Record Reviews

JOE BONAMASSA ~ LIVE FROM THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL PROVOGUE 7274 (Barcode: 8712725727422) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Considering the fact that nothing significant is happening in Blues in the last few decades since it went electric and combined forces with Rock, it´s always great to hear somebody make a worthwhile contribution. US guitarist / singer / composer Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist has been steadily building up a reputation as a major figure on the Blues-Rock scene and this live concert, recorded at the legendary London Royal Albert Hall, which hosted the greatest names in Rock music over the years, is ample proof of his outstanding achievements. Supported by an excellent band, which includes a three-piece horn section and with help / guest appearances by stars / veterans like Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist on guitar and Paul JonesFind albums by this artist on harmonica, this music kicks ass from start to finish. Bonamassa, who wrote at least half of the material included, is a gifted songwriter and his soul is definitely full of the Blues feeling. If you still like the Blues and don´t mind a Rocky kick behind it, you won´t stop drooling while this album plays on!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

CACTUS ~ TEMPLE OF BLUES CLEOPATRA 889466546327 (Barcode: 889466546327) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2024 Released: 2024 This is an album attributed to the legendary American Rock band CactusFind albums by this artist, but is in fact a tribute to the band. Although the drummer Carmine AppiceFind albums by this artist, Cactus founding member, plays on all the tracks and produced the album, Cactus guitarist Jim McCartyFind albums by this artist plays on a couple of tracks, and the songs are associated with Cactus repertoire, that’s all that connects this album to Cactus. Does it disturb me? Not one bit! A bunch of excellent American rockers participate on this album, like vocalist Jim StapleyFind albums by this artist, guitarists Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist, Ted NugentFind albums by this artist, Pat TraversFind albums by this artist and Fernando PerdomoFind albums by this artist, and many others, playing their butts off and spiritually the music is definitely close to the Cactus spirit. The album presents fourteen tracks and one bonus track, which is an alternate version of one of the songs. The music is loud and heavy, as appropriate for the occasion, the musicians can play and Stapley delivers excellent vocal parts, the familiar tunes sound, well… familiar and bring on fond memories. As far as I am concerned this album is a proper tribute, not just an attempt to “ride” on the band’s name / fame. This album will not replace any Cactus album in my collection (I have them all of course), but it can co-exist nicely on the shelf. Overall, this is a great Blues-Rock album, which brings fond memories of the legendary Cactus, one of the greatest American Rock bands ever. On top of the great songs, there is plenty of superb guitar solos, strong vocals and the music simply kicks butt, much due to Appice’s superb drumming, which is still absolutely convincing. Love every minute of this!

Updated: 30/08/2024Posted: 30/08/2024

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

GRANT GEISSMAN ~ BLOOZ FUTURISM 2765 (Barcode: 899653002765) ~ USA ~ Smooth Jazz Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by veteran American guitarist / composer Grant GeissmanFind albums by this artist, recoded with many well-known Jazz / Blues musicians, like trumpeter Randy BreckerFind albums by this artist, pianists David GarfieldFind albums by this artist and Russell FerranteFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Tom ScottFind albums by this artist, guitarists Robben FordFind albums by this artist, Josh SmithFind albums by this artist, Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist and John JorgensonFind albums by this artist, as well as a rhythm section comprising of keyboardist Jim CoxFind albums by this artist, bassist Trey HenryFind albums by this artist and drummer Ray BrinkerFind albums by this artist and a few others. The album presents twelve original compositions, all by the leader. The music is all Smooth Jazz oriented, with a Blues tinge but not really Blues in the classic meaning of the idiom. It is all very well played, with no risks taken, and the presence of the invited guests is not able to infuse any real fire. Geissman is obviously a very professional guitar player, and shows his chops along the way, but his compositions are quite forgettable and although pleasant on the ear, leave no lasting impression. Overall, this is a nice Smooth Jazz album, with some good guitar parts and a Bluesy feel, which might be great for driving, but calling it “Blooz” is misleading in the least.

Updated: 29/10/2022Posted: 29/10/2022

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend

JON LORD ~ CONCERTO FOR GROUP AND ORCHESTRA EAR MUSIC 4029759081838 (Barcode: 4029759081838) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2011 - 2012 Released: 2012 British organist / composer Jon LordFind albums by this artist composed his legendary “Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title” in 1969, when he was a member of the iconic British group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist. The concerto was first recorder live by Deep Purple with the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist, conducted by Malcolm ArnoldFind albums by this artist, and became Depp Purple’s 4th consecutive album (1st live). It was one of the first Rock albums to feature a full orchestra. The concerto’s original score was lost shortly after the first performance and was later painstakingly recreated by Lord and since 1999 was performed live many times around the globe with many different orchestras. This album presents the first studio recording of the concerto, recorded in 2011 and 2012, and completed shortly before Lord’s death in July of 2012. The orchestral parts were executed by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist. The group parts were executed by Lord, guitarists Darin VasilevFind albums by this artist, Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist and Steve MorseFind albums by this artist, vocalists Steve BalsamoFind albums by this artist, Kasia LaskaFind albums by this artist and Bruce DickinsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Guy PrattFind albums by this artist and drummer Brett MorganFind albums by this artist. Separated by forty-two years, this version of the concerto offers a much better balance between the Rock group and the orchestra and a sublime sound quality, which was simply unobtainable at the time of the original recording. The music lost absolutely nothing of its power, beauty and relevance over time and is still very much a model of cross-genre thinking. Overall, this is a timeless classic, which every fan of Rock, Prog and good music in general must have in his private music library. Thanks to Lord’s determination to complete this project before his departure, we can now enjoy it in its full glory.

Updated: 16/12/2021Posted: 16/12/2021

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

JOHN MAYALL ~ NOBODY TOLD ME FORTY BELOW 022 (Barcode: 020286227601) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2018 Released: 2019 Aged almost 85 at the time this album was recorded, British Blues hero John MayallFind albums by this artist shows no signs of slowing down and this, his last studio album (as of the time of writing) is still better than anything currently recorded by musicians half or less his age. Recorded in a basic trio format it features Mayall on vocals, keyboards and harmonica with bassist Greg RzabFind albums by this artist and drummer Jay DavenportFind albums by this artist, and supported by a brass section on some of the tracks, the concept of this album is to guest a different lead guitarist on each of the tracks. And indeed they answer the call gladly: Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist, Larry McCrayFind albums by this artist, Alex LifesonFind albums by this artist, Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, Steven Van ZandtFind albums by this artist and Carolyn WonderlandFind albums by this artist (who joined his group on a permanent basis), all play heartwrenching solos on this album. The album presents ten tracks, three of which are Mayall originals and seven are Blues standards. The music is as fresh as if the Blues idiom was just invented and the playing incredibly tight, as usual with Mayall’s albums, due to his particular attention to details. Mayall is able to prove again that despite the intrinsic limitations of the Blues idiom, it is possible to reinvent it over and over again, as he has done for over six decades of continuous music making. The idea of having a different lead guitarist on each track is of course brilliant, but not lacking a risk, since different players might have proven to be incompatible. But not with Mayall’s vision – everything works like Swiss clockwork and the different guitarists add diversity, interest and spice to the proceedings. Overall this is a brilliant Blues album and a guitar heaven for the many guitar fans out there – a winner in every respect. I can only pray to see Mayall go on with his work and expend his incredible recorded legacy further, as long as his strength will allow him to do so. You are a blessing, John!

Updated: 03/04/2021Posted: 03/04/2021

CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend