ALBUM REVIEW: Michael Schenker Fest more than just reliving the past on Resurrection

MANY years ago a few mad fuckers saw MSG play in Belfast's Ulster Hall, Baal et al over-indulged and rocked like only teenagers can, fuelled by booze, hormones and a love of damn fine rock and roll.

When Michael Schenker Fest launched last year's album, DVD and Blu-Ray it was a lovely trip down memory lane, but what next for the German maestro of the Flying V?

It would have been easy for Mr Schenker to tour the shit out of past glories, accompanied by his compadres of yesteryear. And, to be honest most of us would have been happy with that.

But, all hail Schenker, Barden, Bonnet, McCauley, White and the band because they have pulled out all the stops and produced an album in the shape of 'Resurrection' that adds a new definition to the word sublime.

It is 52 minutes to wallow in, love and on just the first play you may want to resist, but like the teenager that first saw Michael you are singing along and dreaming that you have that iconic Flying V in your hands.

'Heart and Soul' kicks off frenetically, Steve Mann riffing along as Schenker plays like only he can - some of the licks will leave your jaw drooping on the floor. A certain Kirk Hammett also puts in a guest spot...

But what is most important about this album is while it is so multi-dimensional and songs are its core. Yes Michael's guitar work is head and shoulder above most - but each track has a narrative.

And, a certain Mr Blackmore could listen to 'Warrior' and learn a few lessons...

And, when the organ gives way to the full-on blast of 'Take Me To The Church' it is as close t orgasmic as those of a certain can achieve outside the bedroom without Viagra.

Originally Schenker had certain plans about who would sing each song but with the evolution of recording it became clear that the layered approach worked on 'Warrior' and ''Last Supper'.

And, 'Night Moves' is the perfect sequel to Bonnet's 'Night Games'..

By all the rock gods 'The Girl With Stars In Her Eyes; is an MSG song pure and simple.

Schenker fans will flock to this release - but they shouldn't be alone. Anyone, and we mean anyone who appreciates hard rock and guitar playing par excellence will greedily add this to their collection.

The playing on 'Everest' and 'Salvation' will have all comers salivating. At times sounding languid, at times flourishes flow with an ease that Zakk Whylde himself will bow down in awe such is the expressiveness of Schenker's playing.

There are so many facets to 'Resurrection' that the 50-odd minutes fly by.

It is such a complete set of  song-driven hard rock by experienced players that this release will endure.

It is such a well balanced album that it may eclipse the so-called classics when aired live. Just go and listen and revel in it.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Resurrection is out on Nuclear Blast on March 2nd

Ramblin Man 2017 Day One: Rocking through the wind and the rain

CLASS music by class bands was enough to fortify the Friday audience at Ramblin Man Fair 2017 against the vagaries of wind and rain at Mote Park, Maidstone.

With the expansion of the festival opening day to the main arena the organisers made sure the line-up was a rabble-rousing bands that all could be defined under the banner of classic rock. However, that does the four bands no justice.

The acts' music was the soundtrack of the youth for many of the thousands gathered, and for others it was a look back to the history of hard rock and metal - songs that defined the musical landscape of today.

And none better to showcase the historical context than Graham Bonnet - a man who was the vocalist on many definitive albums. 'All Night Long', 'Night Games' and 'God Blessed Video' were among the many songs that had voices raised to the heavens.

His stamina on stage and the tight arrangements of Bonnet's band set the tone for the evening - music that no matter the subject makes the heart beat a little bit faster.

Last in Line also had the songs that have enough passion to power through any vagaries of the weather. Make no mistake, this band isn't some re-tread of Dio. They have their own identity.

Sure 'Stand Up And Shout', 'Holy Diver' 'Rainbow in the Dark', and 'We Rock' drew most response, but there is so much more to the set.

Andy Freeman does not slavishly ape Ronnie James' vocals, rather interprets them for his own style and the band dynamic. Vivian Campbell's solos have not only the distinctive stamp of the albums but are given a live flourish.

The fact that the band are now a recording entity in their own right will ensure their longevity - and at Ramblin Man 'Devil in Me' received an airing - and the dedication of 'Starmaker' to the late Jimmy Bain was an appropriate marking of the great man's passing.

For Y&T their recent travails was added to with the absence of Jonny Nymann due to a serious illness. However, the band's determination to play the date was clear and while at times it wasn't as tight this was not something that affected the mood and atmosphere.

With more than 40 years of experience and a catalogue of songs to chose from they served up a balanced set filled with songs that were instantly recognisable from the first couple of notes.

'Hurricane' as the opener perhaps suited the prevailing weather conditions but the wind and rain was ignored by an audience that revelled in ''Winds of Change'.

And, as many were making a return to Ramblin Man 'I'm Coming Home' was an appropriate choice. 'Mean Streak' and 'Rescue Me' were some of the more outstanding songs delivered.

With the strains of DC's 'It's a Long Way To The Top' reverberating across the arena the stage was quite literally set for Saxon, who arrived with a 'Battering Ram'.

Their blue collar metal, born before NWOBHM was defined, has a pure honesty running through it. Each track has a sentiment that has, in 2017, still remains fresh.

