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

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HUMBLE PIE ~ I NEED A STAR IN MY LIFE CLEOPATRA 03172 (Barcode: 889466317224) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1974 - 1976 Released: 2020 This is a reissue / remaster of the “lost” album by one of the greatest British Rock groups of all time, Humble PieFind albums by this artist. This album was rejected by the group’s record label A&MFind albums on this label, but they continued to record for many months, until the group fell apart and the music remained shelved, while they released their swan song album “Street RatsFind albums with this title” in the meantime. The album presents twenty tracks, most being originals written by the group members. In addition to the regular group members: vocalist / guitarist Steve MarriottFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RidleyFind albums by this artist, guitarist Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, drummer Jerry ShirleyFind albums by this artist and keyboardist Tim HinkleyFind albums by this artist, they invited a plethora of guests to take part in this project, including such luminaries like bassist Boz BurrellFind albums by this artist, drummer Ian WallaceFind albums by this artist, saxophonist Mel CollinsFind albums by this artist, guitarist B. J. ColeFind albums by this artist and others. These tracks surfaced in 1990s as “Scrubbers Sessions”, both on bootlegs and eventually on Eagle Records, but are not available anymore and this new reissue offers a good sound quality and nice packaging. Overall, this is a great document, both of the era and one of the greatest British Rock groups ever, which definitely is worth being remembered. Marriott had one of the most distinctive voices of Rock and his premature and tragic death in 1991 robbed the world of his magic forever. A great piece of history!

Updated: 07/10/2022Posted: 07/10/2022

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