Record Reviews

HARVEY MANDEL ~ WHO`S CALLING TOMPKINS SQUARE 5920 (Barcode: 856225005920) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2022 Released: 2022 This is an album by legendary American Blues guitarist / composer Harvey MandelFind albums by this artist, recorded in a trio format with bassist Andy HessFind albums by this artist and drummer Ryan JewellFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, all by Mandel. Mandel enjoyed a meteoric career during his early days on the scene, playing with Canned HeatFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and even a brief stint with the Rolling StonesFind albums by this artist, which was followed by less prominent activity, which still continues to this very day. Mandel’s guitar sound and phrasing are completely unique and as such are highly admired by many other guitar players. He mixes several techniques he invented and perfected, that put him in his own category of guitar virtuosos. Overall, this is an excellent opportunity to get to know or revisit one of the lesser known heroes of the American Blues-Rock scene and hear some highly unusual guitar playing, with certain Jazz influences, which remains as fresh and enticing as it was fifty plus years ago, when he first appeared on the scene

Updated: 21/01/2023Posted: 21/01/2023

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GRAHAM NASH ~ LIVE PROPER 161 (Barcode: 805520031615) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 2019 Released: 2022 This is a live album by legendary British singer / songwriter Graham NashFind albums by this artist, which presents contemporary interpretations of his first two solo albums: “Songs For BeginnersFind albums with this title” (1971) and “Wild TalesFind albums with this title” (1973). All eleven songs from the first album and ten songs from the second album are present in their original order. The album was recorded in 2019 during the Nash US solo tour, on which he performed only these songs, also in their original order. Nash is accompanied by a formidable set of musicians, which includes guitarist Shane FontayneFind albums by this artist, keyboardist / vocalist Todd CaldwellFind albums by this artist, guitarist / vocalist Thad DeBrockFind albums by this artist, bassist Andy HessFind albums by this artist, drummer Toby CaldwellFind albums by this artist and backing singers Celisse HendersonFind albums by this artist and Grace StumbergFind albums by this artist. The songs lost absolutely nothing from their original beauty, impact, melodic excellence and intelligent lyrics over the years and are a great reminder of the fact that Nash is one of the greatest songwriters of all times. His vocal abilities are completely intact and his presentation is sublime, as always. Overall, this is a superb reminder of the fact that music used to be great years ago, and some of its creators are still around to make us remember. These are some of the most beautiful Classic Rock songs ever written, and although Nash left Britain and settled in the US, where his music mates were / are living, he could never take out the “Britishness” out of his songwriting and singing, which was always as charming as humanly possible. This is absolute musical magic!

Updated: 07/06/2022Posted: 07/06/2022

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