Record Reviews

LESLIE WEST ~ GOT BLOOZE PROVOGUE 7155 (Barcode: 8712725715528) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 Legendary guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist is best known as the leader of MountainFind albums by this artist, America’s answer to the UK power trio CreamFind albums by this artist. Mountain recorded a series of excellent albums in the late 1960s and early 1970s, which were loud and powerful (often being quoted as one of the forefathers of Heavy Rock), but also quite sophisticated. West’s unique tone and approach to the guitar, heavily based in the blues tradition, stays to this very day as one of the icons of the formative years of electric guitar. A famous anecdote tells that if one places West in a room with another 99 guitar players, just one note played by him will be immediately recognizable. Since the mid-1970s West recorded sporadically, with none of the albums leaving any significant impact on the scene, but his 2000s output marks a revival of his powers. West returned to what he does best – playing the blues in his unique manner, which has but a few competitors. West formed an excellent group with two formidable blues / rock veterans: Tim BogertFind albums by this artist (Vanilla FudgeFind albums by this artist, CactusFind albums by this artist, Beck, Bogert & AppiceFind albums by this artist) – one of rock’s most respected bass players and Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist (John MayallFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist) – one of blues-rock most respected drummers. Together they storm through a program, which includes many blues standards, but sounds fresh and vital like never before. West also pays tribute to his ex-partner Jack BruceFind albums by this artist by including his superb composition “Politician” on this album. For blues-rock fans this is an absolute must!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

STONEY CURTIS BAND ~ ACID BLUES EXPERIENCE PROVOGUE 7160 (Barcode: 8712725716020) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 Although completely anonymous, Stoney CurtisFind albums by this artist and his power trio (Colby SmithFind albums by this artist – bass and Charles Glover IIFind albums by this artist – drums) play a nock-out Blues-Rock set on this (apparently) debut album. All the music is original, but based on the 1970’s classics of the genre with Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist as immediate associations. The guitar work is absolutely stunning, twisting and screaming the blues in ways previously attempted only by the very best guitar players. The retro psychedelic sound fits this music perfectly and if I didn’t know better I would swear this was a lost treasure from the past. I realize it is almost impossible to convince people to try unknown artists, but this one truly deserves to be discovered and ignoring it would be a (musical) crime. I hope you will dare (and later send me a thank you note, as usual).

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

LESLIE WEST ~ BLUE ME PROVOGUE 7191 (Barcode: 8712725719120) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006 2nd recent album by legendary guitarist Leslie WestFind albums by this artist, dedicated to the exploration of his blues roots. Similar to its predecessor (Got BloozeFind albums with this title), the album includes a mixture of blues and rock classics brilliantly performed by West and his cohorts, again including drummer Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist (see John MayallFind albums by this artist, Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist). West lost none of his magic touch, which made MountainFind albums by this artist one of the most distinctive and pioneering groups of the late 1960s. There are no great discoveries here, no groundbreaking pyrotechnics, just perfect blues-rock performances that sound right time after time. If you love Mountain, you’ll love this. If you love the blues, you’ll love this too. Just listen to West’s version of George GershwinFind albums by this artist’s “Summertime” and bliss will take over. So what else can one ask for? Visitors' Comments Dr. Rafael Augusto Lara Palmeros A superb albumn!!!. Leslie West and a group of excellent musicians – Aynsley Dunbar, Tim Fahey, Kevin Curry, Art Groom, Todd Wolfe and Brian Michell - recorded this marvelous music with covers from Leroy Carr, Ida Cox, The Great Muddy Waters, Sonny Thompson and others. The music is a mixture of Blues-Rock and some Bayou sound (´Green River´). West still sings with a gear-shredding roar and guitar lines sound heavier than thunder on this set of blues-rockers. ´Hit the road Jack´ is relatively sleek and elegant (remember Ray Charles version!!), ´Four day creep´ is a Blues-Rock as old times (West, Bruce and Laing), ´Standing around crying´ is a real good Blues. Gershwin´s ´Summertime´, that closes the albumn is plenity moody, with West´s guitar weeping and a exceptional Brian Mitchell playing piano. A must for a real Blues-Rock fan!!. 4.5 stars.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

MICHAEL LANDAU / GROUP ~ LIVE PROVOGUE 7209 (Barcode: 8712725720928) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 2004 - 2006 Released: 2006 Michael Landau is one of the best-kept secrets on the US West Coast scene. Although almost completely anonymous, he is definitely one of the best and most gifted guitar players in US today. He is quite famous to the “insiders” of the music scene as he is featured (as a session player) on an endless list of albums by the biggest names in rock music. His work as a leader is unfortunately hardly available and this new album is a most welcome addition. The album is a showcase of his amazing versatility and staggering technique. The first disc of this 2CD set id dedicated to the electric blues, which Landau performs brilliantly with shades of Hendrix and Vaughan coming to mind immediately. The second discs could not be more different and it includes a superb set of jazz / rock Fusion, with Landau playing some amazing licks. He also composed all the music (sans one track) on this album. If you have never heard of this guy, do yourself a favor and listen to this album. I can assure you won’t be sorry!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

JOE BONAMASSA ~ LIVE FROM THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL PROVOGUE 7274 (Barcode: 8712725727422) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2009 Considering the fact that nothing significant is happening in Blues in the last few decades since it went electric and combined forces with Rock, it´s always great to hear somebody make a worthwhile contribution. US guitarist / singer / composer Joe BonamassaFind albums by this artist has been steadily building up a reputation as a major figure on the Blues-Rock scene and this live concert, recorded at the legendary London Royal Albert Hall, which hosted the greatest names in Rock music over the years, is ample proof of his outstanding achievements. Supported by an excellent band, which includes a three-piece horn section and with help / guest appearances by stars / veterans like Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist on guitar and Paul JonesFind albums by this artist on harmonica, this music kicks ass from start to finish. Bonamassa, who wrote at least half of the material included, is a gifted songwriter and his soul is definitely full of the Blues feeling. If you still like the Blues and don´t mind a Rocky kick behind it, you won´t stop drooling while this album plays on!

CD 2 Recommend To A Friend

WARREN HAYNES BAND ~ LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATRE PROVOGUE 7383 (Barcode: 8712725738329) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2011 Released: 2012 US guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Warren HaynesFind albums by this artist needs no introduction and any Blues-Rock fan around the world is surely familiar with his work with The Allman Brothers BandFind albums by this artist, Gov`t MuleFind albums by this artist or his solo recordings. He is regarded as one of the best Blues-Rock guitarist out there and his versatility and talent precede him. This superb live recording of his band brigs everything he has to offer in one neat package with four hours of material on two CDs and a DVD, which should keep every Blues-Rock fan more than happy. The six-piece band and guest musicians go through two sets of songs, mostly written by Haynes, with just a few borrowed treasures. This is music straight from the heart and one should take it as it is, without looking for things that aren´t there. Haynes and his guitar are trademarks of contemporary US Blues-Rock and they kick bottoms. Warmly recommended!

2CD+DVD 3 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

RIDES ~ CAN`T GET ENOUGH PROVOGUE 7412 (Barcode: 819873010142) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2013 Released: 2013 This is the debut album by American Blues-Rock band The RidesFind albums by this artist, formed in 2013 by the legendary singer / songwriter / guitarist Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist with singer / songwriter Kenny Wayne ShepherdFind albums by this artist and veteran keyboardist Barry GoldbergFind albums by this artist. The band also includes bassist Kevin McCormickFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris LaytonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, four of which are originals co-written by the three founding members of the band, one is written by Neil YoungFind albums by this artist, one is written by Stills, one is written by Iggy PopFind albums by this artist and three are Blues standards. Stills is able to put his ego away and embrace a much younger Blues-Rock star like Shepherd in order to create what he calls "the blues band of my dreams" in order to revisit his Blues roots. Surprisingly this unlikely coalition works out splendidly and the album is full of a true camaraderie and more importantly some superb Blues songs with scorching guitar solos all along the way. The new songs are all first class and the covers are updated with sparkling and ass-kicking rejuvenated arrangements, altogether resulting in an album that might have been recorded fifty years earlier – and I mean this as a compliment. For all the Classic Rock / Blues-Rock enthusiasts, who still listen to real music today, this is as good as this type of music ever gets. Nostalgia, "heard it all already", etc. – who cares! This music is alive and kicking and all you contemporary zombie-music lovers eat your hearts out! This music truly rocks!

Updated: 27/04/2019Posted: 27/04/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

RIDES ~ PIERCED ARROW PROVOGUE 7461 (Barcode: 819873013341) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2016 Released: 2016 This is the second album by American Blues-Rock band The RidesFind albums by this artist, formed in 2013 by the legendary singer / songwriter / guitarist Stephen StillsFind albums by this artist with singer / songwriter Kenny Wayne ShepherdFind albums by this artist and veteran keyboardist Barry GoldbergFind albums by this artist. The band also includes bassist Kevin McCormickFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris LaytonFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten songs, nine of which are originals co-written by the three founding members of the band and the bassist and one is a Blues standard. This album is decidedly less Blues oriented than the debut and offers mostly American Rock with some Bluesy spicing, but the songs are all as good as Rock songs get and are all perfectly executed. Stills still sings wonderfully as does Shepherd and both play tasty guitar solos, so what else can one ask for. At least these guys play what they believe in and they have something to say, which is better that most other "music" maker these days. One can wonder if these guys have it in them to deliver another album of their songs – time will show. Shepherd has a stardom career to run, which personally leaves me rather cold, and it is Stills who made me to listen to The Rides, and I honestly don´t regret it. For all the Classic Rock / Blues-Rock enthusiasts, who still listen to real music today, this is as good as this type of music ever gets. Nostalgia, "heard it all already", etc. – who cares! This music is alive and kicking and all you contemporary zombie-music lovers eat your hearts out! This music truly rocks!

Updated: 28/04/2019Posted: 28/04/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

GARY MOORE ~ LIVE FROM LONDON PROVOGUE 7605 (Barcode: 810020501032) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2009 Released: 2020 This is an archive album by British guitar virtuoso / vocalist / composer Gary MooreFind albums by this artist, recorded live in December 2009 just over a year before his untimely death in 2011. The album was recorded with keyboardist Vic MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Peter ReesFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve DixonFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen tracks, some being his original compositions, which span his entire career, with an emphasis on Blues, which was always his favorite idiom despite the fact that his career covered a wide range of genres. The tight band and the incredibly coherent choice of material make this album one of his best ever live recordings. The fire and virtuosity of his soloing fully justify his legendary status as a guitar hero and one of the very best axe man of his generation. The music includes such classic Blues anthems as John MayallFind albums by this artist’s “Have You Heard” and Al KooperFind albums by this artist’s “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know”, which alone are the worth the price of the album in gold. Overall this album is an instant classic, especially for Blues-Rock enthusiasts and a wonderful reminder of Moore’s genius. Although the market is pretty stuffed with live Moore material, this album is an absolute highlight and an essential part of any decent music collection. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 09/08/2021Posted: 09/08/2021

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ NO MORE WORLDS TO CONQUER PROVOGUE 76242 (Barcode: 810020502176) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is the 26th solo studio album by legendary British Rock guitarist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded mostly in an intimate trio setting with vocalist Richard WattsFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris TaggartFind albums by this artist. Trower plays both guitar and bass guitar. Occasional organ is played by Paddy MilnerFind albums by this artist and occasional bass by Livingstone BrownFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven original songs, all by Trower. As the title appropriately points out, Trower has absolutely nothing more to prove and his over five-decades long recording career, both with Procol Harum and as a solo artist, established his position as one of the greatest British Rock guitar players of all time. The songs on this album continue the style of his late solo albums, soaked with deep Blues feel and spiced by the spectacular guitar playing, which sounds as good as ever. His abilities remain completely intact and his album are as reliable as sunrise and sunset. Overall, this is another gem of an album in the long list of his solo albums, which happily for us he keeps delivering in regular time interviews. For his many followers, getting this album is absolutely a no-brainer.

