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In
the rock world, Billy Sheehan is a legend. He has been a key member
in the rock group Talas with guitarist Mitch Perry, the second half
of the dynamic duo with Stave Vai in David Lee Roth’s band
in the ‘80s and co-partner and writer with guitarist Paul
Gilbert and Eric Martin in the ultra-hip rock band Mr. Big. Sheehan
has performed on countless CDs and performed live with many of yesterday’s
and today’s great artists.
Returning
with his latest solo effort on former band mate Steve Vai’s
label, Favored Nations, Cosmic Troubadour is Billy’s
latest contribution to the music world. Produced by Pat Regan, Billy
handles bass, vocals and baritone six- and 12-string guitars alongside
drummer Ray Luzier and Simone Sello, who provided additional guitars
and programming.
Most
apparent on listening to Cosmic Troubadour is the distinctive
rolling baselines, tapping flurry and grinding and swirling bass
riffs for which Sheehan is known. Fans of extreme bass performances
are going to love this CD. The CD features 15 tracks with track
15 being a bonus track titled, “A Million Tears Ago.”
Of those tracks, “The Suspense is Killing Me,” “Don’t
Look Down,” “Dreams of Discontent,” “A Tower
in the Sky,” “Long Walk Home,” “Hope”
and “A Million Tears Ago” are all instrumentals.
For
those who enjoy vocals with their instrumentation, Billy Sheehan
serves up his unique vocal talents on “Toss It On The Flames,”
“Back In The Day,” “From the Backseat,”
“Something She Said,” “Dig A Hole,” and
“The Lift.” The voice easily fits the music written
on this CD. Billy has a Pat Travers kind of delivery without the
harshness of Travers. Billy’s voice can also be described
as a mid-range, low-end growl to compliment his instrument of choice.
When
all is said and done, Cosmic Troubadour clocks in at more
than an hour of music for your listening pleasure. It is interesting
to hear the dynamics between Billy’s bass and guitar playing,
which really parallels each other simultaneously. The vocals are
good, although they took a few listens to get used to. Cosmic
Troubadour is a smart release, energetic and maintains a constant
state of flowing from beginning to end with no hiccups.
Band
Lineup: Billy Sheehan (b)(v)(g), Ray Luzier (d), Simone Sello (g)(p) |
