1-12-06 |
11-8-05The music of Hank Williams Sr. and Johnny Cash has been resurrected from the great beyond back to the land of the living in the form of the phenomenon known as Johnny Hank! The soulful melodies of times past find new roots in fresh souls hungry for artful simplicity thanks to the incredible talent of local renaissance man, Bert Streavig, whose accomplished abilities range from painting, and photography to antique truck restoration. However, these interests take a back seat to the clear forerunner in this artist's repertoire. Music has been the cohesive constant in Streavig's life as far back as early childhood fiddling with keyboards and recording equipment which when left unguarded fell victim to Bert's insatiable curiosity towards musical expression.
This brings us to the current manifestation of the ever-morphing artistic talent of Bert Streavig, and that is Johnny Hank. The embodiment of two sounds into one person is no new ground to Streavig. It is also not presumptuous for him to cover such legends in the field, more like an apt tribute from one musical genius to his fallen brethren. And when you hear it for yourself youíll invariably feel it to be true.
However, for a number of years, if you asked Streavig whom he recorded with, you would have been looking right at them. Volumes of recordings were made which sounded like full four of five piece groups playing in harmony. What really is stunning to a first time listener, though, is that instead of five performers on five instruments side by side in a studio, the sound they are hearing is the result of flawless overlaying of tracks all performed by Bert himself; Bert playing along with Bert. Thus, brand new compositions were created one track/instrument at a time never writing down a single note. As they say, "playing it by ear".
evilstevil@verizon.net
