This is Andy’s latest release on his own Timstone Records. Some of you may know him from his time in melodic rockers Danger Danger, but he was also musical director to Olivia Newton John amongst many other things he has done. He is one of the most underrated players around, his chops, tone, and style are superb and he is one of my favourite guitarists around.
The album kicks off with some serious groove as EWF is the funky jazz beast you always needed in your life. Wonderful opening track and Andy’s playing is sooo good. Apocryphal is next up and the pace slows somewhat, the guitar is basically playing what would be the vocal line. Such great melody and tone. Johnnie T is next up and the vibe is a groovy country feel. He is joined on this track by Josh Smith on guitar as they trade cool licks. When Words Fail is next and we turned the pace right down. Guitar playing is not all about a million notes a second and this is a master class in feel and playing what’s right for the piece. Such an emotive track. Side one closes out with the bluesy tones of Say What You Want and is one of two tracks to feature vocals by Corry Pertile. Nice swing to this one!
Grace opens up Side 2 and it is a tribute to two lost friends and at times feel like a eulogy. Again very emotive playing. That killer funky groove returns with Shuggie. A super cool tune and that middle section is awesome with some very tasty playing. One Last Time is next up and the groove is super slow but that guitar tone is to die for. Killer stuff!! The album closes out with Take Me With You, this is the second track with vocals and we are in ballad territory until the mid point where the energy is raised and that solo is killer.
Great record and the production is perfect.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
