Texas-based, guitarist Eric Hisaw is not only a fine sideman, but worthwhile act in his own right. Hard-working Hisaw’s vocals contain on “Take Care Of Yourself” hints of Doug Sahm, and maybe… just maybe a little of the rhythm from one of the Eagles’ hits. Good it is too! In all there are five songs, three from Hisaw, the above plus “Desert Sun” and “Little Piece Of You”. A mix of roughhouse barroom country spiced with r&b it shows Hisaw in good light, his unbending style of guitar and general attitude holding him in good stead, plus he enjoys some fine harmony vocals from Jenn Miori.
For covers he goes for “I Just Got Tired Of Being Poor”(Dallas Frazier) and from Lou Reed “I’ll Be Your Mirror”, the first awash in fine country picking and solid groove, vintage country (songwriting and otherwise). As for the latter, Hisaw’s diverse love of music is shown, and there is once again a distinctive loose and ragged, but always in controlled muse of Doug Sahm (and his buddies) and Texas feel of free abandon present. I now just need to hear a full-blown recording from him, because he has a distinctive bold guitar style, and enough of a gritty edge to his vocals to set him aside of the crowd.
Maurice Hope