Record Reviews

STEVE HILLAGE ~ L (EXPANDED EDITION) VIRGIN 373419 (Barcode: 094637341926) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007 2nd album by Steve HillageFind albums by this artist and his most (commercially) successful release ever. In contrast to the debut album, which was recorded while Hillage and his partner Miquette GiraudyFind albums by this artist were still members of GongFind albums by this artist and included strong similarities to Gong material, this album was quite a different affair. Hillage used his record label’s connections to establish contact with US musician / producer Todd RundgrenFind albums by this artist, who agreed to produce this album. Hillage and Giraudy left for the US, where this album was recorded and produced by Rundgren, with members of Rundgren’s band UtopiaFind albums by this artist serving as the backing band. The material includes both original material by Hillage / Giraudy and a few covers of what Hillage describes as “his favorite songs at the time” (including a great version of DonovanFind albums by this artist’s “Hurdy Gurdy Man”). The album stands the test of time fabulously and is a great example of both Hillage’s strength as a composer and a guitarist. One more point of interest is the participation of the great jazz trumpet player Don CherryFind albums by this artist, who adds an interesting coloring to the album’s atmosphere. A classic by all means!

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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

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