'Motorcycle Man', to coin a phrase, revved up proceedings and the audience sang along, buzzed with an electric feeling as each successive track saw the roars raised into the Kent night.

Biff is a consummate frontman, congenial, humorous and self-deprecating as he egged on the crowd and conducted the crowd like a metal ringmaster.

There may have been a sense of nostalgia, but that didn't mean there was any less enthusiasm. '20,000 Feet', 'Princess of the Night' and 'Wheels of Steel' turned the night bright with their familiarity.

Saxon power on and like the crowd they will 'Never Surrender'.

Review by Jonathan Traynor
Pictures by Darren McVeigh

 

ALBUM REVIEW: MIchael Schenker Fest live in Tokyo celebrates all that is great about rock

WAY back in the 80s the Michael Schenker played twice in Belfast's Ulster Hall as part of a set of tours that encapsulated what that era represented; a cross over from the classic era of early Scorpions, UFO, Purple, Zep and Sabbath and the burgeoning newer metal and hard rock sounds.

Bands sounds were metamorphosing from the days when Tokyo Tapes, Live and Dangerous and Strangers in the Night were being exceeded as new benchmarks were set as live performances took on ever better set-ups in terms of PA systems and dynamics and delivery what were enhanced with more and more sophisticated songwriting - snappy tracks sitting comfortably with extended jams and solos.

Schenker embraced that new period and stamped his mark with four landmark studio albums in the 1980s and one live epic recorded in Japan, 'Live At The Budokan'.

Now 35 years on from that release Schenker is set to release 'Michael Schenker Fest Live in Japan' a celebration of those past years that re-unites Michael with vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet and Robin McCauley in a two CD/DVD set (also on Blu-Ray and Vinyl).

The sumptuous packaging comes with  an insert booklet - and in the centre spread there is a picture of the band, Michael at the centre arms aloft with 'V' peace signs thrust into the air and a smile spread across his face.

It is a single image that captures what is laid out in each of the songs. This is a group of musicians that now realise the glory that they achieved and the joy they brought to hundreds of thousands of people - and there's no need to let that lie in the memory when you can bring it once again to living, breathing essential life.

From the introduction and 'Into The Arena' there is a palpable sense of vibrancy around every performance - sure Schenker is at the centre of everything with his smooth, melodic playing and astonishing lead work - but Ted McKenna (drums), Chris Glen (bass) ad Steve Mann (guitar and keyboards) also seem to be having a ball.

It is no secret that the collection of vocalists and Schenker had a fractious relationship in the past, but it is clear that bygones are bygones and now they all see the legacy that they have.

"It's wonderful how we all got on," said Schenker. "It felt incredibly natural as if it was always like this. Right from the start of rehearsal the chemistry was great. No problems, just pure fun."

Take your pick from the hits and they are there - 'Cry For The Nations', 'Armed and Ready', 'Assault Attack', 'Dancer', 'This Is My Heart' and they are all there as each vocalist takes to the mic to deliver a show that the Japanese audience laps up.

The sound throughout is impeccable on CD and DVD and many of the close-ups of Michael capture the fluidity of his playing that most would struggle to emulate. At times there is a graininess to some of the blacks - and we all know the row of Marshalls is superfluous - but that somehow adds to the whole package. It is not perfect, but then again it never was. Instead the vibrant pulse of rock at its most vital runs strong.

The extended version of 'Rock Bottom' after 'Shoot Shoot' raises the temperature until the obligatory 'Doctor Doctor' ends the show with all three vocalists on stage.

This is a release that captures the era that saw Schenker's influence spread - it's no mistake that Iron Maiden's show always starts with Doctor Doctor booming over the PA.

However, this is not a slice of nostalgia for the sake of it. This is pure and simply a celebration. Michael is still recording and playing new songs, but this is about taking a moment in time, listening, watching and revelling in it.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Michael Schenker Fest 'Live' Tokyo featuring the original MSG vocalists Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet ad Robin McCauley is released on Friday 24th March 217. It is available on 2CD, 2CD+DVD combo, Blu-Ray and Digital.

NEWS: Schenker to release live package with McAuley.Barden and Bonnet

On Friday 24th March 2017, rock guitarist legend Michael Schenker and in-akustik will release Michael Schenker Fest “Live” Tokyo - a new live recording and filmed concert released on 2CD, 2CD+DVD Combo, LP, DVD, Blu-ray, and Digital.

Filmed and recorded Tokyo International Forum on August 24, 2016, this historic concert features guest appearances from some of the greatest rock vocalists who have worked with Schenker including M.S.G.’s Gary Barden and Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley of the McAuley Schenker Group.  5,000 fans witnessed an anthology moment of quintessential hard rock music of the highest calibre.

Says Schenker, “It’s a miracle that after all these years, something like this took place with the original band members of M.S.G. Being able to go back to those days and celebrate the music is an exciting experience for us, as well as for old and new fans. To being able to re-experience, and for the new audience to get a feel of what it was like, is incredibly enjoyable.”

