The Manhattan Blues Project
Steve Hunter · 2013
47 min · 12 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of blues-infused melodies and rich instrumental textures that evoke the essence of New York City.
Top tracks — play these first
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222 W 23rd — This track features intricate guitar work that encapsulates the energy of urban life, combining rhythmic grooves with lyrical solos that mirror the hustle of New York City.
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Flames at the Dakota — The song showcases Hunter's ability to blend storytelling with musicality, painting a vivid picture of iconic locations while maintaining a soulful blues feel.
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Twilight in Harlem — With its reflective mood and rich instrumentation, this track captures the essence of Harlem's cultural landscape, highlighting Hunter's deep connection to the city's history.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends varied tempos and showcases strong guitar work, but its impact remains limited to blues enthusiasts.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a short instrumental track that sets a reflective mood, leading into more rhythmically diverse pieces that incorporate various tempos.
- Several tracks feature extended guitar solos that showcase Hunter's technical skill and emotional expression, particularly in 'Flames at the Dakota' and 'Twilight in Harlem'.
- The last three tracks gradually slow down the tempo, creating a sense of closure and reflection as the album concludes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant city-inspired soundscapes
- short tracks for quick enjoyment
- evocative melodies for daydreaming
- dynamic rhythms for urban energy
Maybe skip if you
- seeking long, introspective pieces
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 2013, Steve Hunter had already established himself as a session guitarist and live performer, known for his work with Alice Cooper and Lou Reed. The Manhattan Blues Project marked a significant artistic moment, showcasing his transition into a solo artist and allowing him to explore personal interpretations of the blues with a New York flair.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Joe Bonamassa· Gary Moore· Derek Trucks
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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A Night at the Waldorf
The narrative shifts from vibrant descriptions of nightlife to introspective musings on fleeting moments.
This transition emphasizes the contrast between public exhilaration and private contemplation, making it a poignant reflection on urban existence.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Prelude to the Blues 3:11
- 2 222 W 23rd 5:43
- 3 Gramercy Park 4:22
- 4 A Night at the Waldorf 3:18
- 5 Solsbury Hill 5:02
- 6 Daydream by the Hudson 1:11
- 7 Flames at the Dakota 3:21
- 8 The Brooklyn Shuffle 4:01
- 9 What's Going On 5:13
- 10 Ground Zero 2:48
- 11 Twilight in Harlem 5:26
- 12 Sunset in Central Park 3:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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