Robin Beck – ‘Underneath’ album review

 

Robin Beck – ‘Underneath’ album review

Released on: HMMR Records/Cargo Records Release date: Available now

 

 

 

 

 

Robin Beck put simply is one phenomenal talent! There, I said it!

 

Back in the late 80’s she came to many Europeans attention with her number one solo hit, ‘First Time’ in 1988 in the UK and in 1989 in Germany, the song of course got there through its frequent use in a Coca Cola TV ad at the time, which was like serious power-play for the artist!

Sadly in the UK the success did not continue - I have no idea why?! Probably marketing or lack of it! - but Germany seemed to welcome Robin with open arms and more hits followed there for a while, but then seemed to dry up.

 

She has continued to release albums to critical acclaim generally although lacking in commercial success, it certainly seems that today, the melodic and hard rock community loves her. Whether the fact that she is married to one James Christian, vocalist with House of Lords has any bearing or not I don’t know, but her voice more than stands up for itself and needs no moral support from anyone!

That said, he did produce the album and perhaps that actually goes a long way as to why this is so good!

Most of the songwriting here has been done by Robin, James and Tommy Denander.

 

 

The talent she has, allows her to show quite a range and variety on the material she wants to present, while easily matching the best rock vocal efforts of say Cher or even Ann Wilson in each of their primes and kind of giving the likes of pop rockers Kelly Clarkson and Pink a good run for their money!

 

 

The opener ‘Wrecking Ball’ gives the impression perhaps of initially a pop rocker but then rocks out like as strong as some of the best commercial rockers that Bon Jovi could put out there.

Punchy heavy edged riffs through the verses, yet such strong melodic lead and harmony vocals throughout the choruses.
Magic stuff, really, really strong opener, great job Robin!

 

 

‘Ain’t That Just Like Love’ next starts with an almost AC/DC like riff, but then the song grows into a monster strong commercially catchy song, the chorus is just huge, which is a common factor throughout the album. Love it!

 

 

My earlier comparisons perhaps to Pink and Kelly Clarkson are perhaps strongly justified first with ‘Sprain,’ which is again another hugely catchy chorus driven song and something that perhaps I’ve failed to mention so far is that Robin sings with a kind of swaggering attitude. Does that make sense? I mean everything she’s singing comes across like she’s telling the listener, ‘Look, don’t mess with me, I’m deadly serious on what I’m telling you in these songs.’

 

 

Title song ‘Underneath’ really moves me and gives me goose bumps every time I hear it and it perhaps it gives a little nod to Heart in its structure and overall sound and that’s no slight at all, it really goes on to emphasize exactly what I’m saying about the pure strength in Robin’s performance. Absolutely fantastic!

 

 

‘Catfight’ next … I really wasn’t sure what to make of this at first, as it’s hugely pop rock in its style, but it almost has a bit of a punky like attitude about it. Kind of funny and makes me chuckle a bit when you really pick up what the lyrics are saying. Now I just love it!

 

 

The almost punky edge kicks in again with ‘Check Your Attitude,’ which sounds like something I bet Kelly Clarkson wishes she’d done.

A very catchy tune with quite an edginess to the song.

 

 

Next up Robin does a duet with husband James Christian on ‘Burnin’ Me Down,’ which is kind of a borderline power ballad, laid back rocker and it’s superbly done.
 

‘Perfect Storm’ next gets right back to the rock and it’s loaded with some great harmony vocal lines and of course a killer lead vocal delivery from Robin. An absolutely killer lead break here too, nice one!

 

Possibly the catchiest song on here next, but it’s hard to say that outright as there’s so many strong songs on here, but I guarantee that ‘Ya Can’t Fight Love’ will have you singing it again and again, it’s truly a great up tempo hook laden rocker!

 

 

In REAL power ballad style comes ‘I Swear The Nights’ next which at times also gives me goose bumps, I mean come on, I mean two big songs that give you goose bumps on one album, doesn’t that alone speak volumes?!
It kind of reminds me a little of Cher’s ‘Just Like Jesse James’ at times.
Very, very strong indeed, a winner in my book for sure!

 

‘Follow You’ is a great album closer as it’s just as strong as anything else on here.

Love it!

This album, no question at all is an absolute success if you ask me, I really do love every track now even if a couple took a couple of double takes, eventually they got me too.

 

 

Avoid this at your loss, Robin Beck is outstanding on here, no question, now how about some live dates in the US?