TRACKLISTING
1.       Intro: Searching For Freedom
2.       Into The Arena
3.       Attack Of The Mad Axeman ft. Gary Barden
4.       Victim Of Illusion ft. Gary Barden
5.       Cry For The Nations ft. Gary Barden
6.       Let Sleeping Dogs Lie ft. Gary Barden
7.       Armed And Ready ft. Gary Barden
8.       Coast To Coast
9.       Assault Attack ft. Graham Bonnet
10.   Desert Song ft. Graham Bonnet
11.   Dancer ft. Graham Bonnet
12.   Captain Nemo
13.   This Is My Heart ft. Robin McAuley
14.   Save Yourself ft. Robin McAuley
15.   Love Is Not A Game ft. Robin McAuley
16.   Shoot Shoot ft. Robin McAuley
17.   Rock Bottom ft. Robin McAuley
18.   Doctor Doctor ft. Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, Robin McAuley

ALBUM REVIEW: Graham Bonnet's back with The Book - new album and greatest hits re-recorded

WITH a career spanning over 40 years singing in such bands as Rainbow, MSG, Alcatrazz and Impellittori, as well as an extensive solo career, Graham Bonnet has returned with a new band of Jimmy Waldo (keyboards), Beth-Ami Heavenstone (bass), Mark Zonder (drums) and South American guitar sensation Conrado Pesinato. Having played with such luminaries as Blackmore, Schenker, Vai and Malmsteen Bonnet has unearthed a hell of a player to join these exalted players.

The new album ‘The Book’ is due for release on November 4th and promises a blend of songs from that era that Bonnet promises to blow hard rock fans away. Never being one to write simplistic lyrics but rather songs with complicated storylines full of content and meaning can this album deliver what the promo material suggests?

Opening track ‘Into The Night’ confirms this straight away. A story of a husband coming home to changed locks and packed bags with his wife saying their marriage is over sets the tone. A hard rocking number with a slow middle section is a song that in terms of the guitar riff could easily featured on Alcatrazz’s Disturbing the Peace. Bonnet’s voice is a strong as ever, if in a slightly lower register and the melodies and hooks are all present.

‘Welcome to My Home’ continues in the same vein with a hard rockin’ feel to it with more soulful vocals and a nice keyboard underlay on the solo. Harmony vocals and steady drum and bass are already a feature on this album.

Track three ‘Earth’s Child (I am your son)’ has a standard mid tempo hard rock riff and another nice bass line from the impressive Beth-Ami Heavenstone. With a bit of a dramatic intro and nice vocal melodies again and a very nice solo from Pesinato it continues the strong start to the album.

‘Rider’ has a slower mid tempo feel with again a strong rhythm section. It’s a more radio friendly song but still had that hard rock riff.

Track five ‘Dead Man Walking’ has a mellow Schenker-esque opening before a full on assault attack on the eardrums. The drums and fierce bass from Heavenstone add depth and the hooks and melodies lead to a blinding solo from Pesinato again.

‘Strangest Day’ has an intro mix of synth keyboard, drum and bass intro that leads to a heavy fast paced riff. The hooks and melodies between the guitar and verses are very melodic and there’s a nice fast paced rhythm section under the solo.

‘The Dance’ is melodic and slower in tempo with a drum and bass lead in. Again the melodic vocals are in evidence overlapping nicely between the verses and chorus.

Track eight, ‘Where Were You’ has a Queen-style funky keyboard intro. The harmony vocals again overlay a strong riff and a slow middle section just sets up a shredding solo from Pesinato.

Title song ‘The Book’ has a fast driving riff that has a strong Rainbow feel to it mostly in part to the Don Airey style keyboards. Again Heavenstone proves she is a pretty accomplished bassist and the song has a very Rainbow style ending to it.

‘Everybody Has To Go There’ has a combined drum, bass and guitar intro and is a driving hard rock song with big hooks and melodies

Another fantastic solo has a great bass line underneath it.

Final song ‘California Air’ ends the album with a crunchy yet melodic riff with a bit of a plinky piano piece. Once more the harmony vocals overlap between the verse and chorus and a very sweet harmonic solo just rounds the song off nicely.

So, that’s the review for “The Book” done....or is it? The album comes with a second cd of re-recorded classic from Bonnet’s back catelogue. Rather than review them all (you should bloody know them anyway) its safe to say that although they are recorded in a lower key to suit Graham’s ageing voice they actually sound really fresh and the band to a great job in re-creating the old songs with a fresher more modern feel to them. In particular Pesinato puts hiscown stamp on the songs without ever straying too far from the originals.

The track listing for the 2nd cd is ÷

Eyes Of The World

All Night Long

Lost in Hollywood

Since You’ve Been Gone

Night games

SOS

Assault Attack

Dancer

Dessert Song

Island in The Sun

Hiroshima Mon Amour

God Bless Video

Will you be There Tonight

Witchwood

Stand in Line

Here Comes The Night (Down Without a Fight)

All in all this is a superb release and anyone who hasn’t got tickets for his upcoming tour, including Northern Irish dates and appearance at HRH X.....what the feck are you waiting for......

Review by Andy Gillen