Rene Huard makes the best of Hard Times in rollicking new track — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The first single from the veteran Niagara bluesman’s upcoming album Blues Calling — set for release in January — Hard Times is upbeat in every sense of the word. The old-school raveup straddles the stylistic fence between Sun Studio-style rock ’n’ roll and vintage Chicago blues, propelled by by a driving backbeat laced with pounding pianos, honking harmonica and searing guitar licks — while Huard’s warm, lightly sanded vocals celebrate living in the moment and appreciating what you have:
“Hard times, never had it so grand
So much free time on my hands
Basement apartment, spick and span
Need a volunteer, I’m your man
Hard times, so misunderstood
Hard times, never had it so good.”
“It’s fair to say Hard Times is a contemporary homage to the chunk-a-chunk guitar of Chuck Berry, and the wry lyrical insight of Willie Dixon,” Huard explains. “The Berry / Dixon effect, applied to these troubled times. Music shared is good for whatever ails you.”
Huard is a multi-talented veteran on the Canadian roots music scene. A performer for over 40 years, he was a member of The Meteors, a Fort Erie blues band that had the opportunity to open for legends such as James Cotton, Long John Baldry and others. Huard also has the esteemed distinction of being among the first performers at the annual Ottawa Blues Festival.
As a multi-talented musician, Huard is not only a masterful vocalist and songwriter, he performs on harmonica, guitar and piano. In addition to his extensive musical career, Huard may be familiar as the former host of the TV shows Antique Hunter and Antique Style.
Check out Hard Times above and below and follow Rene Huard on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
