Record Reviews

CHRIS FARLOWE ~ WAITING IN THE WINGS MIG 00962 (Barcode: 885513009623) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1991 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of an album recorded by the British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist in the early 1990s, following a five years long period of inactivity in the recording studio. The songs on this album were recorded during several studio sessions, featuring different lineups. As a result no less that six guitar players are featured: Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist (Juicy LucyFind albums by this artist), Alvin LeeFind albums by this artist (Ten Years AfterFind albums by this artist), Albert LeeFind albums by this artist (everybody), Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist (ColosseumFind albums by this artist), Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist (Procol HarumFind albums by this artist), Phil PalmerFind albums by this artist (a great session player) and Tony CrooksFind albums by this artist (The KickFind albums by this artist with bassist Leo LyonsFind albums by this artist, ex-Ten Years After, who also plays here). Despite the stellar team of musicians and a very solid collection on songs, the album was rejected by the Major record labels and was finally released on a tiny Spanish label BarsaFind albums on this label Records (originally titled simply "Farlowe") and than on FreestyleFind albums on this label Records in UK (with a different mixes of two songs), but disappeared from the market almost immediately. This reissue adds four bonus tracks, two of which are the original mixes of the two a/m songs and two more, which are live recordings. Obviously produced for the US market, this album has a much more Rock oriented sound and luster, taking Farlowe away from his Blues-Rock roots. Nevertheless it is still a very solid album as far as Farlowe´s vocal delivery is concerned and for his many fans this album deserves a proud place in their collection. Sadly it will take another five years for Farlowe to record another studio album.

Updated: 27/04/2016Posted: 27/04/2016

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

JUICY LUCY ~ LIE BACK AND ENJOY IT ESOTERIC 2216 (Barcode: 5013929731646) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1970 Released: 2010 2nd album by the incredible British Prog band Juicy LucyFind albums by this artist, formed around the US lap steel guitar player Glenn CampbellFind albums by this artist, resident in UK at the time. The second lineup of the group, which recorded this album, included also vocalist Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Chris MercerFind albums by this artist, guitarist Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, bassist Keith EllisFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod CoombesFind albums by this artist. Heavily Blues based, the band expanded into Hard Rock, Psychedelia and early Prog, playing mostly original material and superb arrangements of standards. This album includes what is probably the best ever cover of Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist´s tune "Willie The Pimp", which is absolutely incredible. Campbell´s guitar work is simply stunning and miles above anything done at the time. Williams´ throaty vocals are superbly expressive, and all the other band members play incredibly well, turning this album into a timeless masterpiece. In many respects this album encapsulates everything that was great in music by the end of the 1960s: originality, innovation, guts and talent. Over 40 years after I heard this album for the first time it´s still one of my all-time favorites. Essential music for body and soul!

