George Lynch - Furious George
Shrapnel Records - SH 11722
"Furious George" is an interesting stew of classic rock tunes performed with, well, furious abandon by the ex Dokken shredmaster. George pays wicked homage to axe heroes like Hendrix ("All Along the Watchtower"), Trower ("Bridge of Sighs") and Blackmore ("Stormbringer.") Other ear openers include an intense take on the Beatles "I Want You/She's So Heavy" and a fiery version of the ZZ Top gem "Precious and Grace." He is backed by talented musicians on the album with the phenomenal vocals of Kelly Keeling adding an extra level of both intensity and musical intrigue to the tunes. This disc will sate the hunger of George's loyal fans while waiting for his next original effort. URL: http://www.georgelynch.com
L.A. Guns - Rip The Covers Off
Shrapnel Records - SH 11702
The cover parade continues with this disc from the hard-rocking SoCal quartet. L.A. Guns fuse their signature snarling guitar nasty boy sound into famous rockers like Foghat's "I Just Want To Make Love With You" and Queen's "Tie Your Mother Down." AOR nuggets such as Saxon's "Wheels of Steel" and Zep's "Custard Pie" seem a perfect match for the band's style. The boys obviously had fun doing this, and it's a great tribute to the original works. URL: http://www.laguns.net
Schenker-Pattison Summit - The Endless Jam
Shrapnel Records - SH 11692
Guitar superhero Schenker joins up with stellar Robin Trower vocalist Davey Pattison and the journeyman rhythm tandem of Aynsley Dunbar and Gunter Nezhoda. Consisting mainly of 60's power psychedelia covers, Michael's guitar fireworks and Pattison's throaty lungs ratchet up the intensity of songs by the likes of Cream, Mountain, Procol Harem and Free. The blistering lead track version of the Yardbird's "Shapes Of Things" is itself worth the price of admission. URL: http://www.MichaelSchenkerHimself.com
William Nowik - Notes From the Underground
Last Resort Records - 168-270-031-2
The world travels of William Nowik have had a definitive influence on his music, melding wonderfully with a backdrop of folk, rock and Americana. The slight reggae waft of "Crimson Flame" is followed by the Beatle-esque "Dourmex Vous" and the delta blues meets Hindu chant "No War - No More." The later represents a compassionate Buddhist mantra that is often evident in his thoughtful lyrics. Peaceful music with an avant garde intensity that holds your interest. URL: http://www.nowik.com E-mail: steveb@visualimagemarketing.com
Abbie Gardner - My Craziest Dream
Gimme Some Ribs Music - GSRM-AG-1
Abbie Gardner grew up singing to the music of her piano playing father Herb, who performed with Gene Krupa among others. The two have joined forces on this rollicking retro blast that harkens to the post big band jazz era. Abbie's sweet yet sultry voice is a perfect compliment to her dad's piano mastery. Backed by solid musicians, the arrangements (also by Herb) are excellent, increasing the enjoyment of classics like "Happy Feet," "Them There Eyes" and "Staten Island." URL: http://www.abbiegardner.com E-mail: abbie@abbiegardner.com
The Kingpins - Plan of Action
Stomp Records - STOMP027
This latest effort by Canadian ska masters The Kingpins proves that they should be considered one of the top purveyors of this genre far beyond the great white north. Even with influences of No Doubt, the Bosstones and Murphy's Law present, The Kingpins rely more on melody than hard-edged rock. From the slightly punk "Plan Of Action"to the lounge reggae of "Sick Valentino", they create their own sort of party that is both jovial and quite listenable. URL: http://www.thekingpins.com E-mail: kingping_on_tour@yahoo.ca
Matches F.C. - 4 song EP
Fire Records NYC - Fire 03
This foursome from the Big Apple kicks out a blistering combo of rock styles that have punk, retro and alt feelings. With the vocals in a strange mid ground between Paul Stanley and Kevn Kinney, the crunchy guitar riffs and pounding rhythms are fueled by some unique songwriting subtleties and interesting harmonies. From the raucous but hooky "Hot Sugar" to the KISS meets Southern Culture on the Skids "Come On Over", there is solid potential here. URL: http://www.matchesfc.com E-mail: matchesfc@earthlink.net
Die Romantik - self titled
New York's Die Romantik is a rather unique trio of talented musicians creating a mosaic that weaves everything from power pop punk to Eastern European folk and glam era psychedelia. They pull it off though, with an undercurrent of welcome weirdness that harkens to Bowie, The Doors and Depeche Mode among others. The ethereal "A Tale of Terror and Vengeance" is balanced by the full throttle driving "Lovely" and the gritty alt rocker "Always Worry." URL: http://www.DieRomantikMusic.com E-mail: dominic@DieRomantikMusic.com
Danielle Lubene - Slink
Little Gypsy Records
Singer/Songwriter Danielle Lubene has a lovely voice and finds interesting and inventive ways to convey it. From the light rock of "Temptation" to the haunting folk of "April Fool" and the power alt groove on "My Henry Miller", her voice morphs from passionate lilts to tortured angst with singular ease and grace. Add into this her thought provoking lyrics and you have a young lady from Allentown, Pennsylvania that has something special going. URL: http://www.daniellelubene.com E-mail: littlegypsy@daniellelubene.com
TM© October 2004
An Evening With International Guitar Night - featuring Pierre Bensusan, Andrew York, Guinga, Brian Gore