The answer to Buddy Guy’s musical question above can be found in the new release Eyes Of The City (Rocketnoodle) by master guitarist/vocalist/songwriter/ producer Vince Agwada.

Agwada is an exceptional guitarist who combines technical prowess with soul. Eyes Of The City is a blast of modern and contemporary blues, blues rock, R&B, funk, jazz, and pop that will take you back to the 1975-90 hotbed of live blues in Chicago. From the opener, “It’s A Shame” (a funky groove featuring Agwada’s flawless fretwork and dead-on lyrics, including a rap), to the closer, the title track (a sophisticated jazz/pop tune reminiscent of a smoky ’70s film noir soundtrack), Agwada and company smoke and burn through 12 originals and one cover, John Hiatt’s “Confidence Man.”

I first heard Agwada play in Toronto in the early ’80s when he was on tour with Guy. Once a staple on the worldwide scene, Agwada retired from the road for a number of years to work in the studio, where he honed his technical chops at Chicago Trax. He has returned to performing with a vengeance on this, his first solo album, where he is accompanied by the best musicians of his generation. Harp guru Sugar Blue (who lives in Milan) guests on rocker “Rain,” and Bill McFarland And The Chicago Horns appear on the jazzy, “Does It Really Matter?”

Agwada is a fully realized musician who brings his creativity to whatever genre he plays. He came of age at heady time in American music, when various musical styles co-existed. Eyes Of The City is at once an homage to this musical potpourri and a welcome return to the present of this gifted artist.

– Beverly Zeldin-Palmer Illinois Entertainer August 29th 2008
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"Eyes of the City” is the impressive debut release from veteran Chicago-based musician Vince Agwada. The guitarist/singer/composer/producer provides an electrifying collection of self-produced songs covering many styles including Blues, Rock, Jazz and R&B. Agwada’s sound is defined by his signature blistering guitar work, husky vocals, and crafty arrangements. The aptly titled “Confidence Man” encapsulates his highly-original, driving, aggressive sound. His noteworthy blues guitar is on full display with the swampy “Car Wash Blues” and the slow-moving but deliberate “Hard to Cry.” “Come on In” introduces us to Agwada’s ferocious slide work and further illustrates his mastery of the blues guitar. Agwada also shows his versatility with the upbeat shuffle tune “Bottle,” the contemporary jazz feel of “Ellie,” and the title track “Eyes of the City,” which features a lush string arrangement and soprano sax melody. “Eyes of the City” is an exciting debut release where Agwada shines not only in his artistic and musical abilities, but in his production capabilities as well. This release has a lot to offer to the fans of Rock and Blues in the style of Albert Collins and Buddy Guy.
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