Chris Lord Ideal's new CD is entitled SUNDAY IN NEW YORK, which just so happens to also be the title of the first song on this great CD. "Sunday In New York" starts off light, airy and surreal - then blockbusters into a powerful delivery that's hard to resist. The second imaginative creation, "Song #1", is a powerhouse of imagination. The delivery is courageous and purposeful. The guitar licks are loud and raunchy - primeval and screaming from the soul. The vocals are also powerful, but also easy to take.
"love hotel" is an energetic blues tune, with heavily laden jazz overtones. A very strong rhythm section, along with Chris Lord's scorching guitar leads and vocals, have Hendrix/"Red House" inspiration written all over them. They have a feel of living energy in their delivery. We sure do have some great local talent here in Toronto. The slide stuff at the end is captivating.
"mississippi mushroom trip" is psychedelia at it's best! Tinges of Uriah Heep tend to poke their heads up once in a while, too! This song is definitely very trippy to say the least! The controlled distortion at the end is very well done. "star for the summer" is a winning star in the CLI cap of achievement. More outstanding guitar leads by Chris, along with a driving bass beat by Toronto's own Gord X and drums by Scotty K make this tune a real winner. "star for the summer (reprise)" is very Hendrix in feel and execution. Chris' enjoyable vocals and guitar mastery however, set this tune apart as one of the band's own. One to be copied, but not to be compared to! Chris' guitar leads take off into orbit and stay there, leaving the listener in guitar Nirvana.
Speaking of Nirvana, "promised land" has a very Eastern European feel to it. The rhythms and harmonies are combined in such a way to lend the atmosphere of The Holy Land. "scotty k special" is a percussive delight from beginning to end. The rhythm section joins in towards the end to send this winner home first class all the way. "she's outta sight" is a high-energy rock 'n roll ditty full of punch and pizzazz. Chris' fine vocal delivery is complimented perfectly by Gord X's heavy duty bass lines, Walter Adam Luck's strong rhythm guitar expertise, and Scotty K's hard drivin' skins. Chris' scorching guitar leads scream out quality all the way! Add to it his jazzy lead configurations at times, and you've got it all!
"forgiveness" seems to have an underlying mystical intention, which cuts at the core of soulful forgiveness. The peace and tranquility embodied here is soothing. It starts off with the sounds of surf and ends with it too, adding to the peaceful nature of this unique composition. "money talks" is a hard driving scorcher all the way. It proves without question that this tune rocks, as does the band. Some galactic rhythms by Chris help take this tune right into music orbit.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable music creation, Chris Lord Ideal's SUNDAY IN NEW YORK is well worth the listen. Play it, and you'll play it again … and again!!!
Artist: Chris Lord Ideal
Title: Sunday In New York
Label: Independent # CL12
Website: www.chrislordideal.com
Chris Lord Ideal (band) email: chrislordideal@yahoo.com
Chris Lord (guitarist) email: chrisblord@yahoo.ca
Your purchase through this Amazon.com link helps to support this website.
Simply click on the cover at left or the Amazon buy button (if there is one) to order this CD NOW!
"This review is copyright © 2003 by Joe Curtis, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
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.