John Kilzer - Hide Away

This is a Memphis record from kickoff to fadeout, its dozen tracks moving handily from electric blues to congregational-style call-and-response choruses to folk-rock ballads. It's an eclectic assembly of styles and performances, one a lot of younger artists might not attempt. But Kilzer's firmly in the pocket all the way through. Like a lot of Southern writers, Kilzer's got a keen sense of how the best can be salvaged out of the worst parts of us, how something bigger can reach down and turn our weaknesses to strengths. Hide Away is a record tuned into that seeming paradox. The roster of musicians on Hide Away reads like a choice blend of Memphis's old guard and young turks. Sid Selvidge's son Steve, currently of The Hold Steady, contributes guitar and backing vocals. Luther Dickinson, son of legendary producer Jim Dickinson, currently of The North Mississippi All-Stars, plays guitar and lap steel. Contemporary folk/blues powerhouse Alvin Youngblood Hart shows up for guitar and vocals, and keeping the beat is renowned drummer Greg Morrow. Kirk Whalum is on hand to help serve up Till We're All Free, Kevin Houston (North Mississippi Allstars) co-produces, and a host of equally heavy hitters deepen an already formidable bench.'Hide Away' may be this Memphis singer-songwriter and guitarist's finest moment. The Blues MagazineMemphis music at its finest. if you were to add up all the best bits of music of Memphis, you would get something like John Kilzer. MaverickJohn is a fine songwriter with Mempis tattoed on his soul.. R2