In Memory of Stan 'the Man' Hedges: "Two Mule Parade" is longtime Tennessee Blues Guitar-Slinger Stan "The Man" Hedges' first solo project. For Hedges, now 52, it's been a long time coming! However, from what people are exclaiming after hearing this 12 song project (11 originals, most written in the last two years), its well worth the wait!.... Hedges, primarily known as a guitarist, has drawn accolades a-plenty over the years for his guitar work. Now with the release of "Two Mule Parade", it's very obvious that "The Man" is the complete package, a singer/songwriter, storyteller/guitarist that has paid his dues and developed an enamoring style that's all his own... .. This project in its entirety is a gem, with its own earthy provocative feel, mixing New Orleans grooves and Kansas City shuffles with "Fat Back" rockers, gritty storytelling and stunning guitar work. ..From the eerily nostalgic acoustic-swamp-jazz narrative of the title track "Two Mule Parade", to the story of a misunderstood ex-con who probably won't last much longer on the outside in "Angola Cowboy", it's plain to see that this CD is rich in character... "I Can Hear the Delta" is a picturesque longing for a rich musical culture that is slowly dying (reflected by the guitarist's killer slide work). ..Slightly stepping out of his blues bag, the "Americana-esque" "Garden of Pain-Requiem for Billy Collins, Jr." tells the heart-wrenching true story of Nashville's Golden Boy boxing contender Billy Collins Jr.'s maiming in the ring of Madison Square Garden by a dishonest opponent's manager in 1983. The guitar solo and the coda-solo on this song are very strong and emotional, with an almost epic quality... "Waiting for the Sky to Fall" is a John Lee Hooker type of blues with lyrics that stick; "Sometimes late at night, I hear you call my name, but it's just the wind outside, bringin' in the rain". .."Reach the Light-Tribute to Sister Rosetta Tharpe" is an up-lifting, hand-clapping Gospel vamp that slams home the quest of reaching the one true light. ..The grooving minor-blues "Won't stand the Light of Day" is a scalding attack on racism-past and present-with some great Chromatic Harp lent by "Chicago Charlie" Fink. .. In the past, Hedges has exhibited a sly sense of humor and does not disappoint his listeners with the Jump Blues "Snappin' Turtle Blues", exhibiting more than an acquaintance with the West Coast swing style and to his better judgment, left clinkers and all in on this first- taker! .. "Butter Yo' Biscuits takes you to the Delta with a smile on your face in this resonator slide number. ..The instrumental "Kentucky Skin Tag Salad" is a grooving "Organ Trio Type", head-cutting contest where Stan and keyboardist Shannon Wickline absolutely "cut loose"! ..While not an original, the unique blues version of the traditional spiritual "Wade in the Water" should have most listeners out of their seats and singing with the choir! ....This CD should thrill a lot of people searching for something different, but also for those longing for something satisfying and real. What is amazing to see and is really unheard of in this day and age, is the fact that every single song on the CD has received "Airplay in Rotation"!! Not one or two songs, but every song has appealed to the listeners, radio programmers and DJ's around the world. This is a tremendous testament to the legacy this CD is leaving in the minds and hearts of Blues, Americana, Root's, Rock, Alternative, Gospel fans everywhere!!
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