wall)." With an extensive use of exotic scales and a keen sense for composition, Hewitt's evocative instrumental music speaks volumes. Bajo el Sol, or Under the Sun, was inspired by Hewitt's travels: "After backpacking through Europe and traveling in Turkey, China and Egypt, I was so awed by my exposure to the authentic music of each region. I was also able to jam with players on my travels as well, which was amazing. When I got home, I was inspired to create the original music on Bajo el Sol that I call "Latin world."
A University of North Texas graduate in classical performance and a seasoned studio musician, he is no stranger to the Dallas music scene. As part of acclaimed Texas bands including Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt won both electric and acoustic category in Z-Rock radio's prestigious "guitar slinger" contest. After Dimebag Darrell's untimely death, Hewitt then filled in for Dime in the cover band Gasoline, playing with drummer Vinnie Paul and bass players Rex Brown and Bobzilla for a prestigious 2005 New Year's Eve gig. As a member of Whipping Post and Hollow, Hewitt opened for national acts including Zakk Wylde, Quiet Riot, Sammy Hagar, Infectious Grooves, Drowning Pool and Thin Lizzy, earning kudos as "Top 10 Acts of the Year," "Band to Look Out For" and "Next Big Thing." Dallas music critics dubbed Hewitt a "guitar god," and a "phenom," noting "Russ has a vision in music that is only found in true artists." Hewitt is humbler about his critically acclaimed axe-work, noting, "as long as I'm playing guitar, that's all that matters."
Russ's debut, Bajo el Sol, is sure to be met with high anticipation. The album is a labor of love: Hewitt completed the entire record, but scrapped it and re-recorded everything with producer Bob Parr (mozart modern, disptronica). "The first effort was good, but I didn't want to 'settle' on anything," Hewitt explains. "I knew I could make something really special; we thought of what would be our dream team and made it happen." Hewitt worked with world-famous players Walfredo Reyes Jr (Santana, Strunz and Farah, Ricky Martin) on drums, Rafael Padilla (Miami Sound Machine, Shakira) on percussion, Bob Parr (Cher, Brian Setzer Orchestra) on bass, and flamenco guitar prodigy Alfredo Caceres. With over 200 gigs in 2007, Hewitt's seasoned band expresses flair, facility, and bravura.
On Bajo el Sol, Hewitt's considerable promise is fulfilled, and it's clear he's as talented as a Latin, jazz and flamenco stylist as he is a revered rock shredder. Hewitt and his band plan to do the festival circuit in 2009, and, he concludes, "I've been doing Nuevo Flamenco for the last 10 years, so although it's new to my rock audience, it's second nature to me. I'm so excited this album has finally come together. I called it Bajo el Sol because it's all about bringing together music from around the world 'Under the Sun.' As they say, music is the universal language, and I hope my record speaks to everyone."
|
