Record Reviews
17 Reviews Found. Use search to find more reviews or follow the links in the review text.
  | PROCOL HARUM ~ THE WELL`S ON FIRE
EAGLE 209 (Barcode: 5034504120921) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
This is the eleventh studio album by the seminal British Classic Rock group Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, one of the last active representatives of the great music wave that started over five decades ago. It is separated by twelve years from the group´s previous studio album "The Prodigal StrangerFind albums with this title". Although only two founding members of Procol Harum are still present on this album: vocalist / pianist Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist and Hammond organ player Matthew FisherFind albums by this artist, the sound and the musical style of the group remain pretty stable over time. The piano / Hammond organ double keyboards dominated sound, which has been the group´s trademark over time, is here and so are Brooker´s unique dramatic vocals. The group´s other members are guitarist Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, bassist Matt PeggFind albums by this artist and drummer Mark BrzezickiFind albums by this artist. The album offers twelve new songs, almost all composed by Brooker except for a couple of Fisher´s contributions, and one instrumental piece by Fisher. The lyrics are as usual by the poet Keith ReidFind albums by this artist.
Musically the album does not break any new ground, but it stays, as already mentioned above, faithful to the band´s tradition to produce highly melodic lyrical and even melancholic songs, which often amalgamate elements of British Folk and some Classical Music influences. It is perhaps more Rock oriented than earlier releases, but not dramatically so. Reid´s lyrics are, as usual, full of meaningful statements, moral and social observations and other characteristics of his writing, which are in complete contrast to contemporary monosyllable dominated monstrosities that pass for lyrics. The songs vary in their intensity and expressiveness, but the best of them are certainly up to par with the great legacy of Procol Harum at its best.
Overall it is mostly "more of the same", which in the case of a band like Procol Harum is quite a compliment. The group extensive touring and their ability to produce new material gained them a solid following and fan base among the next generation of music lovers, that did not grown up in the glow of their early stardom, which can only be said about very few other Classic Rock groups out there. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 28/01/2019Posted: 28/01/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PAUL RODGERS ~ MUDDY WATER BLUES
EAGLE 222 (Barcode: 5034504122222) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1993 Released: 2002
British vocalist Paul RodgersFind albums by this artist is without a doubt the greatest white Blues singer of all times. Since his days as the front man of the legendary FreeFind albums by this artist and in the five decades that followed no other vocalist managed to demonstrate the same level of sensitivity, virtuosity and feeling even remotely close to those of Rodgers. This stunning album, which as the title suggests is a tribute to the great Blues singer / songwriter Muddy WatersFind albums by this artist, finds Rodgers performing the classic material with flare and his usual brilliance. He is accompanied by a horde of great guitarists, all paying tribute to the great Godfather of Blues: Jeff BeckFind albums by this artist, David GilmourFind albums by this artist, Buddy GuyFind albums by this artist, Brian MayFind albums by this artist, Steve MillerFind albums by this artist, Gary MooreFind albums by this artist, Trevor RabinFind albums by this artist, Neal SchonFind albums by this artist, SlashFind albums by this artist and a few others. Anything else said about this music is completely redundant – just grab it when you can as this is one of the greatest Blues albums ever recorded!
| | | CD 1 Essential Recommend To A Friend |
  | GREEN, PETER ~ REACHING THE COLD 100
EAGLE 224 ~ UK ~ Blues
Latest addition (2003) to Peter Green`s blues legacy proves again that he`s getting anything but old with time. All new material penned by his group (Splinter Group) members is fresh and solid and the vocals and playing remind the haydays of the blues revival in the late 60`s in the UK. For blues fans this is a real treat!
| | | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | DOORS ~ LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL 1970
EAGLE 5051300209124 (Barcode: 5051300209124) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2017
This is an archival album by the iconic American Rock group The DoorsFind albums by this artist, which presents the group´s performance at the Isle Of Wight Festival 1970 (August 26th to 31st) on August 30th as a combo CD/DVD set. The CD and DVD contain identical set list of seven tracks, the last of which is a four song medley, and the DVD offers also a bonus interview video piece called "This Is The End". The audio and video material was meticulously remastered. Slightly less than a year after the Woodstock Festival (August 15th to 18th 1969) the Isle Of Wight had a monstrous, estimated as over 600,000 strong attendance and was the biggest gathering of Rock enthusiasts, freaks and dreamers of the period, with an impressive list of performing artists. As far as The Doors are concerned, this is the last video footage of the group performing live. Less than a year after this concert Jim MorrisonFind albums by this artist would be dead and the brief career of one of the most important Rock groups ever would be tragically over.
The Doors´ concert at the Isle Of Wight was definitely not their most impressive, moving or spectacular live performance. The group was already suffering from many problems linked to Morrison´s legal, drug related and mental problems and their career was rapidly deteriorating. Nevertheless everything The Doors played was still among the best Rock music ever made on this planet, and they were always completely different from any other Rock group that ever walked the earth. Morrison was a poet, a dreamer and an extrovert extremist, while keyboardist Ray ManzarekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Robby KriegerFind albums by this artist and drummer John DensmoreFind albums by this artist collectively were one of the most solid and virtually unlimitedly talented instrumental trios in Rock history. As a result every one of the many live recordings by the Doors is completely unique and worth being heard, as is this one. The video material shows Morrison almost completely motionless and paralyzed in comparison to his earlier on stage theatrics, which to people who saw him live (in person or on film) is truly tragic. But in spite of the obvious somber atmosphere, the music is still very much biting and kicking, as always, and the fire is still there.
Overall this album is primarily interesting for the video footage, since musically it offers quite a "standard" Doors set, close to a "best of" selection. The extended instrumental performances on "Light My Fire" are always a great showcase of Manzarek´s and Krieger´s chops, and being basically improvised differ significantly from one performance to another.
For the many Doors followers this is as essential as any other live recorded performance by the group and an important piece of the puzzle of their musical legacy. For casual listeners this is perhaps somewhat less impressive than their other live offerings, which are numerous.
| | Updated: 01/07/2018Posted: 01/07/2018 | DVD+CD 2 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend |
  | PROCOL HARUM ~ NOVUS
EAGLE 659 (Barcode: 5034504165922) ~ UK ~ Classic Rock
Recorded: 2016 Released: 2017
This is the twelfth studio album by the seminal British Classic Rock group Procol HarumFind albums by this artist, one of the last active representatives of the great music wave that started over five decades ago. It is separated by fourteen years from the band´s previous studio album "The Well`s On FireFind albums with this title". Although the only founding member of Procol Harum still present on this album is vocalist / pianist Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist, the sound and the musical style of the group remain pretty stable over time. The piano / Hammond organ double keyboards dominated sound, which has been the group´s trademark over time, is here and so are Brooker´s unique dramatic vocals. The Hammond is handled by Josh PhilipsFind albums by this artist, the bluesy guitar by Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist, the bass by Matt PeggFind albums by this artist (son of the legendary Dave PeggFind albums by this artist) and the drums by Geoff DunnFind albums by this artist. The album offers eleven new songs, almost all co-composed by Brooker and Philips. This is the first album by the band which features lyrics by the poet Pete BrownFind albums by this artist (of CreamFind albums by this artist and Jack BruceFind albums by this artist fame) after decades of working with the poet Keith ReidFind albums by this artist.
Musically the album does not break any new ground, but it stays, as already mentioned above, faithful to the band´s tradition to produce highly melodic lyrical and even melancholic songs, which often amalgamate elements of British Folk and some Classical Music influences. Brown´s lyrics are perhaps less ominous and mysterious, but they are full of his whimsical metaphors and dry British humor, which is all for the best. The songs vary in their intensity and expressiveness, but the best of them are certainly up to par with the great legacy of Procol Harum at its best.
Overall it is mostly "more of the same", which in the case of a band like Procol Harum is quite a compliment. I had a great fun listening to these songs and the idea that someone is still able to write music like this is a lifesaver. Not everything has to change in time, and for Classic Rock fans staying in the past means staying alive. Wholeheartedly recommended!
| | Updated: 27/01/2019Posted: 27/01/2019 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | CHARLES MINGUS ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1975
EAGLE 826992041322 (Barcode: 826992041322) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1975 Released: 2018
This is an archival 2CD album by American bassist / composer / bandleader Charles MingusFind albums by this artist, recorded live at the Montreux Jazz Festival. It presents a quintet recording on CD1, with pianist Don PullenFind albums by this artist, drummer Dannie RichmondFind albums by this artist, saxophonist / flautist / vocalist George AdamsFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Jack WalrathFind albums by this artist. On CD2 the lineup is expanded to a septet with the addition of baritone saxophonist Gerry MulliganFind albums by this artist and trumpeter Benny BaileyFind albums by this artist. The album presents five tracks, four of which last for over ten minutes and one lasts for over half an hour. It is one of the last live recordings by Mingus, before his health issues prevented him from performing. He died less than four years later in 1979 at the ridiculous young age of fifty-six.
The music, mostly composed by Mingus with the exception of one classic standard, reflects his typical modus operandi, with the band playing shifting themes with constantly changing tempi, full of brilliant improvisations, led brilliantly by the leader and his inimitable bass pulsations. The meeting with Mulligan is especially moving and shows the deep personal respect between these two American Jazz Giants, who are able to find a common language despite their contrasting stylistic attitudes.
Overall, this is an important document of one of the greatest and most original American Jazz figures, and despite the fact that many live recordings from this period appeared on the market in the meantime, each of them is absolutely unique and special and all are worth a respectful place in a serious Jazz records collection. Mingus was definitely one of a kind, which nobody can deny.
| | Updated: 12/09/2024Posted: 12/09/2024 | CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JETHRO TULL ~ LIVING WITH THE PAST (COLLECTORS` EDITION)
EAGLE VISION 003 (Barcode: 5034504900394) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2001
The legendary Jethro TullFind albums by this artist and their leader Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist seem to be unstoppable - over 30 years after their inception they are still one of the strongest Rock acts on the scene and capable of pleasing crowds of listeners, old and young alike. This stunning DVD filmed mostly during JT’s 2001 European & American tours, presents the band in top form, playing like there is no tomorrow. The material spans their 30+ years on record and every JT fan will find his favorite tune here, but considering the sublime level of their material everything sounds just perfect. In addition to the tour material there is plenty of other delightful surprises (filmed between 1989 and 2002), including the reunion “party” which brings together all the JT members who played in the band over the years. Extra bonus features are also present, which make watching this DVD a real treat. The Collectors’ Edition includes additional audio material not available on the original DVD. Dolby Digital Stereo Surround Sound, 100 minutes.
| | | DVD+CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ 70TH BIRTHDAY CONCERT (COLLECTORS` EDITION)
EAGLE VISION 022 (Barcode: 5034504902299) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003
This superb DVD documents the special 70th Birthday concert organized as a tribute to one of UK greatest and most important musicians - bandleader and champion of the Blues – John MayallFind albums by this artist. Mayall was a pivotal figure, which shaped the British musical scene since the mid-1960s and was crucial as a precursor of Blues, Blues-Rock, Rock and even Jazz-Rock. Over the years Mayall’s band included the creme de la creme of British players, who later became the heroes and spawned countless famous bands. The list is just too long to be included here, but every music lover surely knows them all. The most sensational event of the concert was the one-time reunion of the BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist lineup, which included Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and recorded one of the most influential Blues albums of all times. Another guitar hero – Mick TaylorFind albums by this artist – also joins Mayall on the stage, and the list of legends goes on and on. These are well over two hours of some of the best Blues music one can imagine and I can’t even think of a Blues fan anywhere in the world not having this in their collection. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 137 minutes.
| | | CD+DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | PROCOL HARUM ~ LIVE AT THE UNION CHAPEL (COLLECTORS` EDITION)
EAGLE VISION 030 (Barcode: 5034504903098) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 2003 Released: 2004
If everything Procol HarumFind albums by this artist ever did was to record their 1967 single “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”, they would have already ensured their position in the Rock’s Hall Of Fame as authors of the definitive, hypnotic and most brilliant Rock song of all times. Of course (and luckily for all Procol Harum’s many admirers, myself included) they managed quite a bit more with a long chain of brilliant albums recorded in the 1960s and 1970s and two reunions: the first one in 1991 and the second in 2003. The 2003 reunion resulted in the recording of a new album called The Well`s On FireFind albums with this title, and a world tour to promote the album. This DVD documents the final concert of the tour upon the band’s return to UK. The unusual setting for the concert – a church – adds a dramatic background to this spectacular event and makes this DVD even more spectacular and theatrical than expected. The band includes two of the band’s founding members Gary BrookerFind albums by this artist on piano & vocals and Matthew FisherFind albums by this artist on organ, accompanied by Matt PeggFind albums by this artist on bass, Geoff WhitehornFind albums by this artist on guitar and Mark BrzezickiFind albums by this artist on drums. With several months of touring behind them the band plays spotlessly and the strength of the material reaches its full glory. The material form the new album is included and of course many of the band’s greatest past achievements, including the full version of “A Whiter Shade Of Pale”, which is quite a rarity. Additional material includes interviews and other bonus stuff. The CD included in this set contains the highlights of the concert. This is a must for all Procol Harum fans and basically for anybody who loves great Rock. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 139 minutes.
| | | DVD+CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JETHRO TULL ~ NOTHING IS EASY: LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT 1970 (COLLECTORS` EDITION)
EAGLE VISION 033 (Barcode: 5034504903395) ~ UK ~ Progressive Rock
Recorded: 1970 Released: 2005
Superb document of Jethro TullFind albums by this artist’s 1970 appearance at the Isle Of Wight festival intertwined with Ian AndersonFind albums by this artist’s commentary and recollections of the events filmed in 2004, which gives many wonderful and often humorous insights to the band’s history. This is not only a great piece of history but also probably the best live performance by JT captured on film ever. The early JT sound and repertoire is magical enough to leave anybody breathless – seeing it in action is truly amazing. Absolutely essential to all JT fans .The Collectors’ Edition includes additional audio material not available on the original DVD. DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound, 80 minutes.
| | | DVD+CD 2 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ ROXY: THE MOVIE / ROXY: THE SOUNDTRACK
EAGLE VISION 307279 (Barcode: 801213072798) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1973 Released: 2015
This is the 102nd album by iconic American guitarist / composer / bandleader / visionary Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist, released posthumously in 2015. It includes the DVD with the movie called “Roxy: The Movie” and the CD with the music from that movie, called “Roxy: The Soundtrack”, which was not sold separately. The movie and the music were captured live in concert at the Roxy Theatre, Hollywood, on 9 & 10 December 1973 by Zappa and the Mothers Of InventionFind albums by this artist. It is a companion release to the albums “Roxy & ElsewhereFind albums with this title”, “Roxy By ProxyFind albums with this title” and finally “The Roxy PerformancesFind albums with this title”. The DVD presents seventeen tracks (and three “hidden” bonus tracks), and the CD twelve tracks (due to time limitation), all composed by Zappa.
The lineup of the Mothers includes, in addition to Zappa on guitar and vocals, saxophonists Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist, trombonist Bruce FowlerFind albums by this artist, keyboardist George DukeFind albums by this artist, percussionist Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist, bassist Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist and drummers Ralph HumphreyFind albums by this artist and Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist.
Despite the fact that the music recorded at the Roxy appears on several albums, each and every track on these albums is completely unique, either being a different version or different mix or overdub. Considering that this lineup of the Mothers was one of the greatest, as was the material, every last note of these recordings is worth its weight in gold.
The music is one of the most Jazz oriented Zappa projects, which this team manages to perform brilliantly. As usual with Jazz oriented music, the instrumental improvisations are very diverse on each version of the same tune played during the different shows, and they are always delightfully brilliant.
Although most of this music is instrumental, Zappa’s introductions / commentary between the tracks is as zany as always and bitterly sarcastic, and includes one of my favorites: “Perverts help to make normal people look good”.
Overall, although this music is now almost fifty years old, it sounds as fresh as it did when first heard and lost absolutely nothing of its power and everlasting beauty. This album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since.
| | Updated: 21/10/2022Posted: 21/10/2022 | DVD+CD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ THE GODFATHER OF BRITISH BLUES / THE TURNING POINT
EAGLE VISION 404 (Barcode: 5034504940475) ~ UK ~ Blues
Recorded: 1969 - 2003 Released: 2003
This wonderful DVD includes two documentaries of the legendary UK musician, bandleader and champion of the Blues – John MayallFind albums by this artist. The first is a BBC production, which spans the 40 years of Mayall’s career, examining his role as the pivotal figure, which shaped the British musical scene since the mid-1960s and was crucial as a precursor of Blues, Blues-Rock, Rock and even Jazz-Rock. Over the years Mayall’s band included the creme de la creme of British players, who later became the heroes and spawned countless famous bands. The list is just too long to be included here, but every music lover surely knows them all. The documentary includes tons of rare historic footage and interviews with ex-BluesbreakersFind albums by this artist, including Eric ClaptonFind albums by this artist and many others, and was filmed to celebrate Mayall’s 70th Birthday concert. This is an illuminating experience and a must for all serious music fans, which are interested in the history of the UK scene and the roots of the music we all listen to now. The second documentary is a black & white film shot in 1969 around the time Mayall recorded his revolutionary The Turning PointFind albums with this title album. This rare and authentic document sheds light on the new drum-less Jazz oriented quartet Mayall formed to record that album, which was diametrically different from his previous, electric guitar oriented bands. It is a fascinating piece of musical history and a must for Mayall’s fans. 84 minutes.
| | | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ BABY SNAKES
EAGLE VISION 5034504937178 (Barcode: 5034504937178) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1977 Released: 2003
This is a film produced by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and originally premiered in NY in 1979. It presents footage filmed during the Halloween 77 shows at the NY Palladium in October 1977. It also includes some clay animation, interviews, rehearsals and other footage. The film was released on video in 1987 and reissued on DVD in 2003 with a 5.1 Dolby Surround sound in addition to the stereo sound. The running time is 164 minutes.
The music was recorded by the following lineup: Zappa on guitar and vocals, Roy EstradaFind albums by this artist on vocals, Adrian BelewFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist and Peter WolfFind albums by this artist on keyboards, Ed MannFind albums by this artist on percussion, Patrick O`HearnFind albums by this artist on bass and Terry BozzioFind albums by this artist on drums and vocals.
The music is, as always, absolutely stunning, almost entirely dedicated to Zappa’s special brand of Jazz-Rock Fusion, with brilliant instrumental performances. As usual, the music also includes Zappa’s zany humor and bitter criticism of human stupidity. The band was a perfectly oiled music machine by the time these tracks were recorded, the result is absolutely astounding in its complexity. Zappa delivers some superb guitar parts herein, which are a signature of his unique style.
Overall, although over forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
| | Updated: 04/12/2022Posted: 04/12/2022 | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | WEATHER REPORT ~ LIVE AT MONTREUX 1976
EAGLE VISION 629 (Barcode: 5034504962972) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1976 Released: 2007
Every piece of music by the legendary Fusion pioneers Weather ReportFind albums by this artist is worth it’s weight in gold, and considering this one is a well filmed and well recorded brilliant performance at the Swiss Montreux Jazz Festival, this is truly a priceless addition to the band’s legacy. WR appeared twice at Montreux, this being the first of the two. The lineup is probably the strongest one of the band’s mid-life period, and includes Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist, Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist, Jaco PastoriusFind albums by this artist, Alex AcunaFind albums by this artist and Manolo BadrenaFind albums by this artist – the same band that was to record Heavy WeatherFind albums with this title a few months later. Everything that made WR great is evident here – the individual soloing, the incredible interplay and telepathic connection between the players, the great tunes and the total devotion to their music. It must have been pretty hot on the July night, as everybody sweats intensely, and the music is nothing but brilliant. I was lucky to see WR quite a few times, and this DVD is a great evidence of how incredible this band was live, even at times when their studio efforts suffered. This is an absolute must to all WR fans and all Fusion-heads out there. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and DTS, 84 minutes.
| | Updated: 17/06/2016Posted: | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | FRANK ZAPPA ~ THE DUB ROOM SPECIAL!
