uitar whiz Jake E Lee makes a welcome return to the music world after a long period
away from the scene (save for a few guest appearances on covers albums). It would
seem that Mike Varney has been the man that has managed to get Jake to record once
again and low and behold its another covers album! It would seem that the bargaining
tool used was a killer rhythm section comprising of some of Jake's youth favourites,
so we welcome bassist Tim Bogert (Cactus/Jeff Beck) and drummer Aynsley Dunbar
(Journey/Jeff Beck). On vocals we have the gritty vocals of ex MSG man Chris Logan.
Fans of Jake's work with Badlands (one of this writers favourites) will be right at
home with the rootsy mostly early 70's rock n blues tunes. The production is inline
with the 70's vibe, that is dry and isolated to a live 1 guitar, 1 bass, 1 drums and
1 vocal approach. What this does give you is the chance to hear Jake open up and
really highlight what we have been missing since the Badlands days (Jake's post
Badlands solo album A Fine Pink Mist was not exactly essential listening).
The covers range from the likes of Grand Funk Railroad (I Come Tumblin) to Trapeze
(Way Back To The Bone) to Free (I'll Be Creepin') to Johnny Winter (Guess I'll Go
Away). There are no Ozzy style theatrics here so don't expect Bark At The Moon,
Jake's lead work in places is a little sloppy and the very raw production does make
you think a little more time could have been spent on the album. However, to have
Jake back in the music business is a good start and hopefully this album will be a
stepping stone to greater things.
Overall if you are a fan of Jake E Lee you will like this.
Rating - 80%
uitar whiz Jake E Lee makes a welcome return to the music world after a long period
away from the scene (save for a few guest appearances on covers albums). It would
seem that Mike Varney has been the man that has managed to get Jake to record once
again and low and behold its another covers album! It would seem that the bargaining
tool used was a killer rhythm section comprising of some of Jake's youth favourites,
so we welcome bassist Tim Bogert (Cactus/Jeff Beck) and drummer Aynsley Dunbar
(Journey/Jeff Beck). On vocals we have the gritty vocals of ex MSG man Chris Logan.