John D. Wyker & Eddie Hinton - Johnny Wyker Video
by: John D. Wyker & Eddie Hinton
(MFOV)
Once in a very blue moon, something crosses my desk that is absolutely, without a doubt, totally unique. Well sir, they don’t come any more unique than my buddy John D. Wyker. But more than just being cool and unique “John Wyker Volume 1” is a video of vast historical importance, because it spotlights legendary Muscle Shoals guitarist and singer Eddie Hinton in a casual setting, playing and singing with a gut bucket of soul. Shot in a uniquely Wykarian setting, filled with American flag backdrop (Wyker was patrioitic before it was chic), horns on the wall and a large blowup of the “Motorcycle Mama” LP cover. (Yes, Wyker was half of the duo Sailcat in 1972) - the VHS tape is shot in old homevideo analog, and has all the grain, zooms and edits of an avante garde art film.
The video was shot in 1986 in Decatur, Alabama and at first Wyker looks a lot like Kiss drummer Peter Criss looked around that same year. Coincidence? Maybe, except for halfway through the video, Wyker returns in David Bowie/ Kiss/ Duran Duran makeup. Bizarre? Not for Johnny!
The late Eddie Hinton sings his heart out on several acoustic songs with Wyker on harp, as well as some on a telecaster (with a price tag hanging from the headstock - how cool is that?) and Wyker on bass. The interaction between the two musicians is great fun in itself, and Hinton’s voice sounds as if the spirit of every old black blues player from the crossroads of the Delta has been poured right into his soul.
It’s a couple of guys sitting around, drinking and smoking and having great fun. For anyone who would like some special insight into the late, great Eddie Hinton or his friend - the still rocking John D. Wyker, this video is a must have. It’s like being invited to a private jam with one of soul music’s greatest voices. How can you lose? The Mighty Field of Vision is alive and well.
To order, visit www.mightyfieldofvision.com
-Michael Buffalo Smith