 

 

Rating: 5 out of 5

 

 

Official website:

 

http://www.robinbeckrocks.com/





James Christian – ‘Lay It All On Me’ album review

James Christian – ‘Lay It All On Me’ album review

Released on: Frontiers. Release date: Available now.

 

 

Just who is James Christian, I hear some people saying?

Well, his voice is one I stumbled on, nay, was blown away by back in 1988 when someone introduced me to the band House of Lords and their debut album.

That album and the subsequent HOL project was the brainchild of one Greg Guiffria, ex-Angel keyboard wizard, after his own band Guiffria folded or was forced to fold by a certain Gene Simmons (Kiss), for his new label conveniently named ‘Simmons Records!’

 

Original demos were made with Guiffria singer David Glen Eisley – Later released as ‘The Demo’s.’ – but the verdict was that Simmons insisted on a new singer too. Enter one James Christian the vocalist at the time that I had certainly never been aware of, joining Guiffria bassist Chuck Wright (Guiffria, Quiet Riot), much travelled drummer Ken Mary and guitarist Larry Cordola (Guiffria), all who contributed to the excellent first self titled HOL album in 1988.
I also saw them open for The Scorpions in 1989 and London’s Hammersmith Odeon.

Loved it!

 

Subsequent House of Lords albums album’s followed including the wonderful ‘Sahara,’ which was just killer and the magical ‘Demon’s Down’ release in 1992.

Sadly all was not well and over those three releases, there were different lineups and then the band split soon after.
After legal wrangles the band started again, but Greg Guiffria chose not to be a part of it and the next album did not appear until 2004. Sadly, ‘The Power and the Myth’ was a disappointing return, but follow up ‘World Upside Down,’ was much more in keeping with the HOL traditions.
‘Live in the UK’ followed which was pretty good, then ‘Come To My Kingdom’ (2008), ‘Cartesian Dreams’ (2009) and ‘Big Money’ (2011) all impressed me but nothing new has since been released from HOL, but now we have this release from James Christian, who has been the one constant throughout the whole HOL saga.

 

‘Lay It All On Me’ is the third solo release from James Christian, the previous two ‘Rude Awakening’ (1994) and ‘Meet The Man’ (2004) were both very good releases and to me this is a pretty enjoyable release.

Songwriters involved in this release include session musician Tommy Denander who seems to get in everywhere these days and Christian’s HOL’s band mate, guitarist Jimi Bell. Bell along with HOL drummer BJ Zampa also both play on the album on different tracks too, as well as Christian’s musical wife, the very talented Robin Beck who helps with backing vocals.

Other players include guitarists Jorge Salas and Shelby Stewart, Jeff Kent on keyboards and David Sherman also contributes some drums tracks.

 The album cover for 'Lay It All On Me,' could perhaps give anyone who has not heard samples of the album, a steer in the wrong direction.
James is seen holding an acoustic guitar and NOT dressed in his familiar black outfits.
Looking quite casual, someone could be mistaken for thinking this was a folk album, it is not!

 

Opening with the title track, ‘Lay It All On Me’ the 80’s sound is right there from the get go with the keyboards bass notes leading the track in …
I’m almost reminded of ‘American Heartbeat,’ (Survivor) but since its James Christian and once it gets into it, you automatically think of House of Lords, naturally perhaps but just significantly more commercial.
Much as I love the song, it really sounds like James has tried to capture too many tracks / sounds and it’s mainly vocal, drums, bass, keyboards and it’s lacking in guitar until the guitar solo spots come along that almost sounds Steve Vai like, which kind of makes up for the lack of it overall. Nice!

 

 

‘Sacred Heart’ comes across much more HOL like indeed, love it, but the mix / balance again seems a little awash, very keyboard driven AOR indeed, but it’s a James Christian solo album after all and not a HOL release.
Still a very strong song indeed though, I really like it!

 

Next up brings ‘Day In The Sun’ which has a generally more modern day pop rock theme sound to it, but is a wonderfully strong track indeed.

Love the base line and gentle keys through the verses and then of course the big chorus with big old power chords and a nice if short guitar solo.

‘Believe In Me’ next at first kind of reminds me of ‘Time After Time’ – Yes, Cyndi Lauper – from the intro and once again, it’s got quite a pop rock feel about it, but in a good way.
I really like the song as I do pretty much like everything on here, although the harder rocking fans of House of Lords may be a little disappointed.
I think the strong songs really shine through though.

