Arthur Brown - Monster's Ball - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Monster's Ball, from Arthur Brown and it's a cool, twisted blues rocker. Opening with Lucifer Sam, a driving rocker, Brown is joined by Ian Paice on drums, Steve Hillage on guitars, Fernando Perdomo on Hammond, Mellotron and bass and James Booth on guitar. On Jack Bruce's I Feel Free, Brown uses his own style on Bruce like vocal and Cream's arrangement. Joining Brown are  James Williamson on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums and Jurgen Engler on bass. Arthur Brown's 60's hit, Fire is up next and with only minimal changes in arrangement, Brown rolls this one out in full power. Backed by James Williamson on guitar, Carmine Appice on drums, Brian Auger on organ and Engler on bass, this track still rocks. Wrapping the release is ELP's Karn Evil #9: 1st Impression, Pt. 2 and with Brown's own twists in the arrangement, it's cool to hear this old track played with enthusiasm from Jordan Rudess on keys and Billy Sherwood on bass.

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Cleopatra Records : A Tribute to Eric Clapton - Various Artists - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review a recent release, A Tribute to Eric Clapton from Cleopatra Records and it covers much of his popular music over his vast career. Opening with JJ Cale's, Cocaine, blues guitar man and vocalist Kirk Fletcher and organ master Brian Auger team up for what may be Clapton's biggest hit. With Clapton like phrasing  Fletcher sets the pace for the balance of the release.  From the Cream era, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton composition, The Sunshine of Your Love is actually pretty interesting with Eric Gales on vocal and on guitar. Gales vocals are solid and his guitar soloing explosive, balancing out the Baker like powerful drumming by Adam Hamilton. Bob Marley's I Shot The Sherriff, was certainly a cool choice by Clapton for his 461 release and covered here by Pat Travers on vocal and guitar and joined by Artimus Pyle on drums has just a bit more rock that Claptons version with a great cowbell line and excellent riffs by Travers. Certainly his most popular song of recent times is Tears in Heaven given a total rework by Ana Popovic on guitar and lead vocal with Buthel Burns on bass and Jerry Wayne Kelley Jr on drums. Popovic really adds a lot of soul to this track making it the most likely radio track on the release. Snowy White makes a cool appearance with strong, Clapton influenced riffs on another Bruce/Cream composition, White Room. With Graham Bonnet on lead vocal, this track is a true classic. Wrapping the release is Steve Winwood's Blind Faith hit, Can't Find My Way Home featuring Shirley King on vocal and Tull's Martin Barre on guitar. I've always enjoyed Barre's guitar hand and am glad to see him included here on a solid wrapper to one of rock's champions. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Cleopatra Records: Animals Reimagined: A Tribute To Pink Floyd - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Animals Reimagined: A Tribute To Pink Floyd and it's quite interesting. Opening with Pigs On The Wing, Part 1, Cutting Crew vocalist, Nick Crew is paired with Jethro Tull's Martin Barre for an ethereal acoustic intro that nicely wets the appetite. The first of three major compositions on the release, (17 minute) Dogs, features Rainbow's Graham Bonnet on lead vocal, UFO's Vinnie Moore on guitar, Utopia bassist Kasim Sulton, Dream Theater key player Jordan Rudess and King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto. This is a really cool idea of bringing together contemporary progressive players to reinterpret these masterpieces. We've got a different lineup for the 2nd of the major compositions, (11 and a half minute) Pigs (Three Different Ones) including Dream Theater vocalist James LaBrie, Return To Forever and major solo artist Al DiMeola on guitar, Blue Oyster Cult bassist Joe Bouchard, Moody Blues  key player Partick Moraz and session man, Mahavishnu Orchestra and extreme drummer soloist, Billy Cobham. Very cool. The third of the masterworks is (10 and a half minute) Sheep featuring Arthur Brown on lead vocal, Yes and key/synth phenom Rick Wakeman, Focus and major guitar soloist Jan Akkerman, Bahaus bassist David J., and Cactus, Vanilla Fudge, Jeff Beck and solo drummer, Carmine Appice. Extensive soloing on all three compositions are flamboyant, exciting and not overly self indulgent. Wrapping the release is Pigs On The Wing, Part 2 matches Yes vocalist Jon Davison with Eric Clapton and session man, soli guitarist Albert Lee on guitars and Billy Sherwood on acoustic guitar and effects. This was a well conceived project in 1977 and quite enjoyable in 2021.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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