Emerson Hart has a past that follows him in his music and in his life. As the former lead singer of the popular band Tonic he made an impression in the heads of younger music fans, and an impact on the charts. Now he continues to develop as a prolific solo artist.

Perhaps the most haunting and unknown fact of his life is the mysterious murder of his father. Through the exploration of loss and personal tragedy, an artist can take us with him on a journey whereby, together, we conjure up the strength to find closure that we might put the past to rest. Perhaps Emerson Hart has found that purging of the soul through his incredibly good solo release Cigarettes and Gasoline.

This record’s greatness is due to some outstanding music, and to the emotion and passion that come pouring through Hart’s lyrics. This is a powerful statement from an artist who has already been at the top. Once you get there you have everything to lose. Wearing your heart on your sleeve and laying all your cards on the table is a huge risk, but not for a well traveled and mature spirit like Hart.Of the 12 tracks on this CD, every one has the potential to be a hit - this fact alone is amazing. As in many cases with some of my favorite albums, I did not like it after the first listen, but after the third I began to fall in love with this CD for all of the aforementioned reasons. There are hooks galore in every tune, and Hart’s voice is superb. Toned perfectly and built for each track and the story within, his vocals make every effort to impress. Hart is a very capable electric and acoustic guitarist and keyboardist. He gives a tremendous performance and behind him is a solid lineup of musicians (see credits).

I cannot seem to get the tracks “Run To,” and “If You’re Gonna Leave” out of my head. Both have elements of regret and sadness as well as the sort of rhythm and feeling that you want running through you over and over. This release is filled with that rare kind of magic that translates into hits.

Cigarettes and Gasoline gets under your skin and inside your heart. Emerson Hart has recorded an exceptional and memorable album that is certain to launch a successful solo career. I can think of no reason why this album shouldn’t be huge. In spite of the fact that there’s no big label PR machine behind it, this record may still be one of the most listened to releases of the year.

Artist: Emerson Hart
Title: Cigarettes & Gasoline
Genre: Rock-Pop-Alternative
Label: Manhattan Records
Website
Amazon Link
ECard/Mini-Site
Cigarettes and Gasoline Video Link

01. Run To (3:17)
02. Devastation Hands (3:10)
03. If You’re Gonna Leave (3:50)
04. I Wish The Best For You (3:50)
05. I Know (3:29)
06. Green Hills Race For California (3:58)
07. Ordinary (3:08)
08. Vanity (4:33)
09. When She Loves You (3:30)
10. Flyin’ (4:03)
11. Friend To A Stranger (3:29)
12. Cigarettes And Gasoline (5:10)

Credits:

Track1:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Slide Guitar
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 2:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar, Keyboards
Devin Malone: Cello, Electric Guitar
Mike Napolitano: Keyboards, Xylophone
Park Chisolm” Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 3:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Joel Shearer, Jamie Edwards, Devin Malone: Electric Guitars
Jason Lehning: Keyboards
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 4:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Devin Malone: Electric Guitar, Cello
Gabe Dixon: Piano
Jason Lehning: Keyboards, Electric Guitar
Matt Bronleewe: Keyboards
Park Chisolm: Bass
Rob Mitchell: Drums

Track 5:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Slide Guitar
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 6:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Devin Malone: Cello

Track 7:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Electric Guitars
Devin Malone: Clavinnet
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 8:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
Dave Rossler: Electric Guitars
Devin Malone: Wurlitzer
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums

Track 9:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Devin Malone: electric Guitar
Jamie Edwards: Piano, Electric Guitar, Keyboards
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 10:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel
Devin Malone: Electric Guitar
Jamie Edwards: Piano, Keyboard/Strings, Electric Guitar
Mike Brignardello: Bass
Shannon Forrest: Drums

Track 11:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Devin Malone: Keyboards
Park Chisolm: Bass
Kevin Murphy: Drums
Mike Napolitano: Drum Programming

Track 12:
Emerson Hart: Vocals, Omnichord, electric Guitar
Devin Malone: Cello
Dave Rossler: Bass
Park Chisolm: Bass
Mike Napolitano: Drum Programming
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Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck