HIT - Quosibility EP

Rising from the ashes of the late lamented and much loved Tadpoles, this 4 track, clear vinyl, extremely limited edition (400 copies) 12" single is the first output from Adam Boyette, Nick Kramer and David Max.

So where does this fit into the Tadpole scheme of things? Well, if you're looking for an easy short cut try "Space Rock • Drone • Experimental". Right, now that I've cleared the room let me expand, as indeed Hit are doing. Breaking free from the more song-oriented structure of the Tadpoles material, this is the sound of musicians stretching out and trying to find where they belong.

If you were looking at previous material to think of as a starting point, try the early Pink Floyd-like extended instrumental jams on "Smile If You've Crossed Over" and "Horse and Buggy".
The one outstanding number on an excellent release is "Stepper", which bubbles away in near ambient teritory bar an ever threatening bass riff and Shakti type vocal. Awesome.

They claim to be favouring this format for release, which more than implies they are taking a large, voluntary leap out of the psychedelic mainstream. A brave move, but this is a good start.

They have a web site but be wary, it's Flash only (grrrrrrr:-(
http://www.quosibility.com/
info@quosibility.com

HUGHES TURNER PROJECT

Much lauded, much anticipated, two of the voices of rock get together and produce?

A mix of Glenn Hughes last few CDs and a mix of Joe Lynn Turners last few CDs. I'm not sure what I was expecting from this union of 2 former Deep Purple vocalists, but on first listening I was left a little flat. Maybe they were hedging their bets, but I want more!

Now, having sat through it a few times, I feel happier. Yes, a lot of it is predicatable. However, if you want a quality, traditional hard rock release, you won't get much better this year. But, there are highlights, and its when they take a chance that things really gel. In fact, if they'd started this CD at track 5, I would have been drooling within minutes. "Sister Midnight" is a nod back to the days of Trapeze, mid tempo and lilting. Then "Better Man" kicks in, and it's time to get your funk boots on, as Glenn delivers one of his best songs since "Gettin Tighter", and shows us why he is THE VOICE OF ROCK. High notes to make your manstuff shrivel. Truly fabulous.

And then its the scary bit. The killer power ballad, "Heaven's Missing An Angel". Forget the last twenty years ever happened, for as Glenn takes this one solo, the guitar of Mr John Sykes glides in, and by the time the chorus arrives you are, indeed, moist.

The moody stuff works best, the rockers are a bit too "Straight Between The Eyes", but it is a very good release. I would have preferred more vocal duelling, but you can't have everything. And a special mention to the drummer with too many vowels, Shane Gaalaas, recovered from sparring with Mr Schenker, he is on the button every time.

HTP is available online for £12.32

http://www.glennhughes.com
http://www.joelynnturner.com
http://www.shanegaalaas.com - no competition for that one
http://www.mtm-music.com

RAY BENNETT - "Angels and Ghosts", "Whatever Falls"

Ray Bennett was the bass player, rhythm guitarist, writer and vocalist with Flash, a 'fast and furious progressive rock band not unlike Yes' (Martin C. Strong- 'The Great Psychedelic Discography' (Canongate Press, 1997)
Flash released 3 albums between 1972 and 1973, the first of them reaching #33 in the U.S. album charts with a single 'Small Beginnings' going top 30.
As Ray says in his sleeve notes, "Angels and Ghosts is a time warp trip through more than twenty years of music."
The CD begins with 'Watch Your Step', a Flash track released as a single in 1973. It also ends with the original 'b' side of the single deemed unsuitable for release at the time. 'Flash going bonkers in the studio' is how Ray describes it.
There are some great musicians on this recording. Of particular interest to progressive rock fans is Andy McCulloch of Greenslade on 'Who' and 'Everything Changes', recorded in 1975 and 1976. These tracks also feature Sidonie Jordan, an excellent singer who has appeared with many big name acts.
Some of the music is from Ray's solo projects over the years and there is a brief radio interview from 1997.
I like Ray's 'earthy' approach to music and the intimate nature of his lyrics. His bass playing is pretty good too and he does a pretty good take on Chris Squire in the Andy McCulloch version of the rhythm section.
And wouldn't it be wonderful to hear songs like 'Watch Your Step' released as singles nowadays. What Flash pack into the 3 minutes is breathtaking!
It is 'Whatever Falls' that is Ray's real triumph though. The 6 minute opener 'La Verite Des Miracles' is a touch symphonic and experimental but not representative of the rest of the album which is littered with excellent songs like 'Torn Apart', the folk blues of 'Digging with a Spoon' and 'Changing'.
The crowning glory of the album is the title track- a marvellous ballad that stays long in the memory.
'Whatever Falls' has the consistency and continuity that 'Angels and Ghosts' inevitably lacks.
So 'Whatever Falls' goes down as one of my recommended releases of 2001.
Contact: www.raybennett.co.uk
(Voiceprint VP228CD)

Angels & Ghosts is available on-line for £13.14