Next up ‘You’re So Bad’ kind of rocks through the verses, but the chorus is again very pop rock like.
In the end it’s all good melodic rock, the verses even have a slight Whitesnake like feel to them actually.

 

‘Don’t Come Near Me’ is perhaps more in keeping with the House of Lords rock groove in the verses, but it also sounds quite like its predecessor, very catchy chorus, which of course is something that James Christian has never had a problem writing.

 

The laid back poppy keyboard sound is again present on ‘Let It Shine’ which appears to be quite the ballad.
Pure pop rock slickness indeed!

 

‘She’s All The Rage’ wants to rock out so bad and generally does through the verses, but eases back a tad in the pre-chorus and chorus, where the power chords drive the verses, the keys come in to smother the guitars more in the choruses.
It’s still catchy as can be!

 

The thing is, as I mentioned before James is holding an acoustic guitar on the cover, perhaps hinting that it’s less of a rock album, but there’s still of course so much of a House of Lords vibe about it, but with three of the band’s players, what else would you expect?!


 

‘Sincerely Yours’ is a mid-paced AOR type rocker and it works as well as anything else here. Still smooth!

 

With ‘Shot In The Dark’ the guitars drive the song with chugging edgy guitars through the verses, but James sings the song with such a more laid back approach, that it’s like slightly restrained and the chorus doesn’t up the tempo, it just keeps it steady. Again smooth, but it doesn’t really pick up in the chorus as you’d think it might.

 

Closing track, ‘Welcome To Your Future’ starts with a drum roll intro like Dio’s ‘We Rock’ but then the verse kicks in and brings it down some.
It kind of rocks and it’s perhaps a little more up tempo than the last track, but it feels like it’s not quite into top gear.
I still like the track, but it feels like something is missing.

 

Overall, I love the songs and have always loved the guy’s voice, from that standpoint he can’t go too far wrong.

It just does feel like it’s missing a little edge though, so it’s not quite all I would’ve liked to have heard, but still enjoyable.

 

Rating: 3.75 out of 5  


Official website:

http://www.jameschristianmusic.com/





Brief Update - October 9th, 2013

 

 

 

Hi folks,

 

 

Well, here we go again, another quick posting just to let you know yes, Chambers of Rock is still alive and kicking!!!

 

 

A great show Saturday before last in Chicago's Arlington Heights area at The Home Bar.

Some seriously great acts and the review is coming, but even from the scribbles of the event organizer, Andrew McNiece it seems Melodic Rock Fest 3 was a success!

Check out Andrew's post for Monday 7th, October:

http://www.melodicrock.com/

A full review of Saturday will follow but here's some highlights ...

 By the way ... I did not get to see headline act Harem Scarem .... :(
More on that in my full review, reports that followed though said they great ..., my loss!
 

 

For me the great performances on Saturday were - And yes I am biased but ... - W.E.T. featuring Jeff Scott Soto, Erik Martensson (Eclipse) and Robert Sall (Work of Art) and most of the Eclipse band were just great for me ...

Oh to have a recording or DVD of that performance, but I know ... No chance!

Great set guys!

 

 

 

Heaven + Earth I have been waiting to see live for so long, now I know many of you know that I'm friends with Stuart Smith and both Richie Onori and Joe Retta have always been so cool with me too - since meeting up with them all through Sweet performances in Detroit .. - BUT .... I had not seen Heaven + Earth live and had wanted to for so long ..., they did not disappoint!

The set was scheduled to be a short'ish acoustic set, that changed to a full blown electric rockin' performance that blew me away!

 

Arlan Schierbaum absolutely killed it on his Hammond B3, jamming in such a fashion Jon Lord would've been proud of, climbing all over it too!

It was a short set though, but great to hear.

Stuart and Arlan played so well off each other, Joe's vocal performance, excellent and Richie and Tony Morabito - in for Chuck Wright - just had the rhythm section down great!

Loved it!!!

Stuart - Will that footage show up on DVD?

 

 

 

I cannot deny 7th heaven's performance was impressive!

They did have some clear advantages though ...

One - this was like a hometown gig for them ... They have also already open at Chicago's Soldier Field stadium for both Bon Jovi and Kid Rock, so this was like a walk in the park for them.

Two - They had already played the previous two Melodic Rock Fest events, so were already a familiar live act to the melodic rock community.

Three - They appeared to have brought in a bunch of friends with them, who left after their performance.

Four - Their sound guy was walking through the crowd mixing the sound right there on his active I-Pad ...!  Er, I did hear sampled sounds and vocals too!

