What to expect when you put together three of the world’s virtuoso musicians? When this project was first announced I was very intrigued as to what sounds they would produce. Richie Kotzen was not the first choice as guitar player/singer when this project first got off the ground, John Sykes was the original choice but he was taking forever to get his act together. Portnoy and Sheehan pulled the plug with him and teamed up with Kotzen, and boy was that the right decision. Classic rock with a very soulful edge is how I would describe the band, and they are a real kick ass three piece in the tradition of many that went before.
If you are unfamiliar with the band, this is a great introduction. It’s basically a Best Of that has been captured on a great night with a very receptive vocal crowd along with a great production. Every song done here is so good and the band are so tight that it’s hard to pick a favourite, but We Are One is just fantastic with an extra solo tagged onto an already superb rendition. There is a bass and drum solo but no guitar solo as Richie just lays it in nearly every track.
The bonus EP is tacked onto the final side of the third disc with three original tracks and two covers. The covers are Moonage Daydream by Bowie and Love Is Alive by Gary Wright. Criminal and The Game have that early seventies funky blues groove, and with Kotzen’s soulful voice, are just amazing. Solid Ground is an acoustic piece which is a harmony tour de force.
There are a few copies of this still around so snap yourself up one ASAP.
10/10 from The Grooveman.
