| FANKHAUSER CASSIDY BAND - ON THE BLUE ROAD | |||||||||||||
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What
we are fortunate that guitarist Merrell Fankhauser and drummer Ed
Cassidy, after previous encounters, somewhere in the nineties decided
once to put something together. On plate The amazing result was reissued
by Gonzo Multimedia as a double album "On The Blue Road".
Fankhauser
a recognized composer and guitarist who mostly made in the late
sixties, early seventies furore with his psychedelic Californian Rock
Sound and Cassidy, known for his masterful work in the same period with
the Spirit, also have their friendship translated into a fascinating
album. The mix of original songs and well chosen covers vary in sound
from Blues to Rock and even radio-friendly pop-like songs. Masterful
musicians were found in the circle of friends to keep everything in the
right direction: Merrell's son Tim shows an excellent singer and
guitarist, the keyboards Pete Sears probably already familiar with The
Jefferson Starship, but also shine even include Bruce Clark on harmonica
and sax and Jim Enos on the piano. Ed Cassidy died already in December
2012 at the age of 89 but this album is a posthumous tribute to the man,
then you rush to the record store.
The
first CD contains a few classic Blues and Rock'n'Roll gems as "Further
On Up The Road" where Tim immediately let admire, "Walking The Dog" and
"Possession Over Judgement Day" his talent. Equally you will enjoy
Fankhauser's own songs effortlessly stay afloat among the classics
cited. It is remarkable the pleasure and knowledge that is played here!
Who thinks that the best it has passed after this rather impressive
first CD is coming for the effort. The high level is maintained smoothly
on the second disc containing some more original songs.
The
sublime "Stolen Guitar Blues" written by Fankhauser Cassidy and let
admire some lovely mandolin streaks of John McEuen. On "Hot Night In
Louisville" let again Valerie Johnson told her skills as a backing
vocalist. Usually we have a drum solo after a minute or two do tend to
lose concentration, but not with what Ed Cassidy on his 89th until late
reverberate on "Cassidy's Big Beat." Yet another highlight of this
release is quite rural, austere "Goin 'Back To Delta" but then we would
perhaps do dishonor to the song "Papa Told Me" where Larry Willey vocals
and bass, on his own number, for takes his account. There follows this
with a short interview with Ed Cassidy, and that's mostly fodder for the
fans. Music lovers tout court faced with this issue a stunner of an
album in their collection!
Luc Meert
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT GONZO:
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Sunday, 23 March 2014
MERRELL FANKHAUSER & ED CASSIDY: Belgian Review (translated)
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