All that said, their performance with new singer Keith Semple was full of confidence, no question. Nice one guys!

 

 

 

A very special performance for me, was that of my old pal Steve Newman and his band Newman for their first ever performance on US soil, also this was the first live performance with the band for bassist Joel Peters!

They had a tough spot in the Saturday lineup too, as they had to follow 7th heaven!

Not a simple task, with borrowed equipment and no sound check as I know was the case for the acts coming in from overseas and some of the US bands ... The drum set certainly remained the same throughout, with some of the drummers throughout the day switching out pedals and a few bits and bobs.

It was apparent there were some monitor problems, but they played a great if short set of just seven songs.

 

 

 

Huge kudos to the Brett Walker band guys, as Matt MacKelvie and the guys supported by Jeff Paris and Shawn Pelata (Line of Fire) to name just two, did an awesome job in paying tribute to the late, great Brett Walker.

Incredible job guys, must've been tough ...

 

 

 

 

Mecca with Survivor's Jimi Jamison sounded very good too, sadly Fergie Frederiksen (Toto / Mecca) was unable to be a part of the event, as he is currently very sick and undergoing medical treatments.

Nice performance led by Joe Vana ... Good job guys!

 

 

 

Adriangale were good, but nothing stood out to me ... Sorry guys, likewise Tango Down and Evolution Eden, who played good sets.

I missed most of opening act The Radio Sun's set, but the tail end of their performance sounded good.

 

 

Reviews are coming, just done James Christian, that should edited, formatted and posted in the next day or so, then Robin Beck, Status Quo, The Dead Daises and more!

 

Thanks for keeping it real folks!

Keep on rockin'!

 

Al

Brief Chambers of Rock Update - September 23rd, 2013

*Updated 26th September, 2013*

Hi folks and a huge welcome to all new readers!
 

 

Thought it was about time for me to at least touch base with you all again, with a few words outside of the reviews posted.

 

Yes, very busy schedules currently in the Williams household, not to mention craziness in my current day job situation, with long days and a bunch of travel, more than I was told there would be, but ... It's work ...

 

Anyway, just a brief update to you all that I am still working at album reviews and trying to get them wrapped up and posted, but it seems lately I've had even less time to listen to the music in the car on business trip, due to so many business calls enroute, ah well, they'll come folks!

 

Trying to wrap up both James Christian and his wife Robin Beck's solo releases currently, then hope to get Status Quo's latest 'Bula Quo' too, there are a few others in the works too ... :)

 

Right now though, I've been re-familiarising myself with a bunch of acts that Rhonda and I will be checking out this Saturday 28th September at the third Melodic Rock Fest!

 

Organised by Andrew McNiece - www.MelodicRock.com - with help from John Kivel - Kivel Records - it promises to be something special indeed and if you are in the Arlington, IL area this coming weekend Friday 27th, Saturday 28th or Sunday 29th September, make your way to the Home Bar - www.HomeBarChicago.com - it's going to be great and if you don't believe me, go here to check out all the details:

http://www.melodicrockfest.com/

 

The event is going on all weekend, although we will only be able to attend the Saturday event, but there are some great other acts playing on both the Friday and Sunday.
Friday's lineup includes Gary Schutt (Jeff Scott Soto), Glen Burtnik (Styx, Dennis DeYoung), Kelly Keeling (Michael Schenker, Heaven + Earth, Lynch Mob), Eric Martin (Mr. Big) and Bonrud.
Sunday's event are even more impressive with acts including Bombay Black, House of Lords, Ted Poley, Eclipse and Steve Augeri (Tall Stories, Journey).



Here's some of the details on Saturday's lineup for you though folks ...



Saturday's event starts with, The Radio Sun kicking things off, then there's Evolution Eden a power trio, then 7th Heaven who played both the previous Melodic Rock Festivals, so previous attendees should be familiar with these guys for sure!
Some links folks:
https://www.facebook.com/TheRadioSun
http://www.evolutioneden.com/
http://www.7thheavenband.com/

The only band playing from the UK, is Newman from the English south coast, my old stomping ground and they've not long released a great new album in 'Siren'  which just received a top notch review here on Chambers of Rock!
http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2013/08/newman-siren-album-review.html

Newman will of course be playing various other favourites from their vast back catalogue of nine studio releases, on their first ever US live appearance!

I spoke with Steve Newman last week and he was saying how much of a big deal this was to the band and how excited the band were about finally getting a chance to play to their US fans and that this gig was the first of some very important gigs for them, including Firefest again next month!

