I first became aware of Jeff when he sang on Yngwie’s first two albums, but I really took notice when he was a part of the awesome band, Talisman with fellow Yngwie bandmate Marcel Jacob. A lot of you were probably aware of Jeff when was asked to join Journey for a brief stint, and if you have seen the Christmas shows of Trans Siberian Orchestra on the west coast then you will have undoubtedly heard Jeff’s golden tones. Of course, since then he has been in a squillion projects as well as many of his own solo albums, which this is number 10 (I think).
He is teamed up here with fellow song writing partner Alessandro Del Vecchio, who seems to be the Frontiers’ in house go to guy. It’s one thing to go out as part of a band, but it’s a whole different ball game when it’s your name on the flag. This record sees Jeff visiting all branches of his repertoire, from the laid back aor vibes to out and out Talisman style groovers.
Those Talisman grooves are front and centre for killer openers Someone To Love and Mystified. Love is Blind dips a toe into Queen territory, especially with that awesome guitar intro. Love Will Find Away is probably my favourite track. The hook and melody are superb and this is what Jeff is really good at. I love his tone and the groove and swing to this song are killer.
If you want to hear how an AOR song should be delivered then Between The Lines is about as perfect as it gets. Now, I’m a guitar guy and the first thing that grabs me to a song is the riff and groove, the vocals come after that but very occasionally there are vocalists who jump that queue and Jeff most certainly does that for me.
A great melodic rock album.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
