On The Net
Hoyt Hughes
June/July 1998
It's always a bit
difficult to begin a review on a new artist. So many new artists are loaded with talent
and I hate to sound redundant when writing about them. If the artist doesn't meet my
particular taste in music, I have to be able to fairly and without prejudice give him/her
a favourable write-up but within the realms of reason. Let's face it, all voices and
styles just cannot appeal to everyone......or can they? Well, I think Hoyt Hughes can and
WILL appeal to all who hear him. I was touched by his voice the moment I put his
"demo" tape in the player. His wife, Wendy, said about the demo, "...it's
still good, just not some of my favourite songs. At least you'll be able to hear how
versatile he is." Wendy, if this is only the demo, I can't wait to get my hands on a
finished product!
If I were to find any fault at all on this demo tape of Hoyt's it would be the lack of original material but his magic with a song far outweighs that aspect. The only other person to do an Elvis song that I could really appreciate was Ronnie McDowell. Look out Ronnie...you got a runner up here! Hoyt does "American Trilogy", which starts out with "Dixie", melds into "Glory", "Hush Little Baby" (Elvis' tribute to his daughter, Lisa Marie) and a grand finale of "Glory". Hoyt makes no attempt whatsoever to sound like Elvis, but his own rendition is deeply moving and equally reveals his talent. Hoyt amazed and wowwed me once more with his version of George Jones' all time top hit, "He Stopped Loving Her Today" which literally sent chills up my spine. I never would have believed that I could prefer anyone other than The Possum singing that song......I believe it now. He then slips into James House's, "A Real Good Way To Wind Up Lonesome" which James would be proud to hear. Let us not forget, "In San Antone". This is the one and only original from Hoyt at this time. Hoyt wrote this song with co-writer, Jason Crawford. The lyrics as well as his delivery of this sad, beautiful ballad reveals the heart in this man and will touch the heart of all who hear it.
This is only a beginning of what is to appear on and about Hoyt. Mark my
words, he's goin' places and I'm proud to be able to be a part of it. Hoyt is currently
busy in the studio recording his first CD which will feature "In San Antone" and
9 more original songs, hopefully to be done within a couple months.
Written By: Marlene Slater
"My Kind Of Country"
Aztec Artist Developement
Post Office Box 91306
Lakeland, Florida 33804
Phone/Fax ( 941) 815-9882
Email: Hoyt Hughes
The Country Music Gazette
Tel: 01144 (0)1977 556568
Fax: 01144 (0)1977 558137
e-mail: jdenterprises@breathe.co.uk
Visit Hoyt Hughes' Homepage For More Details