I'm looking forward to this set very much!
http://www.newmansound.com/





Next up will no doubt be the emotional appearance of the Brett Walker Tribute, featuring Brett Walker's band members and various guest vocalists from other weekend artists, to pay tribute to the man who passed away suddenly just over a month ago.
Brett was booked to play on the Saturday and with his sudden passing, the melodic rock community just wanted to pay tribute to the guy, by going ahead with his planned set.
I'm sure many will raise a glass in tribute to Brett on Saturday.
RIP Brett ...

https://www.facebook.com/brett.walker.1042032








Kivel Records act Tango Down will play next and their 'Identity Crisis' is an album I'm a fan of, so I know I'll enjoy this!

https://myspace.com/tangodown








The much touted Adriangale will follow, another Kivel Records band but sadly, they are an act I am not familiar with.
I'm sure it will be good though. :)
 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adriangale/135735596598758







A very special acoustic set will be next from the magical Heaven + Earth band, and while originally it looked like only three of the band would be playing, I learned last night that it would be a FULL Heaven + Earth band performance, still an acoustic set, but with a full band!

The main man behind the band Stuart Smith, will no doubt impress with his guitar work, although with an acoustic set it will be a little bit of a restrained performance for this talented player!

Stuart will be joined by H+E vocalist Joe Retta (Sweet), Richie Onori (Sweet) on drums, keyboard wiz Arlan Schierbaum and guest bassist Tony Morabito, as Chuck Wright will not be available due to a prior Quiet Riot commitment.
I'm certain this will be great, although would've loved to have seen a full electric set!

No doubt they'll be tracks from 'Dig' their latest album performed, check the review of that, captured here:

http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2013/03/heaven-earth-dig-album-review.html

Catching up with Stuart Smith last night, he told he was really looking forward to it, pumped as he headed out for one more band rehearsal.
http://www.heavenandearthband.com/








Mecca is a great project formed by Joe Vana, a very slick vocalist as well as ex-Toto players bassist David Hungate and former Toto vocalist Fergie Frederiksen, but they also had the talents of former Survivor singer / songwriter Jim Peterik helping nail down some great stuff!
Sadly for Melodic Rock Fest # 3, Fergie is not well enough to perform due to his health battles. All is not lost though as Survivor frontman Jimi Jamison has offered to step in and help out and there is just a chance that Fergie may at least be present at the event, even if he's not available to sing.
I'm sure it will still be special!

Last year's 'Undeniable' was a very impressive album and you can check out my review of that here:

http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2012/02/mecca-undeniable-album-review.html


https://www.facebook.com/MeccaTheBand

W.E.T. is the combination of Jeff Scott Soto (Vocals), Eric Martensson (of Eclipse on guitars) and Robert Sall (of Work Of Art on guitars/keyboards) and combined they have put out two very strong albums, the latest being the excellent 'Rise Up!'

These guys are just a class act and Jeff Scott Soto never disappoints!

To check out 'Chambers of Rock's' review of 'Rise Up,' go here:
http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2013/04/wet-rise-up-album-review.html


http://jeffscottsoto.com/WET2/








Headliners on Saturday are Canadian rockers featuring Harry Hess and gang, Harem Scarem!
Just a few years back these guys had called it a day, but now they are back and have a new album out soon 'Mood Swings 2.'
They will be a perfect end to a packed day of class acts, oh and yes, that is just Saturday's line up!!

http://www.haremscarem.net/


 

Rhonda and I are only bummed that we can't be there for the whole weekend and will sadly only be there on the Saturday, but what a day that plans to be for sure!

Hope to pull together as much of a review of the Saturday gig as I can folks, so look out for that too.

 

Plan to post a review of the Dokken show from August 3rd, now sadly looks beyond me, again due to the lack of time to wrap it up in my own words from my notes made that evening. Sorry ... :(

 
 

Well, aside from that please stick with Chambers of Rock, there will be more to come.
Cheers, have a good week folks!

Keep on rockin'!!!

Al 

 

 

Pat Travers Band – ‘Can Do’ album review

 

 

 

 

Pat Travers Band – ‘Can Do’ album review

 

Released on: Frontiers Records. Release date: Available now.

 

 

 

 

Pat Travers has had my attention ever since I first heard ‘Boom Boom (Out Go The Lights),’ the then leadoff single - And probably best known song to date! - from his magic ‘Live! Go For What You Know’ album, recorded during his ‘Heat In The Street’ tour.
The b side to that single was his excellent live interpretation of ‘Stateboro’ Blues,’ - Not included on the then live vinyl album. - the Blind Willie McTell jam, that is best known done by the Allman Borthers, but Pat’s version just knocks that for six! - IMHO!

 

 

After getting the live album under my belt, I went out and immediately picked up his classic albums prior to the live release, starting with ‘Makin’ Magic,’ then ‘Heat In The Street,’ ‘Pat Travers’ and ‘Puttin’ It Straight.’I soon realized that my interest in PT was well justified when I discovered that Thin Lizzy guitar players Brian Robertson and Scott Gorham both played guest spots on two of those early albums – ‘Makin’ Magic’ – Brian Robertson and ‘Puttin’ It Straight’ – Scott Gorham. 

Subsequent studio albums followed the live release in the shape of ‘Crash and Burn’ the album that included the strange choice of cover in Bob Marley’s ‘Is This Love,’ plus a bunch of synths on the album that threw some fans, but was supported by a London (UK) live show, where I caught my first PT live show and loved it!

He also played the Reading Rock Festival soon after the London gig.

 

‘Radio Active’ followed and was OK, pretty good but it seemed to lose some of PT’s earlier rockin’ momentum to a degree, then came ‘Black Pearl’ which although it included another Marley cover in ‘Misty Morning’ it had some real gems like ‘Who’ll Take The Fall,’ ‘Stand Up,’ ‘The Fifth’ and more.
I loved ‘Black Pearl’ and being a fan of melodic rock / AOR I was longing to get a copy of follow up ‘Hot Shot’ but the import prices at the time were nuts and subsequently I could never find a copy of ‘Hot Shot’ at a reasonable price - Still can't today! - so never did hear the album ….

 

I guess what I’m trying to say here is I’ve always loved PT’s music for what it was, although many rock fans don't like his voice so much, but I think it works great with what he's playing and even with some of the funky twists he took on ‘Crash and Burn,’ ‘Radioactive’ and kind of ‘Black Pearl’ I took it and it grew on me.

 

After that, PT really went back to more of his blues roots and I kind of lost touch with a number of subsequent releases – Let’s say at least ten of them! – until the live ‘Stick With What You Know’ release which was great!
I did catch the Pat Travers Band live in the UK, probably two or three times in the 90's and live, it was still an enjoyable show.

Another blues release in ‘Travellin’ Blues’ followed, then the enjoyable last studio album that I got ‘Fidelis.’
Note - 'Fidelis' album review here:
http://chambersofrock.blogspot.com/2010/08/pat-travers-fidelis-cd-review-released.html

‘Blues on Fire’ in 2012 I didn’t get, nor the ‘Live at the Bamboo Room’ release, but ‘Can Do’ is perhaps about to get PT noticed again!

 

It certainly seems that with this album, Pat’s kind of targeting a shift from the more blues driven hard rock he’s best known for, to a more commercial melodic rock angle for the most part and that is fine, but the end product isn’t all it should be to me ...

 

 Being on the Frontiers label should’ve swung this the right way and song wise it’s good, very good IMO and I’ve seen comments on the vocals not being so good, well, Pat’s been doing this a long time now and his style leads to a rougher edge, so yes maybe they are a little rougher than previous releases but it still in the PT realm for me.

 

 

Opening with title track ‘Can Do’ it comes across as perhaps a more commercial direction for PT but as I mentioned the production feels it’s lacking a little something.
I actually like the song but the key the song is in seems odd with the phrasing and as an opening title track, it’s doesn’t perhaps seem as powerful as it could’ve been.
Still good and grows for sure, but takes a little getting used to, getting into.

 

 

‘Stand Up / Give It Up’ next tries to play more so on his blues rock styling’s and his voice does sound rougher as this song goes on actually, but it’s a good groove.

 

 

I think ‘Diamond Girl’ is a great commercial track in a radio friendly style, great melodies on this one, nice shared melodies on the guitar from PT and the equally excellent Kirk McKim.

 

 

Next ‘As Long As I’m With You,’ contains some nice slide guitar touches, with some great backing guitar harmonies and the solo is just class, the song is in a slower groove with an underlying dirty riff. I would add though, that the actual song line, where Pat sings, 'As Long As I’m With Yoooou,’ does become a little repetitive though.

 

 

Boy does the harmony / chorus line of ‘Long Time Gone’ remind me of something else …?! Nazareth’s ‘Gone Dead Train’ possibly ...?
 It’s a song that creeps in with a screaming, repeating guitar line then builds into the chorus to get it going.
The chorus though is just so catchy, whereas the verses are more dirty, stop start edgy, kind of staggered then the pre-chorus brings things back in and the chorus just kills!
The guitar solo is another killer too and these days PT is happy to share the lead work with the hugely talented Kirk McKim and they do this so well, bringing back some memories of the Pat Thrall days!
Long time drum buddy Sandy Gennaro is as good as ever and along with Rodney O’Quinn on bass, they’ve got things down well.

 

 

‘Wanted (That was then / This is now)’ has a haunting vibe to it, almost Bad Company like at times and it’s really got something, but there is one really cheesy line in it, ‘Oh man, I sure wish I had a nice cold beer …,’ that I’m thinking, come on Pat really, but then that’s the humourous angle that PT often likes to throw into his songs for ya!

 

 

It’s funky time next and more slide guitar on ‘Armed and Dangerous’ which is certainly another tongue in cheek funny twist song. It almost has a Lynyrd Skynyrd like twist about it actually, fun times PT!

 

 

Next song, a cover of the Eurythmics ‘Here Comes The Rain (Again)’ really threw me a curve ball … Strange kind of choice ...
At first I thought, no please, but it has come to grow on me.
This is a song that again I wish the overall production was better on, the distortion in sound here and there just isn’t good … 

     
After the last song, I began to think what next and ‘Keep Calm and Carry On’ is a nice instrumental that begins initially, well not unlike The Police’s ‘Walking on the Moon,’ but then develops its own identity, although a little spacey the instrumental has some really nice lead work, some nice harmonizing kind of like a bluesy Thin Lizzy. Nice!

‘Dust and Bone’ comes next with a real blues groove, some nice slide guitar, laid back generally, kind of cool, almost funky but still with a rockin’ groove to it.  

 

 

 Keeping with a bluesy style, ‘Waiting On The End Of Time,’ but then it’s almost not unlike some of David Lee Roth's fun sing-along kind of material before it then provides an absolutely ripping killer solo, then back in the fun time tune. Go guys go!

 

 

Closing track ‘Red Neck Boogie’ is more or less self-explanatory and when you hear it you’ll know what I mean. Rock ‘n’ Roll boogie woogie, honky town grooving number.
Good times PT!

 

 

It is an enjoyable new album from the Pat Travers Band, nice to see that classic PTB logo on the cover too, some nice songs, interesting cover version, but overall it's in a style that should please many in the PT fan club!

The only downer for me is the overall final mix, which at times I just wish it was better, it just doesn't sound as good as it should be, but direction wise, I like it though.

Rating:

For songs, performance = 4 out of 5
Overall = 3.5 out of 5  

Website:
http://www.pattravers.com/


Toto live at Chene Park, Detroit, Michigan

Toto live at Chene Park, Detroit, Michigan

 

Sunday August 25th, 2013

 

 

 

 

Seeing the band Toto live is such a rare treat, especially when you realise that the last time they played Detroit was in fact July 19th, 2007 … Yes, I remember it well as I reviewed that show for http://classicrock.about.com at the time.

That was a great night, although sadly that night the lineup was missing a major player, as David Paich was missing and in fact the time I saw Toto here before that was back in 2002 and there was a massive storm here.
It stormed so badly that night, that opening band The Tubes pulled out of doing the show, because they didn’t figure it would go ahead …, but it did.

  

Anyway, whatever ... The band are back in town again and this time, WITH David Paich!
Indeed the current lineup that has been touring features original players Steve Lukather and Steve Pocaro as well as David, also Joseph Williams who sung on the ‘Fahrenheit’ and ‘The Seventh One’ albums.
Also long time drummer – one of my favourites – Simon Phillips who stepped into the band after Jeff Pocaro passed away in 1992 and Nathan East on bass wraps up the main band and then there are two very good backing vocalists too, Amy Keys and Mabvuto Carpenter.

The stage was set, as the band is opening for Michael McDonald (ex-Doobie Brother) on a bunch of dates across the US, they’re playing on the edge of the Detroit river in an excellent amphitheater in Detroit’s Chene Park.

We were a little nervous about heading downtown, but this was Toto after all a completely world class act who for way too many years have been so wrongfully overlooked by their home country here in the USA.
With the talent they’ve always had and still have in mountains – Don’t come much bigger than mountains right?! – it was a show that I for one, was not going to miss.

They opened the set going straight for the throat with ‘On The Run’ and it just sounded so, so good and it’s just great to see that David Paich is there on piano and keys, as well as Steve Pocaro.

Very happy to have been witness to this wonderful event first hand.

‘Goodbye Elenore’ next just never sounded better!
This band is just so on their game, so tight, I mean the interplay between them all is just spot on!

 

Toto, live in Detroit!
Top - Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams and Nathan East, brilliant!
Bottom - Simon Phillips, drum maestro!
Photo's: Alun Williams

I was beginning to think I’d died and gone to heaven when they chose to play ‘Hydra’ next, Luke’s guitar work just stunning, he just rips out the licks and Simon’s drumming, phenomenal!
The sound they produce is just so lush, so rich even in an outdoor setting, these guys got it so right. What a night!

 

 

For the casual Toto fan, ‘Rosanna’ reached many of the crowd to get them up on their feet, it’s just so sad they are not headlining the venue on the night. Perhaps also the fact that the gig was not strongly advertised, certainly not well enough is why there was not a big, sold out crowd in attendance.
Perhaps also the location scared a lot of folks off coming to the show as well.
Had it been Pine Knob / DTE Energy Music Theatre, Freedom Hill or even Meadowbrook, I think this would’ve been a lot better attended show. Shame …
Luke and Joe’s shared vocals on ‘Rosanna’ were just class, it all sounded simply immense and the band just jammed it out at the end of the song, great!

Toto live on Detroit's riverfront - Photo: Alun Williams
 

 

Luke stepped up to the microphone and said to the crowd, ‘Hey Detroit, wassup?!
It feels like it’s been a thousand years since we last played in town.’He dedicates the next song to his Mom, who he lost a few years back and shared how she always inspired him so much.
‘I Won’t Hold You Back’ was pure AOR heaven, just beautiful, it gave both Rhonda and I goose bumps.

 

 

From their last studio album, they provided us the title track ‘Falling In Between’ next which becomes a cool epic on its own.
 Simon’s sporadic drum fills, in sync with Luke’s guitar runs is just mint! Brilliant!

 

 

Top - David Paich and Simon Phillips
Bottom - Luke plays out in front of Simon Phillips
Photo's - Alun Williams

 

Luke dedicates the next song to ‘Our brother Jeff Pocaro … And our brother Mikey Pocaro back in LA … We thank you all, for your prayers and well wishes …’
‘Wings of Time’ from ‘Kingdom of Desire’ is a monster track, just so beautifully presented and as so much much of Toto’s work, so rich and very soulful.

 

 

Luke introduces, ‘Joseph Williams, the GREAT Joseph Williams, give it up for him!’

Joe steps up to the mic and says, ‘I’d like you all to join me in singing this next song that I wrote with David Paich, the GREAT David Paich! It’s called ‘Pamela!’Truly yet another strong song from the Toto jukebox and David Paich has an excellent solo piano spot in the middle that captures jazz and honky tonk moments and he’s just got the ‘it’ factor about him, no question! Magic!

 

Two masters of the keys, Steve Pocaro (Top) and David Paich (Bottom)!

Photo's - Alun Williams

 

 

Next up Luke grabbed an acoustic guitar and again talks it up well saying, ‘This is a song written by David Paich many moons ago and we’d just like the set the record straight on where David got his inspiration to write this and it’s actually about a new sexual position he invented, it’s called ’99!’Funny guy Luke!

 

They of course played it all so well, magic! Some excellent solo acoustic work from Luke and the band kind of eased off and then leave just David and Joe Williams, as David then starts jamming on his own and then the band all came back on stage and then wham! ‘White Sister’ kicked into play and they totally rock out brilliant, everyone, Luke, David, Steve, Simon and Nate, just jammed this out with David rocking on the piano and Simon plays powerhouse style! Loved it!

 

Then Luke said, ‘Are you guys ready to party?’ Cue ‘Africa’ and it was beautiful and once more, the sound was immense!
David stepped out from behind the piano and is gesturing that everyone should clap their hands as David was.
Another absolute winner!

David Paich - 'You need hands ... '
Photo - Alun Williams
 

 

As we realised it must be getting close to the end of the set … ‘Hold The Line’ just rocked the place and the set was done.

 

 

 

This was one great show, it really was and I for one really look forward to the new Toto live DVD coming out later this year.

Seriously, if you want to see a class act live, then look no further than Toto!They deliver the goods no question about it, thank you guys!

 

Rating: 5 out of 5

 

Website:

http://www.totoofficial.com/