Record Reviews
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  | MILLER ANDERSON ~ BLUESHEART / CHAMELEON
MIG 01142 (Barcode: 885513011428) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2003 - 2008 Released: 2016
This is a reissue of two albums by British Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist. "BluesheartFind albums with this title" (2003) was recorded in a core trio format with bassist John PriceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist and features keyboard players: Dave BaldwinFind albums by this artist and the legendary Jon LordFind albums by this artist. "ChameleonFind albums with this title" (2008) was recorded in a quartet setting with keyboardist Frank TischerFind albums by this artist, bassist Kris GrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist. Most of the material on both albums consists of Anderson´s originals. This remastered and expanded edition adds two bonus tracks to each of the original albums.
Anderson, primarily known as a founding member of the legendary Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist, is a superb singer and extraordinary guitarist, who sadly did not achieve a wide recognition he so much deserves. His career picked up on the German scene with the beak of the new millennium and these two excellent albums document his activities during that period.
The music and the stylistic approach is completely retro, sounding as if these albums were recorded in the late 1960s, when British Blues and Blues-Rock enjoyed a tremendous renaissance. Therefore fans of such music should find this album irresistible.
Blues-Rock fans not familiar with Anderson´s work should grab this album at the first opportunity, as there are very few genuine manifestations of the genre as good as this one. Anderson´s guitar work puts him on a pedestal of the Blues-Rock heroes, and none of the new generation of Blues oriented guitarists come even close to his fabulous feel of the Blues that he is able to deliver.
Overall this is a must have for all Blues-Rock fans out there, no questions asked! Contemporary Blues-Rock is mostly about imitation, so why nor go directly to the source? Enjoy!
| | Updated: 04/08/2018Posted: 04/08/2018 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILLER ANDERSON ~ BRIGHT CITY
MIG 00802 (Barcode: 885513008022) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1971 Released: 2013
This is a reissue of the debut album as a leader by British vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, one of the great unsung heroes of the British Blues-Rock scene, who is still active at the time of writing. After spending three years with the Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist as its vocalist / lead guitarist and recording five splendid albums with the band ("HalfbreedFind albums with this title", "The Battle Of North West SixFind albums with this title", "The Time Is NearFind albums with this title", "OverdogFind albums with this title" and "Little Big BandFind albums with this title"), he recorded this album with a dream team of musicians which included Keef Hartley Band keyboardist Peter DinesFind albums by this artist and bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist, as well as drummer Eric DillonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Mick WeaverFind albums by this artist, guitarist Neil HubbardFind albums by this artist, vocalist Madeline BellFind albums by this artist and Jazz musicians: flautist Lyn DobsonFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Harry BeckettFind albums by this artist. The album presented seven original songs, all written and composed by Anderson and was originally released on the cult DeramFind albums on this label label. This reissue adds one bonus track, which is a live version of one of the album´s original songs, recorded almost four decades later.
The album presents a stunning collection of songs which cover a diverse spectrum of music that thrived at the time, moving elegantly between Blues-Rock, Folk-Rock, Prog-Rock and Jazz-Rock, emphasizing the lack of stylistic snobbishness and pompousness. These musicians were able to play delicate Folksy ballads, heavy Rock riffs and Jazzy improvisations with the same ease, completely naturally and always with full dedication. No wonder this music sounds so much better than the garbage marketed on the music market today, as it belongs to a completely different universe of musical values.
Anderson emerges on this album not only as a great vocalist and guitarist, but also as a superb songwriter. Each of these tunes is a little Rock gem, which lost absolutely nothing of its glamour over time. Sadly Anderson did not make another recording under his own name for almost three decades following the making of this album and returned to active recording career only by the turn of the Millennium.
Although not mentioned on the album´s packaging, the original master tapes were probably remastered, as the CD has a great sound quality, faithfully retaining the unique sound of the early 1970s, which of course is absolutely brilliant. This album is an absolute must to connoisseurs of the British Blues-Rock scene in particular and British Rock in general, a great trip down the memory lane and an important glimpse at a point in history, when music simply kicked ass. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 23/04/2016Posted: 23/04/2016 | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | MILLER ANDERSON ~ FROM LIZARD ROCK!
