Kevin Russell is a multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician who has
put together a straight ahead rocking blues CD that's very good. There's
not a lot of frills here but the songs don't need any, as the songs fall
into the basic guitar/bass/drums format that works well in the right hands.
Russell wrote the 11 songs on this CD and there's quite a range of
styles represented. 'Make Up Your Mind' opens up with a haunting and
very tasteful little guitar lick that sticks in you mind with backing
that ranges from acoustic strumming to heavy distortion in the chorus's.
'Never Say Die' reminds me a bit of mid 70's Foreigner with plenty of
power chords. With a little more bombast this would make a great 70's
arena rock song. 'All I Ever Wanted' reminds me a bit of Hendrix's
'Angel' stylelistically. 'Cause and Effect' is another rocker which
reminds me a bit of 70's rock groups. The title track 'Trip To Heaven'
has a Cheap Trick feel to it, with plenty of power chords and rock
rhythms. 'Reprise' reminds me a bit of John Lennon's "Imagine' or
something by Paul McCartney as it opens with a similar piano backing.
Bottom Line: I like this release. It's straight ahead rocking blues with
just enough production to make it interesting and enjoyable. Nothing
here is over produced but it still sounds very professional and
enjoyable to my ears. The guitar work is solid blues rock. If you like
blues/rock music slightly guitar heavy with good vocals and styles that
harkens back to when musicians knew how to play their instruments, then
you should enjoy this release.
Kevin Russell - Vocals, Guitar, Bass & Piano
Denny Carmassi - Drums
Don Bassey - bass on Tracks 3,6, 8 & 9
Web site:
www.bedrockrecords.com
You can now order other CDs, books, and videos from Blues On Stage in association with Amazon.com. Simply click on the logo at the left and shop! They have some of the best prices on the web and even offer some used product at lower prices.
This review is copyright © 2002 by Robert T. Murphy, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission.
For permission to use this review please email Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
We build websites