Dean Haitani has been no secret to the blues cognoscenti for a long time.
And with his earliest influences ranging from the classical & jazz to country, he exemplifies the ability of the blues genre to absorb, blend and make whole.

Haitani is a gifted guitarist/vocalist & songwriter who grew up on the Vic/NSW border and began learning music from his father at the age of five, soaking up those diverse styles. By 15 he had his first band and by 17 was offered the guitar spot in Tania Kernaghan's band. Cover bands, blues bands and solo gigs have honed his craft to a polish that reflects a bright future in the crystal ball.

This is Hiatani's first album & it's fifty minutes of listening pleasure. Eleven of the twelve tracks are originals, the odd one out being a cover of "Don't Let The Devil Ride" (trad blues) being a 6.5 minute version, showcasing some stunning axemanship on electric guitars. My standout is the 5 minute plus "Sea Runs Dry", a long slow soul/blues in the classic style that turns your heart over and pouts it back shiny and new. There's kickass blues ("My Old Lady"), and some big anthemic numbers such as "Always A Woman", that are accessible enough to reach a wide audience. Haitani switches to acoustic guitar for "getting Busy" and twelve string for "Shephard's Warning".
The title track is an irresistible shuffle that bounces along for almost four minutes.

Chris Wilson's production is quality & his piano/wurlitzer/Hammond and percussion have a great complimentary quality.
Paul Gadsby (bass), Roger Bergodaz (drums) make up the band with guests such as Cassie Crawford (backing vocals), Steve Williams (harmonica) & Hide Hara (Trumpet).