| NEW RELEASES - 9 JANUARY 2000 |
| CHICAGO |
 Chicago
- 26 - Live in Concert, on Chicago Records. Yes, they're back,
and sounding as good as ever! This album was recorded in their hometown of
Chicago in July of 1999, and features a whole bunch of older tracks, plus
three new tracks. Chicago's brass section of Lee Loughlane, Walt Parazaider
and James Pankow is still one of the finest and tightest in the world.
Older fans will really enjoy this album, and its fresh 90's feel will
attract a whole bunch of new, younger fans to the nest. |
| A TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN BEYOND |
A Tribute to Captain Beyond - 1000 Days of Yesterdays, on Record Heaven
Records. This is a stunning tribute to one of the finest rock bands on the
planet, featuring a host of Swedish and European bands such as Qoph, Lotus
and Standarte. The bands' interpretations of classic Captain Beyond tracks
is quite refreshing, and, in some cases, very different to the original,
but it's great to know that this often ignored hard rock band had such a
profound influence on so many bands. According to the liner notes, Captain
Beyond have reformed and are looking to release a new album this year. Now
THAT'S something worth walking to the end of the earth for! Can't wait! |
| STRATOVARIUS |
Stratovarius
- The Chosen Ones, on Noise Records. A sixteen track
compilation, featuring tracks from most of their albums, apparently
signalling the end of the band's association with guitarist and founder
member Timo Tolkki. Stratovarius are certainly one of the better prog metal
bands around today. Let's just hope that this doesn't mean that they'll now
call it a day. |
| Anson Funderburg, Otis Grand and Debbie Davies |
| Anson Funderburg, Otis Grand and Debbie Davies - Grand Union, on Blueside Records. Ostensibly an Otis Grand album, this features the guitar talents of three very gifted and accomplished blues guitarists. Debbie Davies has worked with the likes of Albert Collins and Tab Benoit. |
| GREG HOWE |
 Greg Howe - Ascend, on Shrapnel Records. Guitarist Greg Howe has been
around for a number of years. In the late eighties he was also in Howe 11
with his vocalist brother, Al. He's also released a number of solo albums,
demonstrating a distinct Yngwie Malmsteen influence. He's joined on this
album by Artension's Vitalij Kuprij, a man who is no slouch on the
keyboards, and Jon Doman on drums. You may need to strap yourself down when
you put this CD on - it's quite intense at times! |