Blues Views is a new occasional feature on wyso.org with reviews of new releases from blues artists written by our own Shakin' Dave Hussong. Hear Shakin' Dave host Hall of Fame Blues on Monday night, 8-11pm.
Artist: Quinn Sullivan
Release: Cyclone, Audio CD and MP3 Download, Oarfin Records, 2011.
This release should dispel any preconceived notion potential listeners may have regarding youth and musical maturity! Cyclone, the latest release from twelve year old 6 string wizard Quinn Sullivan legitimizes the adage that age is truly, "just a number." It wasn't long ago, when chops of this intensity would have been thought to have required far more than the four year involvement this guitarist brings to the stage.
Perhaps it is imagination and not experience that is the best teacher. Sullivan's explosive musical onslaught creates an initial shock value the x-rated school of R&B performers can only dream about. In this instance, youth is definitely not "wasted on the young." Sullivan enjoys a strong and intuitive "circle of support." This release displays carefully orchestrated age sensitive material that lets this young cat enjoy his adolescent passage with aplomb. Check out "My Sweet Guitar" and "Blues Child."
Is it blues? Does it matter? When a peer like Buddy Guy (whose licks are skillfully woven into this release) is not bothered by Cyclone's concept, should we be concerned? When you're this age and blessed with these skills "What’s Love Got To Do, Got To Do With It?” Really. Sullivan demonstrates the proper influences, hits the licks and then some, so it would seem that for the moment he can live with the illusion of heartbreak without living it out.
Check out Quinn at www.quinnsullivan.me
