CD Review
Freed
Freed - The Tribute to Free
by Joe Curtis
Review date: November 2004
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Freed, the band is hailing themselves as the only Free tribute band in the UK, totally dedicated to only playing songs that the original late ‘60s British blues rock band Free performed. Freed is totally immersed in the Free ‘experience’ -- and it shows in every note and nuance in this very much enjoyed (personal perception) CD. They’ve put together a highly enjoyable three-tune compilation, which captures the feel and vitality of the original British rockers in a way that’s uplifting and quite satisfying. They’re a four-piece band, featuring Simon Fowles on vocals; Mike Jarvis on guitar; Izzee on bass and Kenny Stone on drums.
The first tune on this remarkably good CD is entitled “Remember”. I would term this a gentle ‘veg’ tune … something to sit back and relax to, with thorough enjoyment. Then the pace changes with the romantic blues rock ballad, “Don’t Say You Love Me”. Simon’s vocals are the real essence of this serene tune. Lyrics such as, “I just didn’t know what to do.” and “Don’t say you love me, because I know it would be just a lie” sum up quite well the genuinely felt heartbreak this well-orchestrated tune possesses. Two thumbs up for Izee’s insightful bass lines and Jarvis’ crying guitar licks – they excel.
The definitive and best-known Free hit “Allright Now”, is the fabulous rockin’ conclusion to this very fine blues rock tribute compilation of some of Free’s best-loved hits. Simon’s vocals sound just right, as one would expect from the original Free vocalist, Paul Rodgers. Jarvis’ screaming guitar licks are very welcome. His scorching rhythm guitar tantalizes just the way we’d hope it would! Izzee’s bass lines pulsate their familiar melodic riffs with stirring preciseness. (He’s been fortunate to sit in with Rodgers before). Stone’s drumming kicks the kit to its ever luvin’ percussive limit. I must add that Simon’s vocals are true to heart and familiar like a good friend’s ‘hello’.
In closing, Freed and ‘Freed – The Tribute to Free’ compilation is definitely ‘alright’ now or anytime there’s a soulful need to transcend into the party mode – even if there is no party! (With Freed playing on the CD player, it’ll seem like there is a cool gathering happening!) Freed is a definite mood-enhancer in the best possible way! I highly recommend the band and this CD. They also have a video performance available from their web site, which I feel would be well worth viewing. Several live Freed tunes such as “Fire and Water”, and the all-time British blues boogie Free hit, “The Hunter”, can be heard full length on Freed’s website at: http://www.izzee.co.uk/Zounds.htm Their website is: http://www.freed.org.uk/
Artist: Freed
CD: Freed - ‘Freed - The Tribute to Free’
Website: http://www.freed.org.uk/
Listen to Freed live recordings: http://www.izzee.co.uk/Zounds.htm
Email: freedorguk@msn.com
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