Jeff Skunk Baxter
Bona fide guitar legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jeff “Skunk” Baxter finally gets to stretch his own wings on his first solo album Speed of Heat. The record comes down June 17th, 2022 on BMG/Renew Records and features Baxter working out on a diverse set list of originals and covers, both vocal and instrumental, that highlights his eclectic nature.
A number of special guests also contribute to Baxter’s tracks, including Michael McDonald, Clint Black, Jonny Lang, and Rick Livingstone. The record is loads of fun for fans of sophisticated guitar music, especially those seeking new jams that don’t necessarily come from a shred/metal perspective. Baxter’s style has always lived in the places where genres come together and continues to on Speed of Heat. He’s slippery, unpredictable, and as gloriously musical as ever and it’s easy to hear that, even in his 70s, Baxter is still playing for keeps.
Skunk Baxter is known to most listeners for his time in Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. He was a founding member of Steely Dan and appeared on the group’s first three groundbreaking albums Can’t Buy A Thrill, Countdown To Ecstasy, and Pretzel Logic. He then left Steely Dan to become a full-time member of The Doobie Brothers starting with the DB’s 1975 release Stampede. He was also the one who brought keyboardist/vocalist Michael McDonald into the Doobies, a move that changed the entire sound of the band and led to its greatest successes with the albums Takin’ It to the Streets, Livin’ on the Fault Line, and Minute by Minute. The Doobie Brothers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020. Baxter is also a top session guitarist who can be heard on iconic hits like “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton and “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer, as well as on releases by Bryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, Ringo Starr, Barbara Streisand, Joni Mitchell, Carly Simon, Gene Simmons, Rod Stewart, and many others.
Speed of Heat begins with the galloping fusion instrumental “Ladies From Hell,” which comes complete with a bagpipe fanfare and some hot dobro licks. Baxter’s electric guitar work is complex, inventive, and highly melodic throughout the track but never becomes dull or studious. His lines are fully alive and deliver the easy magic of genius in a way that’ll inspire many of us to increase our practice time.
Speaking of genius, Skunk’s rocked-up version of Steely Dan’s “My Old School” is full of exactly that. Even better, the song features Baxter taking a seldom-heard star turn on lead vocals. It turns out that, in addition to his well-documented instrumental skills, Baxter is also a strong rock singer with grit, tone, and style. You’ll flip when you hear it. Of course, he rips out a boatload of smoking guitar licks here, too. The very idea of taking a Steely Dan tune down this kind of road is brilliant and wildly entertaining. If one song had to be picked as the album’s best, this would be it.
Michael McDonald steps in on lead vocals on the hypnotic ballad “My Place In The Sun.” Baxter and McDonald did big numbers together in The Doobie Brothers and the shared chemistry that made those numbers possible is very much intact here. Their call-and-response interplay is sublime and the mood they create will keep you smooth and groovy all night long.
Great moments abound on Speed of Heat and include Baxter’s instrumental pedal steel take on Bette Midler’s hit “The Rose,” an amped-up version of the instro classic “Apache,” and Jonny Lang’s guest spot on the funky “I Can Do Without,” which will surprise you with its heavy chorus. Skunk Baxter is one of the most accomplished musicians of the last 50 years and it’s way past time for a solo album like this to exist. Hearing him outside of someone else’s context and under his own direction is an experience you need to have. Highly recommended.
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Enjoyed your spot on review. I’ve been listening to Skunk’s album for a couple weeks and really enjoy and appreciate his creativity. You should also check out Terry Brittan’s first solo album, Afterglow. Terry has written some fantastic songs over the last 50 years and is a great guitarist and producer.
Mr. Baxter’s approach on these charts have that genius “shimmer” those familiar with his career would expect. All the cuts have distinct textures; evidence CJ and SB’s brilliant production choices. As a young musician I swore to never become a grumbling ” they don’t make them like they used to” old, out of touch, asshole, alas; here I sit at 62 in my music room, in total darkness, listening to greatness and tearing up. This album is the stuff. How many are left that understand what majestic work is on display here?
Matt Groveton – Mexia, Texas
Great to have Jeff Baxter interviewed and his perspective of a great era in rock music. He is a great talent of Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan guitar work.
Just listened to a Doobie Brothers tribute this past weekend!
I’ve heard a few tracks recently on WSJF – My Place in the Sun is a HUGE track. So I downloaded the album today. It is brilliant! Absolutely fantastic! As the review says, we should all practice harder! Baxter’s playing is so so good.
Great album that gets better with every listening. Not to detract from Skunk’s superlative work here but if you like this you will also like former Dada guitarist/singer Michael Gurley’s latest solo album Ultrasound,