SANTANA IV by Santana
(Santana IV Records)
Their back! The original revered lineup of classic rock icons Santana. Carlos Santana (guitar, vocals), Gregg Rolie (keyboards, lead vocals), Neal Schon (guitar, vocals), Michael Carabello (percussion) and Michael Shrieve (drums). The album also features current Santana members Karl Perazzo (percussion) and Benny Rietveld (bass), with the legendary vocalist Ronald Isley guesting on two tracks. I have to admit, there was a time I thought that the closest thing I'd hear this original Santana line up was with the 1997 debut release by Abraxas Pool. The band that featured "the band" minus Carlos Santana. 'Santana IV', is the Santana that we all know and love. The album signifies the first time since 1971's Santana III that this line up has recorded together. The album is a triumph of great mix of latin and pop music. It resurrects much of the original Latin rock sound without attempting to imitate the band's early sound. It sounds new, refreshing, & highly energized. The album opens with the tribal "Yambu", a smooth groove laden sound that opens the album perfectly. The upbeat, "Shake It" is up next proving that even after 45 years these gentlemen can jam their ass's off. The lead off track, "Anywhere You Want To Go" has a cool laid back 70's groove. There is no mistaking the vocals of Greg Rolie, instantly recognizable and Neal Schon's guitar playing is as always on point. The instrumental jam, "Filmore East" is, for me one of the album's highlights. For me Santana's strength is when the just go for it and jam, and this track epitomizes that. Other highlights are; "Love Makes The World Go Round" and "Freedom In Your Mind", both tracks featuring, Ron Isley. The instrumental, "All About" and the bluesy "Blues Magic". Overall, I have to say, while I listened to this album, I marvelled over how each song has such a "live" feel to it, not the sterility of many studio albums. It almost sounds as if the band is plugged in and started jamming in my living room playing! I can't recommend this highly enough. Santana are definitely back in business. A big THANK YOU to the band for getting back together and making this happen. Let's hope this isn't the last we hear from the classic lineup. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
SHUT UP AND RAWK
by Doggie White & La Paz
(Metal Mind )
The latest release from the rock project, Doogie White & La Paz comes in the form of, 'Shut Up And Rawk'. Some may recognize Doogie White from his work with, Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow, Yngwie Malmsteen, Empire, Chains, Demon's Eye, WAMI (White Appice Mendoza Iggy) and Michael Schenker's Temple Of Rock. La Paz is made up of, Chic McSherry (guitar), Alex Carmichael (bass), Andy Mason (keyboards) and Paul McManus (drums). The production is good and tight with lots of bottom end punch courtesy of the monster rhythm section of bassist Alex Carmichael and drummer, Paul McManus. Guitarist Chic McSherry is a solid guitarist that plays with swagger and of Doogie White's vocals are on point. If your cup of tea is classic hard rock this recording is sure satisfy your musical palate. Album highlights include; "Light The Fire" that has that Rainbow meets Deep Purple vibe to it. "Heart Of Stone", "A Certain Song", "Faith Hope And Love" and "Throw Me To The Wolves". Overall, the album works better when listened to in it's entirety and does not drag on or sound generic in the least bit. The band gels perfectly. Sheer quality as you would expect from such talented & experienced musicians. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
Best Believe It EP (Recorded live in the Bunker) by The Black Marbles
(Ofelia Productions)
Swedish rockers The Black Marbles are back with their latest offering the four song Ep, 'Best Believe It' (Recorded live in the Bunker). The band's current line up is comprised of, the powerful and electrifying Marica Svensson on vocals, Rickard Lindberg on guitars, Krister Selander on bass and Tobbe Bövik formerly of The Awesome Machine on drums. He also produced the band's debut release', Made In Concrete'. What the band has served up here is a recording soaked in a nostalgic sound that evokes comparisons to the Led Zeppelin and Humble Pie. From the opening riff of, "Best Believe It" to the other three tracks, "Little Sun", "Fallen" and "All Out Of Money", you are placed on familiar but fresh musical ground. A power quartet with a bold infused sound with the deep guitar licks from Rickard Lindberg. The powerful rhythm section of bassist Krister Selander and Tobbe Bövik and the uninhibited energy and soulful crooning of Marica Svensson. The Black Marbleshave a swagger, a bravado. This is a band that merges two highly valuable commodities: riff driven blues based rock and seriously spellbinding musicality. Fresh, bold, brash and sexy. The Black Marbles songs brings all this and more. 'Best Believe It', is a must for any true rock music fan. If you have never heard of The Black Marbles, do yourself a favor and check this band out. I assure you, you will get ROCKED, best believe that! - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