Updated: 01/05/2023Posted: 09/06/2022

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ JOYFUL SKY PROVOGUE 77092 (Barcode: 8712725746102) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2023 Released: 2023 This is the 27th solo studio album by legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded mostly in an intimate trio setting with vocalist Sari SchorrFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris TaggartFind albums by this artist. Trower plays both guitar and bass guitar. Occasional keyboards are played by Adrian GautreyFind albums by this artist. The album presents ten original songs, all by Trower. Following his departure from the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most. Schorr is an incredible rising star on the Blues-Rock scene, and this is her 4th album following three excellent solo albums. Her vocals are gutsy and full of the Blues sensitivity, which is very rare. The songs on this album continue the style of Trower’s late solo albums, soaked with deep Blues feel and spiced by the spectacular guitar playing, which sounds as good as ever. His abilities remain completely intact and his album are as reliable as sunrise and sunset. Overall, this is another gem of an album in the long list of his solo albums, which happily for us he keeps delivering in regular time interviews. For his many followers, getting this album is absolutely a no-brainer.

Updated: 09/12/2023Posted: 09/12/2023

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ROBIN TROWER ~ COME AND FIND ME PROVOGUE 77432 (Barcode: 8712725749622) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is the 28th solo studio album by legendary British Rock guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Robin TrowerFind albums by this artist, recorded mostly in an intimate trio setting with vocalist Richard WattsFind albums by this artist and drummer Chris TaggartFind albums by this artist. Trower plays both guitar and bass guitar. Vocalist Jess HayesFind albums by this artist guests on one track and bassist Glenn LetschFind albums by this artist guests on two tracks. The album presents eleven original songs, all by Trower. Following his departure from the iconic Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, Trower pursues a solo career since 1973, with dozens of albums to his credit. He manages miraculously to stick to his own formula of creative Blues-Rock, which he follows in the sixth decade of his career. His guitar playing is still sharp and clear-cut and his vocals are still as powerful as always, and he does not need to reinvent himself or search for any new avenues, doing what he does best. His many fans love his music, and that’s what matters the most. The songs on this album continue the style of Trower’s late solo albums, soaked with deep Blues feel and spiced by the spectacular guitar playing, which sounds as good as ever. His abilities remain completely intact and his album are as reliable as sunrise and sunset. Overall, this is another gem of an album in the long list of his solo albums, which happily for us he keeps delivering in regular time interviews. For his many followers, getting this album is absolutely a no-brainer.

Updated: 30/06/2025Posted: 30/06/2025

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ THE PERFECT BLUES COLLECTION SONY 886978478320 (Barcode: 886978478320) ~ USA ~ Blues Recorded: 1923 - 2004 Released: 2011 I usually don´t like collections of this sort, but honestly this one is quite exceptional. It was compiled by Sony MusicFind albums on this label for the French market by French Blues enthusiasts and one must raise the hat to those Frenchmen, they simply have more taste than most, especially Americans. The compilation consists of 25 remastered original albums, mini-sleeved, in a cardboard box. It covers the many faces and shapes of the Blues between 1920s and 2000s, proving not only the enormous versatility of the music, but beyond all the overwhelming influence Blues had on all other music genres between Jazz and Rock. The sources include not only the usual ColumbiaFind albums on this label vaults, but also the French VogueFind albums on this label label and several others, to give a comprehensive story of the genre. The albums are presented chronologically by the release date, which in some cases is not exactly parallel to the recording date, but overall the story of the Blues is presented in whole. The list of the artists is truly stellar and includes the most important Blues artists, who shaped the music. Considering that almost all of these albums are impossible to find separately and the incredible price tag, this is one hell of a bargain! A must!