MIG 00842 (Barcode: 885513008428) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2008 Released: 2013
This is a wonderful collection of live recordings by veteran British Blues-Rock vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist and his band, which also includes keyboardist Frank TischerFind albums by this artist, bassist Kris GrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Klaus SchenkFind albums by this artist. The music was recorded during various concerts played in Germany, where Anderson enjoys a loyal support from a large fan base. The 2CD album presents nineteen electrifying performances and two bonus tracks, altogether a feast of brilliant Blues-Rock material that lasts for solid two hours.
Most of the songs included on the album were composed by Anderson and present a mix of old material originating in the good old days when Anderson was a member of the Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist and other songs written over the years, as well as a few Blues classics, which get a new treatment by Anderson and the band.
The material confirms that Anderson is still in fantastic form and belongs to the absolute top league of Blues-Rock performers originating in the 1960s and still active today. His songs are excellent, his guitar work is stunning and his vocals are convincing and full of power. He manages to keep the spirit of the British electric Blues revival alive and kicking, playing music that refuses to become irrelevant and withstands the tides of time, leaving all the garbage that passes as music these days way behind.
Sadly Anderson is surely one of the most underappreciated guitar players around and is almost never mentioned as an influence in various music sources, which list completely unoriginal second rate guitar players as idols. Life is a bitch that way, with many young players that could have learned so much from this man, are most probably completely oblivious as to his existence.
Overall this is a wonderful Blues-Rock album, which includes all the elements the fans of the genre expect to find on a great album: heartbreaking vocals, extended soul wrenching guitar solos and a great band supporting the front man. This album does not disappoint in any of the above prerequisites. A definite must-have to all serious fans of the genre!
| | Updated: 28/04/2016Posted: 28/04/2016 | CD 2 Digipak Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHRIS FARLOWE ~ FARLOWE THAT!
MIG 00852 (Barcode: 885513008527) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2013
This is a reissue of a great album by British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist, recorded with a superb band comprising of guitarist Norman BeakerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Dave BaldwinFind albums by this artist, bassist John PriceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgesFind albums by this artist (same as this album´s predecessor "Glory BoundFind albums with this title"). A brass section and guest musicians are also present, including the great guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist and the legendary singer / songwriter Van MorrisonFind albums by this artist, who contributed one of his songs on his album and sings on it with Farlowe. The original album includes fourteen songs and this edition adds two bonus tracks to the original album.
The music on this album marks a significant return to more Blues-Rock oriented material, contrary to the dominant Rhythm And Blues / Soul orientation of the two preceding albums. Farlowe´s voice is as strong and expressive as always and the passing of time seems completely unnoticed. His performances are full of vigor, power and the usual heartfelt honesty and emotion.
This is another proud addition to the flawless recorded legacy created by Farlowe over the years. Obviously this is a must to all Farlowe fans and an opportunity to grab a copy of this in case you don’t have the original album. They don´t make much music like that any more so if you like your Blues-Rock sounding like it did once, this is definitely it!
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 27/06/2016 | CD 1 Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHRIS FARLOWE ~ THE VOICE / HOTEL EINGANG
MIG 00892 (Barcode: 885513008923) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1998 - 2008 Released: 2013
This is a reissue of two albums by the British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist recorded a decade apart: "The VoiceFind albums with this title" from 1998 and "Hotel EingangFind albums with this title" from 2008, the second being at the time of writing is the last album recorded by Farlowe so far. Both albums are remastered and both include two bonus tracks each, originating from a live recording from 2006.
"The Voice" is a beautiful collection of ten Rhythm And Blues / Soul songs, splendidly sung by Farlowe, who is accompanied by a superb band, which includes guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Ronnie LeahyFind albums by this artist, bassist John PriceFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul BurgessFind albums by this artist. Other musicians appear on some of the songs, like guitarist Ricky ByrdFind albums by this artist, who also wrote a couple of songs present here, guitarist Norman BeakerFind albums by this artist, vocalist Elkie BrooksFind albums by this artist and others.