IT'S TIME TO GET WEIRD
by Sunflower Dead
(Bloody Bat Records)
Long Beach rockers, Sunflower Dead are back with their sophomore release, 'It's Time To Get Weird'. What I like about this album aside from the band's face paint, the cool cover art that is reminiscent to Kiss' 'Rock And Roll Over', is that it's a hard rock band, that doesn't want you to go shoot yourself. Michael Del Pizzo on vocals and accordion, Jamie Teissere and Jabbo on guitars, Lats on bass and Jimmy Schultz on drums. Unlike most bands of the modern rock era. Sunflower Dead are able to make a sound and music while they play. From the opening instrumental piece, "Inhuman Lung" that segues and explodes into the groove laden "Dance With Death” it's obvious right off the bat that the band have taken their muscular sonic sound to a whole new level. Jonathan Davis of Korn is featured on the title track a track that has a set of serious canones. Other highlights include, “You’re Dead to Me”, “I’ll Burn It”, and “The Rain”. All in all this album delivers the goods. The songs are catchy all manage to keep you far far away from the stop button on the stereo. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone who wants to experience stimulating rock music because with Sunflower Dead there's truly no shortage of it. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
TRAMP by The Tracy G. Group
(Spooky G Music)
The Tracy G. Group return with the follow up to their 2015 release, 'This Device' with 'Tramp'. Tracy G – Guitar, Michael Beatty – Vocals, Randy Oviedo – Bass and Patrick Johansson – Drums. I've been a fan of Tracy G. and his musical approach when it comes to not only his guitar playing but his willingness to go beyond and take his his musical vision to places few fear to tread. Listening to the album I am completely blown away. I ask myself, How is he this good? Sounding better than ever? This creative? All the tracks make sense, sound refreshingly different, and go in directions that, musically, no one else seems to think about or try. The sledgehammer, "The Revolution" sets things off powered by Michael Beatty's vocals delivery and Tracy G.'s ball busting riffs. From there your senses are hit with a barrage of both instrumental and lyrical intensity. The highlights are many. And I mean many. The instrumental scary, "Erector", highlighting the air tight chemistry between each musician. The groove laden, "Brokenness", "Arrogant Prick", "Evil Is Good", the epic, "Bleed" and "Fireball". 'Tramp' is a powerhouse release that is loaded full of strong songs that cannot be all consumed in just one sitting. If you want to experience in your face hard rock music that kicks you in the nuts and burns into your very soul then give this album a listen. You will be blown away by the power of the music that is packed into what I consider to be Tracy G.'s finest and best work to date. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
ECHO, Ep by Damon Johnson
(Double Dragon Records)
Unlike his previous two releases, 'Dust' and 'Release', both acoustic recordings. Damon Johnson has decided to plug in his guitar and turn up the Marshalls with the five song Ep, 'Echo'. A recording loaded with great groove laden blues based rockers, good studio production, great vocal performances and off the hook guitar playing with killer tones. Damon Johnson is a talented songsmith and the music shows it. All five tracks, "Dead", "Nobody Usin'","The Waiting Kills Me", "Scars" and "Just Move On". Each track holds its own, and the recording flows together perfectly. Overall, great work from a very talented singer and guitar player. If you liked Damon Johnson's work in Witness and Brother Cane, then you will want your copy of 'Echo'. You'll be telling your friends all about it by the second listen. It's that good. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
KENTUCKY by Black Stone Cherry
(Mascot Records)
Bluegrass rockers, Black Stone Cherry follow up their 2014 release, 'Magic Mountain' with their fifth studio effort, 'Kentucky'. Chris Robertson on vocals, guitar, Ben Wells on guitar, Jon Lawhon on bass and John Fred Young on drums.
There aren't any weak moments here, most of the tracks have a groove and swagger of their own combining catchy sing along choruses, such as, "The Way Of The Future", "Shakin' My Cage", "Soul Machine" and "Long Ride". The boys do a great cover of the Edwin Starr classic, "War", giving the song their own flavor. I've been a huge fan of Black Stone Cherry since their self titled debut. Since then they have continued to impress me with their lyrical content and powerful riffs. 'Kentucky' is another step forward for the band, showing their growing confidence and maturity . Overall, 'Kentucky' is a strong album from a band who have now perfected their craft of making really strong rock songs. For those who like to stomp their feet to songs that will have you rocking throughout, this album delivers the goods. Black Stone Cherry are a band that every rock music fan will enjoy. - Highly Recommended
Tony @ The Dedicated Rocker Society
