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Emerson Hart: Cigarettes & Gasoline

By Keith Hannaleck

Artist: Emerson Hart
Title: Cigarettes & Gasoline
Genre: Rock-Pop-Alternative
Label: Manhattan Records
Website: www.emersonhart.com
Purchase this CD: Amazon
ECard/Mini-Site
YouTube Video Link

Emerson Hart has a past that follows him in his music and in his life. As the former lead singer of the popular band Tonic he made an impression in the heads of younger music fans, and an impact on the charts. Now he continues to develop as a prolific solo artist.

Perhaps the most haunting and unknown fact of his life is the mysterious murder of his father. Through the exploration of loss and personal tragedy, an artist can take us with him on a journey whereby, together, we conjure up the strength to find closure that we might put the past to rest. Perhaps Emerson Hart has found that purging of the soul through his incredibly good solo release Cigarettes and Gasoline.

This record’s greatness is due to some outstanding music, and to the emotion and passion that come pouring through Hart’s lyrics. This is a powerful statement from an artist who has already been at the top. Once you get there you have everything to lose. Wearing your heart on your sleeve and laying all your cards on the table is a huge risk, but not for a well traveled and mature spirit like Hart.

Of the12 tracks on this CD, every one has the potential to be a hit - this fact alone is amazing. As in many cases with some of my favorite albums, I did not like it after the first listen, but after the third I began to fall in love with this CD for all of the aforementioned reasons. There are hooks galore in every tune, and Hart’s voice is superb. Toned perfectly and built for each track and the story within, his vocals make every effort to impress. Hart is a very capable electric and acoustic guitarist and keyboardist. He gives a tremendous performance and behind him is a solid lineup of musicians (see credits).

I cannot seem to get the tracks “Run To,” and “If You’re Gonna Leave” out of my head. Both have elements of regret and sadness as well as the sort of rhythm and feeling that you want running through you over and over. This release is filled with that rare kind of magic that translates into hits.

Cigarettes and Gasoline gets under your skin and inside your heart. Emerson Hart has recorded an exceptional and memorable album that is certain to launch a successful solo career. I can think of no reason why this album shouldn’t be huge. In spite of the fact that there’s no big label PR machine behind it, this record may still be one of the most listened to releases of the year.

Reviewed - July 11, 2007

Tracks:

01. Run To (3:17)
02. Devastation Hands (3:10)
03. If You're Gonna Leave (3:50)
04. I Wish The Best For You (3:50)
05. I Know (3:29)
06. Green Hills Race For California (3:58)
07. Ordinary (3:08)
08. Vanity (4:33)
09. When She Loves You (3:30)
10. Flyin' (4:03)
11. Friend To A Stranger (3:29)
12. Cigarettes And Gasoline (5:10)

Credits:

Track 1

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Slide Guitar
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 2

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar, Keyboards
Devin Malone: Cello, Electric Guitar
Mike Napolitano: Keyboards, Xylophone
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 3

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Joel Shearer, Jamie Edwards, Devin Malone: Electric Guitars
Jason Lehning: Keyboards
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 4

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Devin Malone: Electric Guitar, Cello
Gabe Dixon: Piano
Jason Lehning: Keyboards, Electric Guitar
Matt Bronleewe: Keyboards
Park Chisolm: Bass
Rob Mitchell: Drums

Track 5

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Slide Guitar
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 6

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Devin Malone: Cello

Track 7

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitars
Devin Malone: Clavinnet
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 8

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Dave Rossler: Electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Wurlitzer
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 9:

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Devin Malone: Electric Guitar
Jamie Edwards: Piano, Electric Guitar, Keyboards
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 10:

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel
Devin Malone: Electric Guitar
Jamie Edwards: Piano, Keyboard/Strings, Electric Guitar
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 11:

Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

About the Author:

Keith Hannaleck, known as “MuzikMan” is a Journalist specializing in independent and major music reviews and the promotion of artists via the various media outlets flourishing online. He has worked closely with artists, management, publicity directors, and webmasters to provide some of the best and far-reaching coverage an artist could have. Focusing primarily on the internet as a medium for his work, Keith has been a pioneer in the industry changing the way a reviewer with his various talents are used by many artists, PR folks, and labels. He has provided strong and valuable work to labels, artists, and publicity people, writing reviews, press releases, and biographies and much more over the years, giving the people he works with the maximum amount of exposure through several top-notch websites that post his content on their sites.

Hannaleck built and maintained his own website in 1998 while networking and building his reputation through thousands of reviews and interviews, creating a special niche for himself. Through many years of dedication and hard work, he has reached a respected level of competence and knowledge that is frequently sought by the music industry today. Known for his speaking from the heart interpretations of music and being able to put it in layman’s terms for music fans, his work is found everywhere in cyberspace and in traditional print media, from press kits to quotes from reviews in magazine advertisements.