Reviews

Magic Potion Artist Posts: 1246   Noisehead member review

'Blame It On Me by Spot of Blue Country Has No Color « on: Nov. 14 at 10:51:19 PM » Reply with quote There are some musicians who play really really well. Then, there are those musicians who play really really well and just know what to play! With Spot of Blue, you're almost guaranteed the latter! Beautiful... WOW!!! More great stuff from "Spot of Blue." This particular groove, 'Blame It On Me' is something of a departure from their earlier material on their first album, "Livin' Life This Way" but what a nice departure it is. Jazzy, sweet and with an airy Latin beat, it just flows nice and easy-like into the ears. In fact, they all do! With 5 new songs on NOISEHEAD, (all from their new album entitled "Country Has No Color") Spot of Blue enhances their reputation as well as their repertoire with some great new music; a terrific and diverse selection of tracks that come with superb musicianship, high quality arrangements and that 'just slightly' off color, off tune (but highly recognizable) voice of Gary Hankins that's so reminiscent of Tom Rush from the 1960's and 70's (who was known for his unique and subtley beautiful arrangements and Northern folksy, down to earth and civilized but countrified out-of-the-mainstream voice). What this all adds up to is some really phenomenal new songs to sink your ears into. The next one, 'On A Wire' is just another great Gary Hankins-sounding tune... pure and classic Contemporary Country Pop; while, 'War Is Hell' (one of my favorites) just drives you into a chasm with some awesome Devil-may-care fiddle and guitar. 'Blowin' and Goin', another really nice-soundin' tune, adds some of that traditional-sounding light country folk to the overall mix; while their last and latest song up to now 'Waiting'... is just classic Gary Hankins, a little bit of Country, a little bit of Folk, and a little bit of Pop, played and sung with subtlety and feeling. Hats off to Spot of Blue for their rich use of wonderfully written, arranged and played musical compositions that just make you want to listen and listen up for more. - Magic Potion   So smooth and pleasant and easy yet keeps me on my toes!.. dancing. Robyn- Noisehead member.

When They Arrange the Flowers

Very beautiful song by Spot of Blue from Wichita Falls, Texas, USA. Nicely orchestrated and arranged behind the lonesome strumming and picking of a brightly accented metal-stringed accoustic guitar, with a real nice electric guitar lead and  Strings added to top it off. Love this combination of instruments, and, along with Gary Hankins' very effective and distinctive vocal, much of his work reminds me of a great Canadian singer and song writer from the 60's, Tom Rush, who came out with many classic and beautiful arrangements of songs written by, among others, Joanie Mitchell and Jackson Browne. 'When They Arrange the Flowers' is a sad and soulful tune that could very well cross over into the Pop and Folk Genres as well as being in its present Country Genre. Spot of Blue has some other really nice tunes too. This and 'Spot of Blue' are must listens for anyone who enjoys listening to beautifully arranged accoustic folk, pop and country music. I'll let Gary say it, because he says it best... "Are you listening?" - Magic Potion

   14th Annual song contest

"Amber" Nice lyrics and melody. Smooth vocals. Good arrangement. Very nicely done!
 

Music Reviews of World Music, Adult Contemporary, Reggae, Jazz, Blues, Classical

Dec.2005

The windy plains of Texas is the home of Spot of Blue. The main songwriter for the band is Gary Hankins and his guitar play swaggers between blues rock, countrified rock-n-roll, and roots rock. His unconventional voice reminds one of a smart blend of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. Spot of Blue could easily rock a juke joint or any bar east and west of the Mississippi. Good tight songwriting with an emphasis on rockin’.

- J-Sin (

SPOT OF BLUE – LIVIN' LIFE THIS WAY: Spot of Blue is founder Gary Hankins and a band of diverse, talented players. Gary is a singer/songwriter and rhythm guitar player. Hankins grew up in a musical family and has lived and worked in various parts of the United States. Gary pens poetic, real songs about America, life and travel. His music has a down-home flavor that blends a country base with assorted genres. Livin' Life This Way is Spot of Blue's impressive debut release. It features eleven earthy yet well-arranged songs that are light yet layered and serious. The CD explores a range of moods and "Hankins' vocals can capture the weary cynicism of Johnny Cash or the soft optimism of Jim Croce." 'Acey Deucey' is the playful opening track with cutting guitar chords and breaks flowing over a snappy rhythm. Hankins' vocals on the first song flip from gruff to smooth. The title track has a slow almost jazzy feel as Gary softy sings about the state of people and the planet. A subtle violin and backing vocalists also adds to the rich, reflective nature of the song. 'Amber' is a colorful tune that explores a full spectrum in under four minutes. Gary Hankins is an imaginative artist and Spot of Blue hits the spot!

• Recommended Tracks: (1,6,7) [USA/TX 2005 - web] (2006 Review by Laura Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

Music Reviews: FEBRUARY 2006

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Fan reviews                                      See what all of our  friends have to say on Myspace

 

	17 May 2007 9:52 I absolutely love to listen to music. Sometimes you get lost in this art. You have such a sweet vocals. Thanks for taking the time to sing. I appreciate all your hard work. You have yourself one heck of a group backing you. You all "JAM"! Hunny you guys need to be Major. A Rose

 

Katie

thanks for the ad I must say your voice is very relaxing to listen to

ANGIE LEE

Thanks very much for the add! very very nice hunni and such a soothing but sexy voice! nice work i must say xxx

I have to be quite honest with you - the first time I heard your music was when you asked me to join your "friends". I love it! Thanks for the listening pleasure!

Robin

hey you guys are good! thanks for the e-mail

Laura

I LOVE it!! I'm going to listen to it some more, and I'll let you know what my favorite song is soon!!

Thank you again!!

Hope all is well in your world!!

Friends,

Heather

Good...good...stuff....

Marc

Gary is an extroverted type of person. one of  a kind. From me knowing his acquaintance, he never ceases to amaze me with his personality traits. Totally genuine! This reflects directly to the music he composes. I feel it an honor, to personally, know Gary and to have a first hand knowledge of his persona.
 

Scott, Oklahoma

.love your sound!!! "Through your eyes" is my fav 1..good luck with the album....

Ireland

When are you coming to play in the Denton area Gary? Have a wonderful day and again thank you for sharing your music.....especially "THROUGH YOUR EYES" I just can't get enough of that remarkable song...and of course your marvelous voice!
Love & Peace,
Deb

 Denton, Texas

Excellent esp. 'Through your eyes'!

Thomas  Australia

~THROUGH YOUR EYES~ " I LOVE IT"    Tatiana  Citrus Heights, CA

I loved your new album it kicks ass! so many lost when so many could be saved by your words.

Star  Mineral Wells,TX

Your Music is wonderful.

Franzi  Germany

 

 progressive country with smooth vocals
Reviewer: srm
I'll begin by saying that I don't ordinarily listen to C&W (as we call it here). That said, Spot of Blue - Livin' Life This Way is a refreshing departure. Gary Hankins has a voice that is reminiscent of Jim Reeves or Don Williams. Couple that with country song styling and guitar noodlings that verge on jazzy; violin passages that owe more to Bob Ezrin than the usual C&W style, and Spot of Blue emerges as a unique take on the ordinary. My personal faves are "Amber" and the signature tune "Spot of Blue". Kudos to GHankins (et al) for making a traditional song style rise above the common and holding the interest of a jaded old geez with solid, soothing songs that are at once traditional and progressive in musicality and sentiment.

SRM

Wichita Falls, Tx

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