By Ryan Dahlman
Prairies

Medicine Hat-based singer/musician Rob Hudec has released his third CD.

Overall, it was a solid, enjoyable effort which has something for everyone. It doesn’t overpower you and don’t expect any hard, rocking guitar riffs that you may hear during a set by Hudec in live concert.

A few eyebrows may be raised by the fact Hudec offers three instrumentals on one CD. No need to worry, it works.

The overall theme the up and downs of relationships. Hopefully, Hudec will have the financial resources, time and confidence to not wait three years to release a new CD. Dandelion was definitely worth the wait. Hudec did all the lead vocals, guitars, mandolin, and washboard. Troy Biccum, was on bass, keyboards/accordion courtesy Corbie Dorner; saxophone-Bill Taylor and Jason Hellman was on drum and percussion.

It’s definitely worth a listen, grab one if you have the chance.

Track 1: Back Home — Slow, yet still upbeat tempo song about a man going through a rough tough and looking to find a way through it. All of these helpful ideas are pushing him back home.

You Can’t Stop the World from Turning — Jesse Zubot offers his trade mark violin licks in a country, bluesy mix type of song. Hudec narrates more than sings on this one. Good beat.

What You Gonna Do? — A kind of a light bluesy, funky song which has a Red Red Wine by UB40 reggae sound to it. Jackie Hudec and Donna Becker offer some background vocals.

Dandelion — An instrumental which shows Hudec's love of the blues genre. It’s Hudec’s time to shine on this catchy little tune. If one heard it enough times, it’s definitely a song one could find themselves whistling to during the course of a day. Too bad it’s only about two and a half minutes long. Good job on Hudec’s part, leave ‘em wanting more.

Oh Honey, Won’t You Please Come Home? — Ahhh, here is a more traditional blues’ sound. Someone is sorry about not doing right by their significant other. Well done.

Tip Toe’n — Another blues instrumental, this time a more up-tempo Stevie Ray Vaughn, Colin James type. Here, Hudec really shows off his obvious talent as a musician. Make no mistake, this isn’t someone who just started playing, Hudec is a gifted, seasoned musician.

My Heart Will Always Beat for You — A nice, easy going tempo, with a emphasis on Taylor’s saxophone. A man expresses his undying love for his sweetheart.

Your Place in Life is Home — A nice, easy going catchy tune with Hudec effectively using the mandolin.

Slovensky Styl (Slovak Style) — Yup, this up-tempo instrumental is not New Orleans, St. Louis or Chicago style of blues. This time Ezra Azmon plays an inspired and skillful set of violins.

Shine Your Light — Hudec slows things right down with a few guitar cords. This slow song could easily be done as a country number. It’s the kind of song which would be played in a smoky bar with someone who is sad about his/her lot in life, looking for answers.

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Another honest, solid effort from Hat’s Hudec