Big Ron Hunter - The Great Unknown - Music Maker Recordings 2009

"Our work affirms to these artists (true pioneers and forgotten heroes of Southern musical traditions) that we value the gifts of music and inspiration they have delivered to the world. Our mission is to give back to the roots of American music."

The Foundation's work is worthwhile to the artists, because it provides them with an opportunity to take their music career to the next level, when they may have never been able to get such an opportunity. That's the case for Big Ron Hunter.

Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Hunter is a maintenance man by day. He picked up the guitar at a young age, learning from his father who told him to form his own style of playing. That style of playing is not the hardcore Blues that you may expect. On his acoustic work, it's more of a hybrid combination of finger-picking and rhythmic strumming. Hunter's voice sits high and lands sweetly on the ear. There's Soul in his vocals.

The first track, "Going For Myself," is a really pretty tune. The combination of Hunter's guitar and vocal, blending with Robby Carr's dobro and Dave Keyes' faint organ creates a fantastic opener for The Great Unknown.

"Hard Times" sounds more like a tune from surf pop songster, Jack Johnson, than Bluesman and leader of The Oilers, Big Jack Johnson: heavy on bongos and a bouncing bass line by Bill Rich. The song's lyrics share something in common with "Going For Myself" and "Know the Truth." The first three songs on the album are all filled with references to Hunter's Christian faith. Keyes provides some simply beautiful piano on "Know the Truth."

Hunter picks up the electric guitar on "I Can Make You Feel Like Running," providing some call-and-response licks and a brief solo. "Singing the Blues" is similarly laid out, although with stronger vocals, in my opinion. I really like the way Hunter and Producer Ardie Dean have mixed the tracks to feature Hunter's electric guitar singing out over the acoustic strumming. It's a great sound.

"Not Gonna Stress Myself" and "Play Your Cards Right" feature some of Hunter's best songwriting on The Great Unknown. "Hey Lady" features Hunter's hottest electric guitar work on the album.

The Great Unknown closes with "Through My Eyes," a ballad that might be the furthest thing from Blues on the record, although that's certainly up for debate. It's a beautiful tune with personal lyrics, and some emotional singing from Hunter.

The Great Unknown is a great record to relax to. Ron Hunter refrains from moaning the Blues, sticking to bouncy rhythms and upbeat lyrics. The music lends itself very well to Hunter's vocal style. Critics would try to marginalize The Great Unknown, pointing at the fact that it isn't Blues in the traditional sense; but I promise if you listen with your heart and not your head, you will discover a wonderful sonic treat.

The thing you need to know the most, regardless of what genre someone might say this album falls under, is that Hunter wrote the 12 songs himself, and pours his life and feelings into each one. He provides soulful vocals, and plays his own music in his own way. That alone is enough to give this album a listen, and when you do, I know you will enjoy what you discover on The Great Unknown.

Standout Tracks: All of Them, Especially "Going For Myself," "Through My Eyes," "Not Gonna Stress Myself," and "I Can Make You Feel Like Running"

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