"Hotel Eingang" is a collection of thirteen Blues-Rock numbers and finds Farlowe accompanied by the excellent guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Frank TischerFind albums by this artist, bassist Kris GrayFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul Burgess. A brass section and additional guest musicians are also present. Farlowe wrote the title song and Anderson also contributed one of his songs, with the rest being mostly Blues standards.
Both albums, although different from each other, show the versatility and undiminished capabilities of Farlowe as a first rate vocalist, who despite his age manages to sound as if he was a few decades younger that his chronological age. He is vital and absolutely relevant, full of great chops and as usual sensitivity and feel for the music. Farlowe is ignoring the fads and fashions of contemporary Pop / Rock and sticks to what he knows best – singing his heart out like only he knows how.
Farlowe remains one of the few veteran Rockers, who lost nothing of his relevance and artistic ability over time and who believes in the music he performs, contrary to generations of younger musicians who have very little to say and who completely lost their way over time. As such he is one of the living icons of the better times that music enjoyed in the past.
Overall both albums are an absolute must have for all Farlowe fans and in this remastered edition with bonus tracks and a very reasonable price tag are even more attractive. For people who don´t have the original albums in their collection this is a proverbial "steal".
| | Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 25/06/2016 | CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | KEEF HARTLEY BAND ~ HALFBREED
ESOTERIC 2050 (Barcode: 5013929715028) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1969 Released: 2008
1st album by the excellent Keef Hartley BandFind albums by this artist, one the best Blues / Rock / Jazz ensembles ever, founded by drummer Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist following his stint with John MayallFind albums by this artist´s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist. The band featured a nucleus consisting of singer / guitarist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, guitarist Spit JamesFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Peter DinesFind albums by this artist, bassist Gary ThainFind albums by this artist and Hartley on drums. In addition a horn section was added to expand the band´s sound, which on this album consisted of the best horn players in Britain: trumpeters Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist and Harry BecketFind albums by this artist and saxophonists Lynn DobsonFind albums by this artist and Chris MercerFind albums by this artist. Together this nine-piece band had a tremendous power and considering the quality of its members it was simply the best "little Big Band" around at the time. Hartley´s sensitive drumming drives the music through a set of fantastically well written and superbly arranged tunes, which are Blues based but extend often into Rock and Jazz. The guitar work is stunning, the brass arrangement just right on the money, in short heaven on earth for any Blues fan, but basically early Jazz-Rock Fusion enthusiasts will find here everything they need to make them happy. Definitely a classic of the genre and an essential piece of music if ever there was one!
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JON LORD BLUES PROJECT ~ LIVE
EAR MUSIC 4029759140672 (Barcode: 4029759140672) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2021
This is a reissue of the only album by British keyboardist / composer / bandleader Jon LordFind albums by this artist and his group Blues ProjectFind albums by this artist, which included some of the finest British musicians associated with Blues and Blues-Rock idioms: guitarist / vocalist Miller AndersonFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Zoot MoneyFind albums by this artist, vocalist Maggie BellFind albums by this artist, bassist / vocalist Colin HodgkinsonFind albums by this artist and drummer Pete YorkFind albums by this artist. The album was recorded live and presents twelve tracks, which include original material by the members of the group as well as classic Blues songs by British and American songwriters.
Lord, primarily known as the founder of the seminal Rock group Deep PurpleFind albums by this artist, but also as a respected Classical composer, had a deep affinity towards the Blues and recorded several Blues albums with the Australian band Hoochie Coochie MenFind albums by this artist. This album, recorded in May 2011, almost exactly a year before Lord’s untimely death, is one of his very last recordings.
The music is absolutely divine and the stellar lineup offers some breathtaking vocal and instrumental performances, in the best tradition of the British Blues / Blues-Rock. Lord’s Hammond organ gets a lot of the well-deserved exposure and everybody on the stage seems to have a great time, which projects directly on the music played.
Overall, this is a true blast from start to finish, an unadulterated serving prepared by savvy veterans, who know their stuff inside out and seem to be completely unaffected by time. The album is an absolute must to all British Blues / Blues-Rock fans and a great reminded of the many talents of Jon Lord, who is greatly missed!
| | Updated: 08/09/2021Posted: 08/09/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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