It's been said that winning isn't everything, but for folk, country and bluegrass singer/songwriter Luanne Hunt, life is all about getting to the top of her creative game. That's why she has never given up or given in to the pressures and challenges that come with a career in the music business.
Hunt's new CD, "Breaking Through," is aptly titled. She has certainly had to bust through a lot of tightly closed doors to make a name for herself. But all that pounding made a difference and Hunt is in prime position to score the victory.
For starters, the Philadelphia-area native recently teamed with renowned producer Eric Uglum to record her first nationally-released CD, "Breaking Through." Uglum has produced music with Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Cherryholmes, Nickel Creek, Stuart Duncan, and other folk and bluegrass artists.
Luanne's project features 10 tunes brought to life by her crystalline and passionate vocals, along with world-class musicianship. Among the players are Uglum (acoustic guitar, mandolin), Christian Ward (fiddle), Austin Ward (bass), Roger Gillespie (drums, percussion), Janet Beazley (banjo, flutes) and Hal Ratliff (piano).
"In my experience, it's pretty rare to find studio musicians who really connect with an artist's music," said Hunt, who lives in Hesperia, Calif. "But you can hear how much these players related to the songs and how they put their hearts into every note.
"It's always been my goal to make magic in the studio and that's exactly what happened on this CD.?
The magic Hunt speaks of is not only in the breathtaking instrumentation on "Breaking Through," but in the songs themselves. From the opening line in "The Sun's Comin' Up Over Memphis" to the CD's finale "There Is A Fountain," it's apparent Luanne has an ability to choose songs that leave listeners spellbound.
Hunt co-wrote several of the tracks on the CD with various songwriters, including Lance Cosgrove, Kathleen Brennan, Denny Robinson and her husband Steve Hunt. Nashville songwriter/producer Sean Gasaway contributed the bluegrass tune "Street of Fool's Gold." Lawton Jiles, who has written songs for Patsy Cline, Porter Wagoner and Janie Fricke, penned another bluegrass number, "I Want To Stand Where Jesus Stood."
Along with the original material, Hunt recorded a hauntingly beautiful version of the 1968 Simon and Garfunkel hit "Scarborough Fair."
"Being a child of the 1960s and '70s, I've always wanted to record something from that time period," said Hunt, who is also an inspirational speaker and published author. "'Scarborough Fair' was a perfect fit for my voice and style. I was also very excited about singing it from the original male perspective.
"I always thought it was so cool when Joan Baez sang 'The Night They Drove Ol' Dixie Down' and didn't change the gender reference. It's a very artsy thing to do."
Hunt has been doing her musical thing since the mid-1990s, performing at festivals, fairs, churches, womens? retreats, coffee houses, conventions and private events. She released her debut CD, "Lost In Your Love," in 2002.
The project garnered rave reviews from fans and music industry professionals, such as jazz recording artist Al Jarreau. "After listening to Luanne's beautiful CD, all I can say is 'Wow!'" Jarreau said.
The success of "Lost In Your Love" inspired Hunt to record and release four more independent CDs: "I'm So Happy," "Moving God, Moving Mountains!" "Chapters and Verse," and "He Was There." Songs from all of the projects have received airplay on radio stations in the United States and Canada. Additionally, "I'm So Happy!" has become a fan favorite on the Internet with close to 2,000 downloads.
If all that weren't enough to propel Hunt to national success, her new music video "The Miracle In You," was recently picked up by The American Music Channel. The popular Web site features videos by everyone in country music from Tim McGraw to Toby Keith to LeAnn Rimes.
Topping off Hunt's latest victories is the signing of her first recording contract with American Classic Recordings (ACR), based in Fairfax, VA. The label recently released "Breaking Through,? as well as the holiday EP, ?How Christmas Feels To Me.?
"Luanne Hunt has inspired thousands with the touching beauty of her voice
and spirit," said Alexandra Lajoux, ACR founder. "It is truly a blessing to have her join us."