CD 25 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

VARIOUS ARTISTS ~ JAZZ ON VOGUE SONY 887254437727 (Barcode: 887254437727) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 1947 - 1957 Released: 2013 This incredible Box Set collects 35 early Jazz albums released on the legendary French Jazz labels: Disques VogueFind albums on this label founded in 1947 and its subsidiary SwingFind albums on this label, which was originally established in Paris in 1937 by Charles DelaunayFind albums by this artist and passed to Vogue in 1948. The music was recorded during the first post WWII decade (1947-1957) and features both American Jazz artists, who visited France or lived in France at the time as well as European Jazz artists. Paris was at the time the European Jazz center, which corresponded splendidly with its status as the European intellectual center, which produced dramatic and groundbreaking developments in European Philosophy, Plastic Arts, Cinema, Literature and of course music. Most of these albums were originally released on 10-inch LPs, which had a time limit under half an hour, and therefore they are arranged here to span over 20 CDs, each well over an hour long. The music was beautifully remastered and sounds remarkably fresh and vibrant. The list of the performers reads like a who´s who of American Jazz at the time: Dizzy GillespieFind albums by this artist, Roy EldridgeFind albums by this artist, Sidney BechetFind albums by this artist, Mary Lou WilliamsFind albums by this artist, Lee KonitzFind albums by this artist, Lionel HamptonFind albums by this artist, Clifford BrownFind albums by this artist, Jimmy RaneyFind albums by this artist, Oscar PettifordFind albums by this artist, Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist, Thelonious MonkFind albums by this artist, Roy HaynesFind albums by this artist, Lalo SchifrinFind albums by this artist and many others. The Europeans (French and Belgian in this case) are represented by Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist, Martial SolalFind albums by this artist, Bobby JasparFind albums by this artist, Henri RenaudFind albums by this artist, Rene ThomasFind albums by this artist, Andre HodeirFind albums by this artist, Barney WilenFind albums by this artist and many others. Stylistically the music spans quite a wide range of Jazz sub-genres, from New Orleans via Swing, Bee Bop, Cool and Early European Modern Jazz. Of course all of it is absolutely classic stuff as far as Jazz history is concerned and is essentially timeless. The most astonishing discovery, in retrospect, is the fact that the European musicians at that early stage already hold their ground opposite the Americans, showing early signs of a much more open-minded approach and a will to step beyond the American dominated Jazz conventions of the time. Many of these albums were never before released on CD; some of them are ultra-rare collectors´ items since decades. For example the three early Martial Solal releases (collected on CD number 6) are absolutely stunning examples of modern European piano trio recordings, which is decades ahead of its time, as are several other albums in this set. This is an essential collection for any serious Jazz connoisseur, which covers a huge void in many record collections. This box is worth its price (which is very reasonable) in gold and should serve as an example of how reissue projects should be produced. An absolute must!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 20 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend

DJANGO REINHARDT ~ DJANGO REINHARDT ON VOGUE - COMPLETE EDITION (1934-1951) SONY 887254446927 (Barcode: 887254446927) ~ BELGIUM ~ Jazz Recorded: 1934 - 1951 Released: 2012 This superb Box Set contains all the music recorded by the legendary Belgian-born Romani (Gypsy) guitarist / composer Django ReinhardtFind albums by this artist for the French VogueFind albums on this label label. Reinhardt lived near Paris since his early childhood and most of his musical activities were carried out in France and with French musicians. These recordings cover his entire career since the period he first discovered Jazz in the early 1930s and until his untimely death at the age of 43 in 1953. Reinhardt is considered to be the Godfather of modern guitar, in Jazz as well as in Rock. His playing influenced countless guitarists all over the years and is still considered exemplary today. He is also considered as a pioneer, who made the guitar a central instrument in Jazz. His close ties with the Gypsy folklore and his ability to incorporate it into his playing gave birth to the Gypsy Jazz subgenre, which enjoys tremendous popularity to this very day. But perhaps most importantly he was the first original European Jazz musician of fame and influence, who preceded the birth of European Jazz by three decades. Most of the music in this Box Set was recorded by the Quintette du Hot Club de FranceFind albums by this artist, which Reinhardt co-founded with French violinist and life-time collaborator Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist. This revolutionary and pioneering all-strings Jazz quintet demonstrated a completely new approach to Jazz improvisation and thanks to Reinhardt´s and Grappelli´s virtuosity achieved a worldwide following and admiration. Immediately after WW II Reinhardt visited the USA and managed to record with the Duke EllingtonFind albums by this artist Orchestra and other American bands; these recordings are also included herein. The contents of this Box Set in undoubtedly some of the most iconic Jazz music ever recorded, which still universally reverberates in contemporary music regardless of genre. Reinhardt´s legend lives on, inspiring young musicians to pick up the instrument and create new sounds, which is exactly what Django would have wanted. Essential stuff for mental health!

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

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