American John Hiatt is widely respected as one of the very best songwriters of his generation. His songs have been recorded by greats like , , , , , and . Hiatt has also been quite successful as a solo artist over the past twenty years. His strongest albums include (1983), (1987), (1988) and (2000). Unfortunately, these masterpieces were often interspersed with disappointing albums, such
… as from 2001. Fortunately for the many loyal fans, the successor Beneath This Gruff Exterior is a strong revenge. Just like Bring The Family, this CD was also recorded live in the studio in a very short time (eight days!). The biggest difference with the previous albums lies in the fact that Hiatt's songs are really written for the body of his backing band this time . For example, we hear a number of solid, nicely uncomplicated (blues) stampers, in which slide guitarist is given all the space to excel. Just listen to the moving Missing Pieces, the humorous How Bad's The Coffee or the infectious My Baby Blue, with which Hiatt even has a potential hit in its hands. Conclusion: with Beneath This Gruff Exterior, the phenomenon John Hiatt has made a classic for the umpteenth time in his career. Beautiful album! (MvP)more
