Record Reviews

CHRIS FARLOWE ~ BURSTING OVER BREMEN MIG 00882 (Barcode: 885513008824) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1985 Released: 2014 This is a great archival album presenting a live recording by British Blues-Rock vocalist Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist and his band, which was originally recorded by Radio Bremen and waited for almost three decades to become available to the delight of Farlowe´s many fans. During the concert, which was part of the tour promoting Farlowe´s return to the recording studio and the release of the "Out Of The BlueFind albums with this title" album, he was accompanied by an excellent five-piece band which featured guitarist Mo WithamFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tim HinkleyFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Martin WinnerFind albums by this artist, bassist Tex CornerFind albums by this artist and drummer John PalmerFind albums by this artist. Throughout his entire career Farlowe always came out at his best live, tearing the stage down. His memorable performance on the original ColosseumFind albums by this artist live album from 1971, one of the seminal Progressive Rock albums of all times, is just one example of his phenomenal vocal abilities, his improvisational streak and his unmatched stage presence. The recording of the Colosseum reunion concert in Cologne in 1994 is another example of his charisma, and the twenty three years that separate these two live albums show Farlowe getting better in time. This album is also a thrilling experience, lasting about 95 minutes (spread over two CDs), showcasing Farlowe doing what he does the best, i.e. singing his heart out. The incredible quality of this live recording makes the entire experience feel like it is happening in front of the listener´s eyes. The band members support the vocalist admirably, playing soaring solos and keeping the perfect time, like true pros. The material is never far away from the Blues, including some Rhythm And Blues songs but basically the Blues rulez. Several heartbreaking expanded versions of classic twelve bar Blues songs are alone worth the price of the whole album, but overall this is pure gold from start to finish. Just listen to Farlowe exchanging vocal licks with the guitar player and the fact that he is one of the true greats is plainly obvious. For some inexplicable reason Farlowe seems to be much more popular on the continent and especially in Germany rather than in Britain. I could never get it, although this has been going on for ages. Well whatever the Brits might think about him, he is definitely a Giant and in retrospect his contribution to British Blues-Rock and Rock music are nothing short of spectacular. This music is such great fun that I can hardly imagine any serious Blues-Rock connoisseur that would dare to miss it. In short grab it while it lasts!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 26/04/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

CHRIS FARLOWE ~ OUT OF THE BLUE / BORN AGAIN MIG 00872 (Barcode: 885513008725) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1985 Released: 2013 This is a reissue of two albums, his fifth and sixth studio recordings, by the British Blues-Rock vocalist extraordinaire Chris FarloweFind albums by this artist. These albums mark Farlowe´s return to the recording career after an absence that lasted a decade and a half. On both albums Farlowe is supported by a lineup consisting of highly professional musicians, which features guitarists Mo WithamFind albums by this artist and Phil PalmerFind albums by this artist and many other top players of the time. Each of the reissued albums is expanded with bonus tracks. Despite his extensive career as a solo artist and lead vocalist for such legendary ensembles as Atomic RoosterFind albums by this artist or ColosseumFind albums by this artist, Farlowe somehow never achieved the fame and glory he truly deserves. Many people, for reasons that are beyond me, don´t like the timbre of his voice, which I personally find simply irresistible. Farlowe arrived on the British scene in the early 1960s and his unique voice became immediately his trademark. He flirted with Pop and Rhythm And Blues, but his true vocation was always the Blues. Besides the fact that Farlowe was always a superb vocalist, he also displayed an unusual ability to interpret the songs, using instant vocal improvisation, a very rare ability among his peers. In retrospect he has always been one of my all time favorite Blues-Rock vocalists, alongside Paul Rodgers, and I feel frustrated that so few people are able to hear his greatness. These two albums present a great collection of Blues-Rock oriented material and they have lost nothing of their charm since the time they were recorded. Sadly they were to become the only studio output by Farlowe during the 1980s, but of course he was to reemerge again in the 1990s and 2000s. This album is an interesting document of an era, when music was already starting to disintegrate into corporate garbage and collective brainlessness. Lucky for us some people have not lost their wits yet. If you missed this stuff at the time, now is the time to repent!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 25/04/2016

CD 2 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend