Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter
Legendary Guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter Releases “Bad Move” featuring Clint Black
“Bad Move” is the Second Single off Speed of Heat,
His Debut Solo Album Due Out June 17, 2022
on BMG/Renew Records
Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, known to millions from his groundbreaking work with Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, and from countless smash hit recordings he’s performed on as an in-demand, first-call studio musician, has released his new single “Bad Move” featuring country music superstar Clint Black on vocals.
“Bad Move” was co-written by Baxter, Black, and CJ Vanston, and is the second single off his recently announced debut solo album, Speed of Heat, which will be released worldwide via BMG/Renew Records on June 17, 2022. Speed of Heat will be available digitally, as well as on CD and vinyl.
Listen to “Bad Move”
Listen to “Bad Move” HERE.
Pre-order in Speed of Heat HERE.
Clint Black reveals his mastery of musical eclecticism with his powerful and compelling vocal performance on “Bad Move,” which also includes an incendiary lead guitar and organ duke-out between Baxter and his music partner and Speed of Heat producer CJ Vanston.
“Clint really outdid himself on this song,” says Baxter. “I played it for his wife [singer-actress Lisa Hartman Black], and when she heard it, she jokingly asked me, ‘Who is that?’ I said, ‘That’s your husband. He is a really amazing and multi-faceted musician.’”
“Skunk and I have been friends for a long time and I’m a fan, so I didn’t hesitate when he invited me to do something for the album,” added Black. “Writing with him and C.J. was as good as it gets; sitting two feet from Skunk while he cut those amazing guitar parts, him coaching me through my parts…that was a singular experience. I was hoping to step out of my genre with ‘Bad Move’ and we definitely did that. Definitely a ‘good move!’”
For music fans of all stripes, and particularly those who have followed Baxter’s remarkable career through the years and have long hoped for the guitarist to record a solo project, Speed of Heat will prove well worth the wait. The 12-song disc is a riveting and rewarding musical experience that features a host of brilliantly crafted originals co-written by the guitarist and his producing /music partner, CJ Vanston, as well as inspired versions of some of the great classics. Along the way, Baxter is joined by guest vocalists and songwriters such as Michael McDonald, Clint Black, Jonny Lang and Rick Livingstone, each of whom adds their own unique and remarkable musical talents to the project’s brilliant sonic mosaic.
As one of the most recorded guitarists of his generation, Baxter’s creative and versatile playing has been heard on some of the most iconic songs in music history, including “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton and “Hot Stuff” by Donna Summer. The stunningly diverse collection of material on Speed of Heat presents a 360-degree view of the uniquely gifted musician.
“You go into making a record with so many expectations, but I can honestly say that the finished album met and exceeded all of them,” Baxter says. “It was immensely gratifying when my musical peers would come up to me and said, ‘Hey, I heard you’re making a solo album. Can I sing or play on it?’ That’s a wonderful feeling. Throughout the entire process, and with CJ Vanston’s extraordinary talent and support, I strove to achieve something new, compelling, singular and exciting with each track. I believe this collection of songs and performances realizes that goal and trust that those who listen will come away with the same sentiment.”
In conclusion, Baxter says, “There were so many incredible moments that went into the creation of this record. For me, making this album was much akin to why I play the guitar – exploring and traveling the path to furthering and expanding my musical horizons and, ultimately, bettering myself as a musician and guitarist. I’m proud of everything I’ve accomplished so far, but I also learned years ago from my father that you cannot and should not dwell on your successes, and that an individual should move forward and strive for self-improvement and knowledge. For me, this project is a major step in that direction.”
For a list of tour dates and more information, please see HERE.
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