PAUL RODGERS – The Royal Sessions (2014)

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Legend PAUL RODGERS, longtime singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with Bad Company, is gearing up for the release of “The Royal Sessions” next February 4th, 2014, a lovingly crafted collection of classic songs from the Memphis scene re-imagined by the iconic rock singer.

“The Royal Sessions” is a remarkable project that came together as Rodgers is working on a solo record, and in the middle, his producer Margouleff just discovered the mythic Memphis’ Royal Studios was still up and running, and the session players who recorded there with a wide array of artists during the ’60s, ’70s and beyond, were still active.
The opportunity to record in such a hallowed place with musicians that Rodgers considered personal heroes was a dream come true.
Rodgers personally selected the songs that marked his musical formation, classics from artists like Otis Redding, Albert King or Sam Cooke. Using a roster of many veteran musicians who already played on the original recordings including organist Charles Hodges, guitarist Michael Stoll and bassist LeRoy Hodges among others, Paul and Margouleff aimed for an authentic live feel, even recording all the basic tracks live onto analog tape.
These Memphis players forged an immediate bond when presented with Rodgers’ formidable talent and sincere love of the songs, you can feel that on every cut here.

Deeply felt, powerfully sung and expertly played, “The Royal Sessions” features a cross-section of material hand-picked by Rodgers, songs of great historical significance and personal meaning for him, and you can note that on Paul’s performace.
To say Paul Rodgers is one of the most iconic, recognizable Rock voices ever it’s not a revelation, but after listening this record, to say that a man in his sixties (64 years-old) still have his incredible pipes intact, is not common in the music business.

Paul Rodgers is simply awesome here. His lusty gutsy core strengths are in top form, and you can feel the man love these songs from the heart. This is what he does best, bluesy melodies coming from his gifted throat arranged in a very contemporary way.
Don’t be fooled by the ‘old songs’ selection, “The Royal Sessions” sounds terrific, dynamic and even ‘rocking’ on Paul’s hands and specially Perry Margouleff’s extraordinary production which captures this timeless music essence in its pure form.
Easily Recommended.

01 – I Thank You
02 – Down Don’t Bother Me
03 – I Can’t Stand The Rain
04 – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)
05 – That’s How Strong My Love Is
06 – Walk On By
07 – Any Ole Way
08 – It’s Growing
09 – Born Under A Bad Sign
10 – I’ve Got Dreams To Remember

Paul Rodgers (vocals)
Michael Toles (guitar)
Lester Snell (piano)
Charles Hodges (Hammond B-3 organ)
Archie Turner (Wurlitzer organ)
Leroy Hodges (bass)
Steve Potts, James Robertson (drums)
Lannie McMillan, James L. Spake, Marc Franklin (horns)
The Royal Strings (strings)

Pre-Order
www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=9095671
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