January/February 1997

Brian Hughes
Straight to You
Higher Octave Music

By Hilarie Grey

Best known for his fine collaborative work with songstress Loreena McKennitt, Canadian guitarist Brian Hughes uses his solo platform to explore and draw together a range of influences and styles. Straight to You (Higher Octave HOMCD 7095; 57:39) showcases Hughes' astonishing speed and fluid, smooth play in world beat rhythmic settings, from the flowing brasilbeat "Sesimbra Sun" to the bustling tropical shaker, "Pica," with a guitar-piano duet taking on a steel drum-like resonance. Not content to stop there, Hughes twists and weaves stylistic threads to suit his need-"Soul Fruit"'s funky yet elegant blues sounds like Pat Metheny and Robben Ford sat down for a jam session, and "Andalusian Night" snakes a Middle Eastern melody through a heady flamenco guitar strum for a mysterious, sensuous effect. These original combinations, highlighting Hughes' considerable talents, make Straight to You a must-have.