Willie T & Doctor X - December 8th
Rock, Roots Rock, Americana, Folk, Blues
Massachusetts, United States
Overall Impression: Veteran Boston rock duo Willie T and Doctor X commemorate the untimely demise of music icon John Lennon, with their release of "December 8th." Paying homage to such a legendary artist is no small feat, yet these seasoned songwriting partners managed to accomplish this by approaching Lennon's assassination with total reverence and aplomb. This track features a shuffling, uptempo blues boogie played by a top notch rhythm section, and an inspired vocal performance that will send chills down the listener's spine. Highlighted by multiple musical phrases and lyrical quotes taken from various works composed by the former Beatle, "December 8th" recounts that fateful night in 1980, when the world lost one of its most beloved cultural figures. Rock audiences of all ages and backgrounds absolutely need to experience the magic and appreciation of Willie T and Doctor X's "December 8th" first hand.
Strongest Point(s): Wonderful piece of song craft. So many great little touches; from all the lyrical nods, to the "Love Me Do" harmonica, to the chord progression in the chorus. Even the groove itself feels like it could've been lifted from the Imagine sessions. It's amazing how cathartic this tune feels, more than forty years after his passing. The playing on this is tight and focused, and the vocals are well delivered, also possessing that Lennon-esque splash of reverb for an even more authentic sound. Production is good, it's a very solid, well balanced mix overall. Really just an truly fantastic song, and a fitting tribute to a bonafide legend. I think John himself would absolutely love it!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Rock, Blues, Blues Rock, Southern Rock, Country Rock, Roots Rock, Pop/Rock
Artist target suggestions: Warren Zevon, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Harry Nilsson, David Peel, Bob Mould
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre, from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent among the next generation of musical explorers