CD 1 Oversampling Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ CELEBRATING JON LORD THE COMPOSER EAR MUSIC 4029759095590 (Barcode: 4029759095590) ~ UK ~ Pop-Classical Fusion Recorded: 2014 Released: 2014 This is a live recording of a concert at The Royal Albert Hall held on April 4th, 2014, which commemorated the compositions of keyboardist / composer Jon LordFind albums by this artist, known primarily as a founding member of the seminal British Rock band Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, who sadly departed a couple of years earlier. Lord was a pioneer of the Rock-Classical Fusion and his "Concerto For Group And OrchestraFind albums with this title" album performed and recorded in 1969 by Deep Purple with the Royal Philharmonic OrchestraFind albums by this artist at The Royal Albert Hall was a first of its kind attempt to combine Rock and Classical Music on such scale. Over the years Lord composed a long list of orchestral works, which often bridged Rock and Classical Music and his works were always received enthusiastically by his many dedicated followers, including yours truly. Lord´s surprising and tragically premature death from cancer was a terrible blow to his many fans and fellow musicians, who respected him deeply. The album presents eight beautiful orchestral compositions by Lord, performed by the Orion OrchestraFind albums by this artist conducted by Paul MannFind albums by this artist, who was a long time collaborator with Lord. Celebrated Rock musicians take part in the concert including: keyboardist Rick WakemanFind albums by this artist, guitarist Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist, pianist Nigel HopkinsFind albums by this artist, vocalist Steve BalsamoFind albums by this artist and many others. Actor Jeremy IronsFind albums by this artist recites poetry. The music is beautifully produced and performed with taste and panache, with the typical British restraint and elegance. The album achieves its goal in full, both plying respect to Jon Lord the composer and musician and presenting his sublime music in the best possible form, keeping the memory alive. Overall this is a superb piece of music, which should be appreciated by a wide circle of connoisseurs, both from the Rock and Classical Music spheres and all good music lovers around the world. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 13/09/2019Posted: 13/09/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ SUNFLOWER SUPERJAM EAR MUSIC 4029759101833 (Barcode: 4029759101833) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2012 Released: 2015 This is a live recording of the annual fundraiser concert for The Sunflower Jam charity, held at the Royal Albert Hall in London with the participation of top British Rock stars and some guests from abroad. Organized by Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, the event was also partly a tribute to his Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist bandmate Jon LordFind albums by this artist, who sadly passed just a couple of months before the event took place. The album presents fourteen tracks of ass kicking Rock music and the companion DVD presents the concert in its entirety, adding four tracks that did not fit on the CD due to playing time constrains. The gallery of names is very long and includes some superstars like Alice CooperFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist, John Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist, Uli Jon RothFind albums by this artist, my all time favorite Hammond player Brian AugerFind albums by this artist, who plays some wicked solos, and many more (if these names are not familiar to you, please don´t read any further). Various lineups formed by the participating musicians perform Rock standards and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and informal, emphasizing the joy of playing together. Of course there is no end to spectacular guitar soloing and some great vocal performances. The music is a tribute to the "real" Rock of the 1960s and 1970s, when the idiom enjoyed its golden days, and shows that many of the Rock idols are still great performers. Overall this is a great piece of Rock fun performed by the best musicians out there, so what else can one ask for. Rather than innovate, this kind of albums are preserving the tradition. I wish I could have been there…

Updated: 06/09/2020Posted: 06/09/2020

CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend

WHITESNAKE ~ LITTLE BOX `O` SNAKES PARLOPHONE 5099993483728 (Barcode: 5099993483728) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1978 - 1982 Released: 2013 This is a Box Set collecting remastered reissues of the initial EP “SnakebiteFind albums with this title” (1978) and first seven LP albums by the British Rock group WhitesnakeFind albums by this artist: “TroubleFind albums with this title” (1978), “Live At HammersmithFind albums with this title” (1978), “LovehunterFind albums with this title” (1979), “Ready An` WillingFind albums with this title” (1980), “Live… In The Heart Of The CityFind albums with this title” (1980), “Come An` Get ItFind albums with this title” (1981) and “Saints & SinnersFind albums with this title” (1982). The group was formed in 1978 by vocalist David CoverdaleFind albums by this artist, following his departure from the iconic British Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, of which he was the lead singer between 1973 and 1976, recording three albums with them: “BurnFind albums with this title” (1974), “StormbringerFind albums with this title” (1974) and “Come Taste The BandFind albums with this title” (1975). The initial lineup of the group included, in addition to Coverdale, two lead guitarists: Micky MoodyFind albums by this artist and Bernie MarsdenFind albums by this artist, bassist Neil MurrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Dave DowleFind albums by this artist. By the time the first album was recorded Deep Purple keyboardist Jon LordFind albums by this artist joined the group. Later on another Deep Purple member, drummer Ian PaiceFind albums by this artist, also joined the group replacing Dowle. Whitesnake were one of the best British Rock bands of all times, characterized by great musicianship and superb songwriting. Somewhat similar to Deep Purple, they had more Blues influences and at times sounded remarkably like FreeFind albums by this artist. Overall, this Box Set is a remarkable treasure chest of superb British Classic Rock at its best, sounding better than ever and bringing back to life some albums that have been out of circulation for ages. Of course for Deep Purple fans the presence of Coverdale, Lord and Paice makes this Box Set completely irresistible. And Moody was always one of my favorite guitarists, with an incredible feel for the Blues. Loved every minute of it and I admit not hearing most of this music for the last four decades… tasty!

Updated: 04/06/2022Posted: 04/06/2022

CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend