Al's Auto Color splashes on the scene with a savory mix of eclectic energy in the Hors d'oeuvre #1 CD single. Track one of this two-song single features a spirited rendition of the Agustin Barrios classical guitar piece, Choro Da Saudade-just for kicks. But the fun doesn't end there. The upbeat tune Maybe, from the forthcoming album $cratch, introduces you to the heart of the AAC sound - down home rock'n rollmanship. Something old, something new; all together, unique.
Vocals/Bass/Guitars -- Justin Hackett
Drums -- Wig Wigington
Keyboards/b.u.Vocals -- John Dennis
b.u.Vocals -- April DeCock
b.u.Vocals -- Brenda DeCock
Mix Engineer -- Mark Needham
Mastering Engineer -- Bob Katz
Recording Engineer -- Larry Burger
Created by musician/singer/songwriter/producer Justin Hackett, of Casper, Wyoming, Al’s Auto Color (AAC) is described as an “American music project of the rock-and-roll type-category.” Hackett handles the aspects of production and carefully selects studio musicians to realize his diverse musical visions. “It’s like Steely Dan, but instead of two musical geniuses like Becker and Fagen, you have just one o.k guitar picker”, quips Hackett.
Don’t let his humility fool you. He’s no junior-varsity player--probably one of the most brilliant guitarists on the planet...or at least on his block. The newly released “Hors d’oeuvre #1” pre-album CD includes his own rendition of the Augustin Barrios Mangore classical-guitar-piece, “Choro Da Saudade.” “It was just something I felt I had to do at this time in my life,” says Hackett, “You know, like before I cut a finger off pruning the chinese elm tree in the back driveway.”
Hackett began playing guitar at the age of nine and learned the Chet Atkins’ style of picking from his uncle Don. He recalls fond memories of his early years learning to play: “I have two uncles on my mother’s side that both taught me something about guitar. My uncle Don taught me how to play like Chet, and my uncle Jim taught me how to turn it up loud,” says Hackett.
After a stint in the early 90’s playing in bar bands throughout the Midwest, Hackett made his way to Nashville, where he pumped gas at Jim Polly’s Amoco station by day and sat-in with his guitar at local establishments by night. “I had more fun working at Jim Polly’s than I did hanging around the clubs,” he says. “I got to put air in Tex Cobb’s tires, fill up Chet’s gas tank, and I drove Emmylou Harris’ mini-van.” Realizing he’d be happier pumping gas and playing guitar back home, Hackett gassed up and headed West.
Leaving Nashville for some means the end of a burgeoning musical career; however, for Hackett--it was the catalyst to propel him to his highest level of musical genius yet (blah, blah, blah)...Back in Wyoming, Hackett was hit with a new wave of inspiration to finish “Maybe”, a song he and friend Clay LeDoux, son of the late cowboy and country-star Chris LeDoux, began writing years ago.
Hackett is optimistic about the future of Al’s Auto Color and is excited for the release of the $cratch album. “I think people are going to hear something special in this production,” he says. And true to his cowboy roots, he adds: “That’s all you can do, turn it out and see what happens.”
Al’s Auto Color, “Hors d’oeuvre #1” is available at Amazon.com, CDBaby.com, Target.com, Itunes, MSN Music, and other online music retailers. |
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