Record Reviews
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  | EDDIE BOYD ~ THE COMPLETE BLUE HORIZON SESSIONS
BLUE HORIZON 676968 (Barcode: 828767696829) ~ USA ~ Blues
Recorded: 1967 - 1968 Released: 2006
US Blues Giant Eddie BoydFind albums by this artist hails from the Mississippi Delta. Like many of his Blues companions, he left the South and settled in Chicago in the early 1940’s, where he developed his original style as pianist and singer, but mostly as a gifted composer of many Blues standards, universally performed all over the world today. In 1965 Boyd decided to leave the US, deeply disenchanted by the segregation and racism still prominent there at the time, and settled in Europe, first in Belgium and then in Finland, where he died in 1994. While in Europe, his career flourished both as a performer and a recording artist. Among his many recordings, the sessions he recorded in 1967-1968 for the UK label Blue Horizon (owned and headed by one of the most important Blues producers Mike VernonFind albums by this artist) stand out as truly remarkable. At that time the greatest UK Blues band Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist was practically the Blue Horizon “hose” band and accompanied many musicians on their recording sessions. So here it is – some outstanding blues music performed by the Master Eddie Boyd on piano / vocals and Fleetwood Mac (Peter GreenFind albums by this artist – guitar, John McVieFind albums by this artist – bass and Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist – drums) supporting him with passion and vigor. For a Blues fan it does not get much better.
| | | CD 1 Slipcase Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | ERIC CLAPTON ~ THE LADY IN THE BALCONY (LOCKDOWN SESSIONS)
MERCURY 602438711529 (Barcode: 602438711529) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 2021 Released: 2021
This is an album by iconic British guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, recorded during the Covid-19 pandemic, following the cancellation of his live concerts. He is accompanied by veteran British keyboardist Chris StaintonFind albums by this artist, American bassist Nathan EastFind albums by this artist and drummer Steve GaddFind albums by this artist, all seasoned and well respected musicians. The album presents seventeen tracks, eight of which are songs written or co-written by Clapton, spanning his entire career, two are classics written by Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and the rest are American Blues classics.
The music was recorded almost completely acoustically and has a distinct “unplugged” feel about it. Clapton plays some beautifully tasteful acoustic guitar and sings confidently, accompanied amicably by his cohorts. The resulting music is pretty straightforward, mostly classic Blues oriented, which is a delightful listening experience, unpretentious, straight to the heart, relaxed and honest.
Overall, this is a wonderful, nostalgic but not sugary retrospective of one of the greatest British guitarists and songwriters, regardless of what some people might think. It is a soundtrack of my generation, when a great melody and skillful, intelligent instrumental performance meant something. I absolutely loved every second of this album.
| | Updated: 19/03/2022Posted: 19/03/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ 1969 - 1974
REPRISE 603497851300 (Barcode: 603497851300) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1969 - 1974 Released: 2020
This Box Set includes remastered / expanded CD reissues of the seven studio albums by the iconic British Blues / Rock group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist, recorded between 1969 and 1974 and a bonus previously unreleased live CD recorded in 1974.
The reissued albums are “Then Play OnFind albums with this title” (1969 with four bonus tracks), “Kiln HouseFind albums with this title” (1970 with four bonus tracks), “Future GamesFind albums with this title” (1971 with six bonus tracks), “Bare TreesFind albums with this title” (1972 with three bonus tracks), “PenguinFind albums with this title” (1973 with no bonus tracks), “Mystery To MeFind albums with this title” (1973 with two bonus tracks) and finally “Heroes Are Hard To FindFind albums with this title” (1974 with one bonus track). Those are the group’s third to ninth studio albums.
The Box Set shows the transition of the group from the Blues and Blues-Rock idioms, which characterized their early period and the first two studio albums recorded in 1968, with guitarist Peter GreenFind albums by this artist at the helm. That style is still predominantly heard on the “Then Play On” album, which the lineup including also guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist, bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist and drummer Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist.
“Kiln House” marks the departure of Green and features guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist in addition to Kirwan, McVie and Fleetwood. “Future Games” marks the departure of Spencer, who was replaced by American guitarist Bob WelchFind albums by this artist and the addition of singer / keyboardist Christine McVieFind albums by this artist. “Bare Trees” featured the same lineup as its predecessor. “Penguin” marks the departure of Kirwan, who was replaced by guitarist Bob WestonFind albums by this artist. “Mystery To Me” was the last album to include Weston. “Heroes Are Hard To Find” was the last album to include Welch and the first album to be recorded in the US.
Over the years Fleetwood Mac managed to develop a superb Classic Rock act, with excellent songwriting and perfect musicianship, although their commercial breakthrough was about to happen following the release of their next (tenth) studio album, their second eponymous album “Fleetwood MacFind albums with this title”.
Overall, this Box Set is a brilliant collection of great tunes, which are worth being remembered and cherished, despite the fact that they were created before fortune smiled to them Big Time.
Side Note
The "Original Album SeriesFind albums with this title" by Warner Bros.Find albums on this label, the "Original Album ClassicsFind albums with this title" by SonyFind albums on this label, the "5 Original AlbumsFind albums with this title" by UniversalFind albums on this label, the Box Sets by RhinoFind albums on this label and other similar releases are an archetypal example of how good intentions turn sour. Although these new editions often bring back to life some of the best music ever made on this planet, which in many cases has been lost in the tides of time and was unavailable on the market for ages, they suffer from an unforgivable disregard for the essence of cultural values and general sloppiness, contrary to human decency, which requires as to treat our Cultural Legacy with respect and loyalty.
The Box Sets produced under these monikers have no discographical information whatsoever about the lineups, musician names, composers, lyricists, dates and places of recording, original release data and even basic copyright data (the last is strictly illegal BTW). Although the original LP sleeves are reproduced, they are often edited and information (which would be in most cases too small to be readable) is removed. Most importantly these Box Sets don't include any booklet offering a historical background and perspective about the Artists and the Music, which are extremely important and vital to the preservation of our Culture and passing the knowledge to the next generations.
In short the fact that these Box Sets are meant to be inexpensive, does not mean that they have to be cheap. Considering the fact how many times this music has been sold over and over again by the labels, this is a crying shame!
| | Updated: 22/09/2023Posted: 22/09/2023 | CD 8 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | FLEETWOOD MAC ~ STRANGER BLUES - LIVE
LONDON CALLING BOX 3 (Barcode: 5053792300334) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1968 - 1969 Released: 2020
This Archival Box Set collects radio / concert recordings by one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, and his seminal group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist (on drums) and Green formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and the group included also guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist and bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist, and eventually a third guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist. That early lineup lasted until May 1970, when Green left the group, and recorded a number of albums, which are absolute Blues-Rock classics to this very day.
This Box Sets presents 4CD worth of material. The first CD collects nineteen tracks of Fleetwood Mac BBC recordings between January and October 1968. The second CD presents a live concert recorded at the Carousel Ballroom in San Francisco in June of 1968, recorded by a local FM station. The third CD presents a live concert in Helsinki in September of 1969, recorded by the Finnish YLE. The fourth CD presents a live concert in Gothenburg in November 1969, recorded by the Swedish radio.
The music includes the familiar Fleetwood Mac repertoire, about half of which was written by Green, including the everlasting icons like “Man Of The World”, “Oh Well”, “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman”, but more importantly dozens of Blues classics and long jams, which emphasize green’s incredible guitar pyrotechnics and his genuine fondness and deep understanding of the Blues.
The sound quality of these historic recordings varies, but is certainly good enough to enjoy the music, and the material is an incredible document of the two crucial and most innovative years in music history, as reflected by only one of its heroes.
For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this album is an absolute must of course, and hopefully it will also open the eyes / ears of some young listeners to the treasures of days passed, which still glimmer more potently than anything recorded today.
Side Note
Obiterdictum Ltd, a company based in Cyprus (oh well you know the story… copyright laws and legal issues) releases mostly live recorded radio broadcasts from the 1960s on and offers an amazing source of music which was never officially released by some of the best Classic Rock and Jazz artists. The catalogue offers five hundred releases, which is an absolute treasure chest of music history, often appearing for the first time.
Although the sound quality and sometimes also music quality range from absolutely brilliant to pretty poor, most of the material is surely listenable, especially after being remastered recently, and more importantly offers music which is not available elsewhere.
The company releases the albums under several sub-labels: Air CutsFind albums on this label, EchoesFind albums on this label, Hi HatFind albums on this label, HotspurFind albums on this label, InterferenceFind albums on this label, KeyholeFind albums on this label, KlondikeFind albums on this label, Live On VinylFind albums on this label, London CallingFind albums on this label, OrbitFind albums on this label, Rox VoxFind albums on this label and Sound StageFind albums on this label. There is no ironclad logic as to what material appears on which label, except perhaps some internal considerations by the Obiterdictum owners.
Approach with caution, but keep in mind that some of these releases are absolutely brilliant!
| | Updated: 23/09/2022Posted: 05/06/2021 | CD 4 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | MICK FLEETWOOD & FRIENDS ~ CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OF PETER GREEN AND THE EARLY YEARS OF FLEETWOOD MAC
BMG 4050538669336 (Barcode: 4050538669336) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2021
This 2CD album, recorded live at the legendary Palladium in London in February 2020, is a document of a special concert organized to pay tribute to one of the greatest Blues guitarists of all time, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, and his seminal group Fleetwood MacFind albums by this artist. Mick FleetwoodFind albums by this artist (on drums) and Green formed Fleetwood Mac in 1967 and the group included also guitarist Jeremy SpencerFind albums by this artist and bassist John McVieFind albums by this artist, and eventually a third guitarist Danny KirwanFind albums by this artist. That early lineup lasted until May 1970, when Green left, and recorded a number of albums, which are absolute Blues-Rock classics to this very day. Green died a few months after this concert took place.
This concert, three years in planning in making, presents no less than twenty-three songs from the Fleetwood Mac repertoire, about half of them written by Green, including the everlasting icons like “Man Of The World”, “Oh Well”, “The Green Manalishi”, “Albatross” and “Black Magic Woman”. The list of names of the guest musicians appearing on this album reads like a Rock / Blues encyclopedia and includes musicians such as David GilmourFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist, Bill WymanFind albums by this artist, Noel GallagherFind albums by this artist, Christine McVieFind albums by this artist (a.k.a. Christine PerfectFind albums by this artist), Jeremy Spencer, Pete TownshendFind albums by this artist and many others. The overall level of performances is simply staggering.
The fact that this concert actually took place, despite the nightmarish logistics involved with bringing so many musicians on one stage, not mentioning the contractual complications, is a symbol of Peter Green’s influence on generation of musicians all over the world. His contribution to the Blues idiom is simply immeasurable and goes way beyond the British Blues Revival of the 1960s, as his music proves to be simply everlasting.
For Blues / Blues-Rock fans this album is an absolute must of course, and hopefully it will also open the eyes / ears of some young listeners to the treasures of days passed, which still glimmer more potently than anything recorded today.
| | Updated: 05/06/2021Posted: 29/05/2021 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RORY GALLAGHER ~ CHECK SHIRT WIZARD: LIVE IN `77
CHESS 602508369469 (Barcode: 602508369469) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock
This us a superb archival release presenting previously unreleased live concerts by Irish Blues-Rock superstar vocalist / guitarist / songwriter Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist, captured during his tour supporting the release of the "Calling CardFind albums with this title" album. The music was recorded by a quartet which also included keyboardist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod de`AthFind albums by this artist. The 2CD set presents twenty songs, mostly originals written by Gallagher, covering the material from the new album, but also some of his concert favorites.
Starting with his brief but brilliant stint as the bandleader of Taste in the 1960s, and then throughout the solo career in the 1970s and 1980s Gallagher was the champion of the electric guitar and undoubtedly wrote a significant chapter of the Rock history with his stellar talent, as evident on his recorded legacy. He was first and foremost a stage beast and his live recordings are by far more characteristic of his energy and instrumental virtuosity. This album offers a most significant chunk of his superb showmanship during a relatively undocumented period of his career.
In retrospect Gallagher was one of the great European / white Blues guitar heroes, who took the idiom a step further as far as instrumental virtuosity is concerned and proudly joined the ranks of Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Jeff BackFind albums by this artist, Jimmy PageFind albums by this artist and others, who transformed the Blues into a new dimension.
For the countless guitar freaks, Blues enthusiast and general Classic Rock connoisseurs, this is a brilliant piece of history and an absolute must in any decent record collection.
| | Updated: 11/05/2020Posted: 11/05/2020 | CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | RORY GALLAGHER ~ IRISH TOUR `74 (40TH ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
SONY 888750048820 (Barcode: 888750048820) ~ IRELAND ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1973 - 1974 Released: 2014
This is a monumental reissue project, which expands the original double LP live album by the Irish Blues-Rock guitarist / vocalist Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist into a Box Set with seven CDs and one DVD. The material was recorded during the last days of December 1973 and early January 1974 during Gallagher´s tour of Ireland (including Northern Ireland). The DVD presents the spectacular documentary film made by the British film director Tony PalmerFind albums by this artist (who specializes in music documentaries) made during this tour. Gallagher´s group during this tour included pianist Lou MartinFind albums by this artist, bassist Gerry McAvoyFind albums by this artist and drummer Rod De`AthFind albums by this artist.
In spite of Gallagher´s idol status in the 1970s, his invaluable contributions to Blues and Rock legacy are today sadly almost forgotten. On stage Gallagher was a force of Nature and his incredible inventiveness and pure magic he managed to produce on his guitar were absolutely colossal. He definitely belongs to the very elite of white Blues guitarist, which also includes Mike BloomfieldFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist, Duane AllmanFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and a handful of others. The whole issue of white Blues guitarists excelling in music which has its cradle in the Afro-American cultural legacy is quite fascinating and Gallagher is an extraordinary example how this legacy, which he learned from the very early age was transformed by him into a completely new level due to his talent of combining virtuosity, improvisation and complexity.
Since these live shows were recorded only a few days apart from each other, they include quite similar set lists, which of course results in a certain amount of repetition as far as the material is concerned. The beauty of this set is, that each and every performance of the same tune present on these albums is so different from any other that the repetition is not only most welcome, but also extremely educational.
These recordings are also a superb example of the spirit of music that was present on stage during the Golden Age, when charismatic and totally dedicated performers were Gods. It was all about music and all the rest (mostly money) was completely secondary. These raw performances had no element of staging or decoration and the only thing that mattered was how well everybody played. These days are sadly utterly gone.
This Box Set is a great example of how to make Box Sets work. It includes brilliant top quality material, minimizes the packaging (and subsequently the price) to bare minimum and does not deal with fads and fashions of superfluous sound technologies. This is pure Gold from start to finish, exactly as it was forty plus years ago and it is here to stay forever. Of course this is absolutely essential for all Blues fans everywhere on this globe, a capsule of frozen greatness for us to recollect and for the younger generations to discover. Essential I said? Way beyond essential it is!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: 17/01/2016 | 7CD+DVD 8 Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | DICK HECKSTALL-SMITH ~ BLUES AND BEYOND
BLUE STORM 004 (Barcode: 5050232500422) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2001 Released: 2001
This is the last album by British saxophonist / composer Dick Heckstall-SmithFind albums by this artist, recorded before his passing in 2004. The album, produced by Pete BrownFind albums by this artist, includes an incredible list of British musicians, who played with him during his career: guitarists Clem ClempsonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist and Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist, drummers Gary HusbandFind albums by this artist and Jon HisemanFind albums by this artist and vocalists Rab McCulloughFind albums by this artist, Paul JonesFind albums by this artist, Jack BruceFind albums by this artist, Paul WilliamsFind albums by this artist. John MayallFind albums by this artist plays piano and several other musicians also take part in the proceedings. The album presents twelve tracks, most of which are originals by Heckstall-Smith and some are Blues standards.
As the list of names and the album’s title suggest, the album is dedicated to Blues and Blues-Rock material, which of course was always a part of Heckstall-Smith’s background in addition to his Jazz-Rock Fusion, Prog and Jazz activities.
The music is absolutely delightful, as expected, and the guests / friends invited to participate do not disappoint. The album is full of great tunes, brilliant guitar soli and evocative vocals, all within the Blues idiom, spiced with Heckstall-Smith’s idiosyncratic saxophone playing. Of course the album brings fond memories of his activities with Graham Bond OrganizationFind albums by this artist, John MayallFind albums by this artist’s BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist and ColosseumFind albums by this artist, which were icons of the British scene for many years.
Overall, this is a brilliant and sadly little known album by one of the true heroes of the British Blues, Jazz-Rock Fusion and Jazz scenes. It certainly deserves to be heard and if anybody can find a copy of it, it is wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 03/02/2022Posted: 03/02/2022 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ BLUESBREAKERS WITH ERIC CLAPTON (DELUXE EDITION)
DECCA 984180 (Barcode: 602498418017) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1966 Released: 2006
2nd album by John MayallFind albums by this artist and his Bluesbreakers, which features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist and sadly the only album they recorded together at the time. Of course this is the definitive white blues album of all times, with an incisive impact not only on Clapton’s stairway to the “Godly” status of Emperor of all guitar players, but also on the entire music scene, basically establishing the electric Blues (and later Blues / Rock) as the natural and legitimate next step from American-born acoustic blues. This album influenced (and still influences) generations of guitar players of all genres and changed the face of music probably more than any single album did beforehand. It is pretty ironic (at least in retrospect) that Clapton left the YardbirdsFind albums by this artist, accusing the band of becoming to “commercial” following the release of the “For Your Love” single (which by the way was quite revolutionary and groundbreaking as it is), to pursue a “pure” blues oriented music with Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, only to leave a few month later to form CreamFind albums by this artist, which became one of the most successful Rock bands in history. Life is full of surprises! Nevertheless during his stint with Mayall, Clapton managed single-handedly to shape the future of Rock, producing some of the most memorable sounds ever. Speaking of sound, Clapton’s US-made Gibson Les Paul combined with the British Marshall amplifiers produced a sound so unique that it was to be imitated by hordes of axe players around the world for decades. Of course Clapton’s feel for the blues is undeniable, and his interpretation of the twelve bar music form, mixed with his rock background, created an embryo of a new musical Hydra. Mayall was of course ecstatic to have Clapton in his band, only to be utterly devastated when Clapton announced his departure soon after this album was recorded. Fortunately Mayall soon recovered and followed suit with another guitar hero – Peter GreenFind albums by this artist. This (long overdue) edition of this groundbreaking album collects virtually absolutely everything Mayall and Clapton managed to record together. The First CD includes both the original mono mix of the album and the stereo mix, which was done only three years later (1969). The second CD includes a plethora of singles, outtakes, BBC sessions and live recordings, many of which see the light of day for the first time. I am not a great fun of the “If you had to select only one single album…” idea, but this one does come as close to the idea as it is humanly possible. If you don’t own this album, this probably is the greatest hole in your collection (not to mention your music education). Hopefully not for long.
| | | CD 1 Digipak Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ LIVE AT THE BBC
DECCA 984466 (Barcode: 602498446652) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1965 - 1975 Released: 2007
As part of the splendid reissue series of the early John MayallFind albums by this artist and his BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist recordings, this album collects sessions made for the BBC, which are always a revelation and an important document of all UK artists’ output. Thanks to the UK Musicians’ Union agreement with the BBC, a vast number of recordings made on a regular basis documented over the years the development of the musical scene in the UK and many of these recordings are finding their rightful place on recent reissues. The bulk of the material on this album was recorded between 1965 and 1967 and features Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist or Peter GreenFind albums by this artist as the lead guitarist. The last two tracks are from 1975 and were recorded for TV. Mayall was of course the most important protagonist of the UK blues movement and every piece of previously unheard material is an absolute treasure. Clapton’s and Green’s revolutionary guitar styles are a model for countless guitar players to this very day.
A special note to collectors:
Most of these tracks were included as bonus material on the Bluesbreakers With Eric Clapton (Deluxe Edition)Find albums with this title and A Hard Road (Expanded Edition)Find albums with this title reissues. Therefore this album is mostly for people who don’t own these reissues, or hard-core Mayall collectors.
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ PLAYS JOHN MAYALL (EXPANDED EDITION)
DECCA 984177 (Barcode: 602498417799) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1964 - 1965 Released: 2006
1st album by the hero of my youth and to this date one of my very favorite musicians of all times. John MayallFind albums by this artist is the absolute Godfather of British blues. Since the early 1960s he’s led a streak of blues groups, called The BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, which were a breeding ground for entire generations of future blues and rock superstars. If the names of Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Aynsley DunbarFind albums by this artist, John McVieFind albums by this artist and Keef HartleyFind albums by this artist (to mention just a very few of his alumni) mean anything to you than you can understand his importance. But Mayall is far more than a bandleader. He plays many instruments and writes superb melodies, some of which are amongst the best blues songs ever written. And of course he sings the blues like nobody else. Mayall not only deeply loves the blues, but he understands it probably more than anybody else, which made it possible for him to expand the art of blues way beyond its original form. Thank God he keeps doing it now for over 50 years – a truly remarkable man and an unprecedented career. This album is a live recording at the London’s Klooks Kleek club (a famous meeting place for UK blues musicians). Mayall and his Bluesbreakers perform a brilliant set of songs, composed all by Mayall and this is one of the best examples of how the British blues revival crystallized around that period. Although this music was recorded over 40 years ago, it sounds remarkably fresh and up-to-date, losing nothing of its charm and beauty. Every John Mayall album is an absolute must for any blues fan, this one especially so for its added historical value.
| | | CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend |
  | RUDY ROTTA ~ ME, MY MUSIC AND MY LIFE
PEPPER CAKE 2071 (Barcode: 090204625833) ~ ITALY ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2011 Released: 2011
This is a 2CD album by the great Italian Blues-Rock guitarist / vocalist / composer Rudy RottaFind albums by this artist, recorded with various bands and a host of Blues-Rock luminaries, like guitarist Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, harmonica player Carey BellFind albums by this artist, Godfather of British Blues John MayallFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Brian AugerFind albums by this artist and guitarist Robben FordFind albums by this artist. The album presents twenty-five tracks, mostly his original and some Blues and Pop standards arranged by him.
Although relatively little known to the international Blues audiences, Rotta played with some of the greatest names of the genre and released a long series of wonderful albums. He was very respected by his peers and his guitar playing is considered as some of the best Blues guitar ever. This album sums up his entire career, which lasted for over four decades, and is untimely death in 2017 robbed the world of an incredible talent.
Overall, this is a great Blues-Rock album by one of the most iconic European representative of the genre, which offers a great set of songs and some superb guitar playing by him and his guests. For Blues-Rock fans, who never heard about Rotta, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with his work. Satisfaction guaranteed!
| | Updated: 19/05/2022Posted: 19/05/2022 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | SAVOY BROWN ~ AIN`T DONE YET
QUATRO VALLEY 0129 (Barcode: 805859074123) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020
The title says it all; the unstoppable Blues machine called Savoy BrownFind albums by this artist is rolling on in its sixth decade bravely led by vocalist / guitarist Kim SimmondsFind albums by this artist, currently in a trio lineup with bassist Pat DesalvoFind albums by this artist and drummer Garnet GrimmFind albums by this artist. The new album presents ten original songs, all by Simmonds.
Despite the limitations that the Blues format imposes on the music, the idiom is alive and kicking sounding healthier than most of it children within the Pop and Rock idioms, proving the "if it ain´t broke don´t fix it" advice. This music does not sound much different from what Savoy Brown and the entire Blues Revival generation played in the 1960, and yes it still manages to sound fresh and exciting, provides the listener is a Blues enthusiast of course.
Simmonds, perhaps not the most spectacular Blues Rock guitarist of the class of Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Rory GallagherFind albums by this artist or Jimi HendrixFind albums by this artist, manages to produce the unmistakable "Blues guitar sound", which works for our generation like nothing else and he has one undeniable advantage – he is still alive and kicking.
For the numerous Savoy Brown fans and followers this album is as enjoyable and exciting as everything else the group produced over the years; they just can´t go wrong. Warmly recommended!
| | Updated: 30/09/2020Posted: 30/09/2020 | CD 1 Mini-Sleeve Recommend To A Friend |
  | STEVE RAY VAUGHAN / DOUBLE TROUBLE ~ THE COMPLETE EPIC RECORDINGS COLLECTION
EPIC 888430914223 (Barcode: 888430914223) ~ USA ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 1980 - 1989 Released: 2014
This wonderful Box Set collects all the recordings made by American guitarist / vocalist / songwriter Steve Ray VaughanFind albums by this artist and his band Double TroubleFind albums by this artist, recorded for the EpicFind albums on this label label. It includes the four studio albums they recorded and a plethora of live material recorded between 1980 and 1989. Remastered, repackaged in original albums mini sleeves and expanded, this is an absolute must to every Blues-Rock enthusiast on this planet and an iconic statement of 20th Century American Culture.
Steve Ray Vaughan passed briefly trough our sky, dazzling like a comet and burning intensely, moving out of sight way too quickly. He completely shook the stagnant American Blues and Blues-Rock scene, quickly becoming the top Blues guitarist of the 1980s. The tragic accident in 1990, which claimed his life, was a terrible blow and a tragedy for the genre, which never truly recovered to this very day. In many ways Vaughan was the last of the great Blues-Rock heroes, who spearheaded the scene since the 1960s, and firmly belongs to the Pantheon of such Blues guitar luminaries like Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist, Peter GreenFind albums by this artist, Jimmy HendrixFind albums by this artist and Johnny WinterFind albums by this artist.
Blues always was a music based on deep feeling rather than virtuosic proficiency, but Vaughan combined these two, personalizing the "perfect" Blues player. His guitar work especially that heard on the so called "slow" Blues pieces is simply unparalleled. Blues is also meant to be played live, as is most of the material included here, which makes it an authentic document of what he played on stage and spontaneously created in front of the listeners.
Personally I´m less thrilled with Vaughan´s ability to perfectly impersonate Jimmy Hendrix; I believe the Hendrix pieces were simply a means to get a wider attention from the audiences. But of course those were a minor chapter of his total output and the enormous wealth of his original material and personal interpretations of classic Blues songs stand out and form a proud legacy, which is everlasting.
Considering the fact that Blues influenced and in many respects conceived not only Jazz but also large parts of Rock and Pop, it deserves to be remembered and cherished. Listening to the music included in this Box Set is an excellent way to do just that. It is essential Blues-Rock heritage and no serious record collection should miss it this among its components. Blues heaven indeed!
| | Updated: 26/01/2019Posted: | CD 12 Mini-Sleeve Box Set Remastered Bonus Tracks Essential Recommend To A Friend |
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