I just got the chance to review the new release,
Fire Red Moon, by
Craig Chaquico (to be released on October 16, 2012). Chaquico, once the fiery guitar sound of the Jefferson Starship, has spent the past few decades forging his way as a smooth jazz solo artist. This newest effort is a crossover from previous efforts to a more rock and blues format but still including some pretty hot riffs. The release opens with
Lie To Me, a Chaquico original with Noah Hunt of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on vocals. This is directed to airplay using a bluesy shuffle with a smooth jazz guitar solo style.
Devils Daughter is a tame blues rocker mixing Steely Dan and Joe Walsh again well suited to the airwaves. Booker T. written (made famous by Albert King),
Born Under A Bad Sign gets a funky jazz instrumental makeover. Chaquico knows how to meld the sounds and come up with a pleasing result.
Bad Woman has a different style altogether sounding a bit like a mix of later Leslie West as a guest star of Pink Floyd. Interesting concept. Perfect for those who love guitar ballads.
Rollin' and Tumblin' is next up on the instrumental list with an interesting interpretation of the Morganfield blues classic. The title track,
Fire Red Moon, is an instrumental primarily comprised of blues guitar riffs and Wade Olson on drums.
Little Red Shoes is a uptempo blues rocker with a jazz flare. This track could also catch a bit of airplay attention just based upon the hook and danceable rhythm. Chaquico plays some scorching riffs on this track in duet with Bill Slais on Piano.
Blue on Blue is a simple guitar ballad with heavily over driven overtones and electric piano with drums.
Fogtown Stroll, keeping with the lead jazz guitar instrumental over sonic rhythm guitar and keys, is a pretty natural path for Chaquico to show his chops. Robert Johnson's
Crossroads begins with some funky slide but quickly turns into an updated version of Creams cover of the Johnson track from the early 70's. The vocals and some of the arrangement are totally different but I will comment that Clapton's guitar solo seems to have remained intact. I read once that Clapton found himself playing a smoking guitar solo and upon conclusion realized that he was playing Mike Bloomfield note for note. Nothing wrong with playing a great solo anytime. In any case, if you like guitar and you like it smooth but with some fire.... this may be your ticket.
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This album certainly doesn't sound like Craig. He's always been a great blues player, but he should take the acoustic for that matter. When he plays the electic guitar he sounds ordinary to me, when the plays the acoustic he's the best guitarist with in the world. I'm sort of dissapointed with this album but hey, still it's Craig. : )
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