March 18, 2021 by Glide in Audio, PREMIERES No Comments
After a self-imposed hiatus that lasted nearly three decades, T Bear, aka Richard T. Bear, has returned with a striking new release, Fresh Bear Tracks, his first studio album in 25+ years. He’s re-emerged, feeling newly inspired, creatively recharged, and making some of the most engaging music of his career.
A distinctive singer and talented keyboard player who made his mark as a solo performer and collaborator with many iconic artists — Crosby Stills and Nash, The Blues Brothers, Billy Squier, Cher, as well as Gene Simmons and Peter Criss of Kiss, to name a few — he’s now taking centerstage and ready to share his muse with the world.
Fresh Bear Tracks features a host of special guests. From Stephen Stills, Robby Krieger, Edgar Winter, Tom Scott, Walter Trout, and Hutch Hutchinson, to former Paul McCartney and Wings members Laurence Juber and Denny Seiwell, The Heartbreakers’ Benmont Tench, and a host of other prominent session players, many of whom are part of T Bear’s Root 66 performing band.
What began with three or four songs written with no expectation in mind soon grew to encompass some twenty-three tracks recorded over the span of two years. They were then narrowed down to seventeen, from which a dozen entries on the album were chosen. The music takes on a sturdy mix of blues, soul and rock paired appropriately with T Bear’s distinctive melodic motif.
T Bear credits his late wife, Nina, for encouraging his comeback. When Nina lost her brave battle with cancer in September of 2019, he vowed to complete the album and dedicate it to her memory.
Fresh Bear Tracks was recorded in Los Angeles at Krieger’s Horse Latitudes studio with Grammy-winning producer Tony Braunagel at the helm. Set for release by Quarto Valley Records on April 16th, Fresh Bear Tracks boasts a stunning set of eleven original songs, written and co written by T Bear, plus a rendition of a rock classic.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the brassy R&B-flavored “Give It Up,” a tune that was resurrected from an early co-write with none other than Stephen Stills, which the two then finished nearly three decades after its inception. Featuring bluesy guitar licks, a funky, Muscle Shoals-esque rhythm complete with soulful background singers, the song carries the kind of musical punch that is hard to find in today’s music. While the song carries a bluesy backbone that is undeniable, it also has a danceable groove that comes from its mix of 70s soul and down and dirty funk. In addition to a guest appearance from Stills, we also hear legendary blues guitarist Walter Trout laying down some spicy solos, making this truly an all-star collaboration.
“‘Give it up’ is a musical powerhouse with all the trimmings. The best musicians, a great horn section and legendary guitar work by the best,” says T Bear.
Stephen Stills sums it up:
“Great songs. This has been years in the making. I loved it.”
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