|  Comments:
I really am tired of the European and Japanese labels securing the
bonus tracks while we as a consumer have to shell out the hefty
import prices. So, it was such a delightful change to see the new
domestic label Black Star Records reissue Stuart Smith’s debut
with a total of 5 bonus tracks over the original Samsung edition.
However, this is not just about the issue of bonus tracks but about
a very classy album that is facing its first domestic edition. Though
the album is now six years old it continues to be one of the better
classic rock blues based album in recent years.
This
year has seen a flurry of activity from Stuart Smith and company.
With his band Heaven & Earth in the studio and in the process
of completing their new album Screaming For Redemption,
Stuart has also found the time to establish his new domestic label
Black Star Records. With the reissue of his debut solo album along
with some minor adjustments, Black Star Records have shot out of
the starting blocks with this very album that continues to stand
the test of time.
Initially
released on Samsung Music in Korea, the album included a total of
11 tracks. The Italian label Frontier Records got in on the action
and added some bonus tracks. Now with its third makeover, Black
Star Records have added two bonus tracks. They include the blues
riddled “Life On The Line” that features Toto’s
vocalist Bobby Kimball though it was co written by Joe Lynn Turner.
The blues factor is further intensified by covering Gary Moore’s
“Still Got The Blues”, which embraces Joe Lynn Turner
at the microphone. Initially, this version sounds like a carbon
copy but clocking in close to seven minutes Smith gives his guitar
and a thorough workout. The fretwork is astronomical. The bonus
tracks only intensify the blues factor and add color to the album.
Written
over six years ago, below is my initial review of the Samsung edition
of “Heaven & Earth”. And while I hope my writing
style has improved the over the years, I cannot say the same for
Heaven & Earth. I mean how do you improve on close
to perfection? Class never goes out of style and “Heaven &
Earth” epitomizes this characteristic. If you ask me again
six years later my response will probably be the same...not picking
up this disc is strongly discouraged.
This
phenomenal debut disc shows how having friends in high places gets
you a long way in opening up doors in the music business. This student
of Ritchie Blackmore not only pays homage to his teacher, but also
brings in an all-star band to put us through a wonderful trip of
melodic rock and a touch of the blues.
The
release features vocalists Joe Lynn Turner and Kelly Hansen (Hurricane
and Unruly Child) who carry the bulk of the vocal duties. But there
is also an impressive appearance by the great Glenn Hughes as well
as Richie Sambora, who is also featured on guitar. In addition,
Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot, House Of Lords and Blackthorne) along
with Steve Priest (Sweet) appear on bass. With too many other names
to mention, it would be inappropriate not to at least recognize
Ray Rodriguez who does a fantastic job on the keyboards, especially
when he is doing his Jon Lord impersonation.
Clearly
this disc intends to rock from the beginning, and Hansen provides
some powerful yet graceful vocals in the vein of Dan Huff on the
opening track “Don't Keep Me Waiting”. It opens with
some atmospheric organ and drums and then crashes into some riveting
guitar work. Hansen's vocals take it one step higher.
We
move into the title track, whose introduction fools you into thinking
this is going to be Turner providing excelling vocals on another
ballad. Instead you are shoved into a mid-tempo rocker with a chorus
that immediately implants itself into your memory banks. It would
have hit the Top-40 had this CD been released in the eighties.
Smith
is not happy leaving us in the melodic rock format, so we open track
3 with a bluegrass guitar passage and Glenn Hughes singing the blues
courtesy of “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean”. The guitar
bridge leads you into a brief but great guitar solo as Smith shows
us his chops. No Blackmore imitating here as this is all his own.
The
ultimate form of flattery is imitation, and Smith keeps us feeling
the blues with a wonderful Deep Purple cover “When A Blind
Man Cries”. Sambora is up front on vocals and guitar, and
the former is very impressive. In fact, the midsection of this disc
not only borrows from Purple but also strains of Rainbow courtesy
of “Trouble In Paradise”. Meanwhile “Shadow Of
The Tyburn Tree has a renaissance feel similar to that of Blackmore's
Night.
We
then feel the strong influence of Turner on “It's Got To Be
Love”, which would have fit right onto his disc. Unfortunately
producer Pat Regan, whose credentials keep growing and growing,
makes his one mistake and uses keyboards that sound like horns.
Guys, listen to the Stones and Aerosmith who made a great success
in putting some funky horns into their gritty rock n roll. Otherwise
Regan does a magnificent job not only as producer but also on the
occasional keyboards. Just check out Dreams Of Desire, which is
inspired and borrowed heavily from J.S. Bach as credited. Meanwhile,
Smith's technical proficiency comes shining thru. This is not a
Yngwie Malmsteen who feels the need for speed all the time, but
a guitarist who knows the value of a held note, an eerie effect,
a well-crafted overtone or harmony.
“Do
You Ever Think Of Me” plays out like the title track, misleading
you into thinking the song is a ballad, but once you get to the
chorus the mid-tempo rocker grabs you with its chorus, which again
etches itself into your brain. Nice drum fills by the great Carmine
Appice only heard elsewhere on the track “See That My Grave
Is Kept Clean”. The moody instrumental “Road To Melnibone”
brings us to the straight rocker “Lose My Number”, which
features Rodriguez doing the Jon Lord thing. Great song to close
with.
This
disc was originally released in 1998 and has since been re-released
with 4 additional bonus tracks that I do not have, so be careful
on your choice. But whatever you choose, not picking up this disc
is strongly discouraged if you are a fan of melodic rock. However,
to categorize him as only this would be a mistake. We can expect
many more surprises from this very promising newcomer.
Favorite
track: There are so many but the thunderous opening track “Don’t
Keep Waiting” and the classy instrumental “Dreams Of
Desire” probably lead the pack.
Bottom
line: It has been six years since this album debut on Samsung’s
Korean label and like a fine wine it gets better with time.
Band
line up: Stuart Smith, Howard Leese, Richie Sambora, Iain Hersey
and Al Mirkitani - guitars; Kelly Hansen, Joe Lynn Turner, Glenn
Hughes, Bobby Kimball, Richie Sambora Paul Shortino and Al Mirkitani
- vocals; Richie Onori, Jay Schellen, Carmine Appice, Mike Terrana
and Joe Pa’Fume - drums; Marvin Sperling, Chuck Wright, Dave
Chamberlain and Steve Priest - bass; Ray Rodriguez, Arlan Schierbaum,
Pat Regan and Teddy Andreas - keyboards; Howard Leese and Pat Regan
- strings; Richard Hardy - woodwinds.
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