EAGLE VISION 801213013890 (Barcode: 801213013890) ~ USA ~ Avant-Garde Jazz-Rock Fusion
Recorded: 1974 - 1981 Released: 2005
This is a film produced by Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist and originally released on video in 1982. It combines footage from a performance at the KCET studios in LA filmed on August 27, 1974 and additional footage from the Halloween 81 show at the NY Palladium on October 31, 1981. The film also includes some clay animation and several interviews. The film was reissued on DVD in 2005, with some of the interviews removed. The running time is 90 minutes.
The 1974 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa on guitar, vocals and percussion, Napoleon Murphy BrockFind albums by this artist on flute, saxophone and vocals, George DukeFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Ruth UnderwoodFind albums by this artist on percussion, Tom FowlerFind albums by this artist on bass and Chester ThompsonFind albums by this artist on drums.
The 1981 tracks were recorded by the following lineup: Zappa and vocals, Ray WhiteFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Steve VaiFind albums by this artist on guitar and vocals, Tommy MarsFind albums by this artist on keyboards and vocals, Bobby MartinFind albums by this artist on keyboards, saxophone and vocals, Ed MannFind albums by this artist on percussion and vocals, Scott ThunesFind albums by this artist on bass and vocals and Chad WackermanFind albums by this artist on drums.
The music is, as always, absolutely stunning, almost entirely dedicated to Zappa’s special brand of Jazz-Rock Fusion, with brilliant instrumental performances by both lineups. As usual, the music also includes Zappa’s zany humor and bitter criticism of human stupidity. Since most of the tracks are by the 1974 band, which was a perfectly oiled music machine by the time these tracks were recorded, the result is absolutely astounding in its complexity. Zappa delivers some superb guitar parts herein, which are a signature of his unique style.
Overall, although fifty / forty years passed since this music was recorded, this album remains an absolute Classic in every respect, which stands proudly as an icon of superb music, which still shines brighter than almost anything else recorded since. Zappa’s genius, not only as a musician, but also as a visionary and a brilliant observer of the human condition and American folly and deceit, remain completely relevant and are even more actual today than ever.
| | Updated: 04/12/2022Posted: 04/12/2022 | DVD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
  | JOHN MAYALL ~ TOUGH
EAR MUSIC 4029759148593 (Barcode: 4029759148593) ~ UK ~ Blues-Rock
Recorded: 2009 Released: 2020
This is a reissue of an album recorded by the Godfather of British Blues guitarist / keyboardist / vocalist / songwriter / bandleader John MayallFind albums by this artist, which was his fifth studio album in the new Millennium and his last release on the EagleFind albums on this label label. He is accompanied by a splendid team which includes seasoned American Blues musicians: guitarist Rocky AthasFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Tom CanningFind albums by this artist, bassist Greg RzabFind albums by this artist and drummer Jay DavenportFind albums by this artist. John’s wife Maggie MayallFind albums by this artist sings some background vocals. The album presents eleven songs, three of which are originals by Mayall and the rest are written by various contemporary songwriters.
Mayall stepped boldly into the new Millennium as if time has absolutely no meaning for him and the first two decades saw him releasing nine new studio albums (and a plethora of live albums, mostly archival), which for a person in their seventies, eighties and nineties is quite astounding.
No less amazing is the fact that his music stays as young, vigorous and kicking as it was in the early days of his career. Despite the limitations of the Blues idiom, Mayall seems to be able to reinvent himself on every new album and his superb sense of melody and the Blues of course are simply unparalleled.
On this album the tunes flow smoothly one after another, featuring Mayall´s wonderfully idiosyncratic vocals and superb playing by his band, which are undisputed Blues / Blues-Rock heaven. God bless you John for the sixty years of great music you shared with all of us!
| | Updated: 31/01/2021Posted: 31/01/2021 | CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend |
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