MICHAEL SCHENKER & FRIENDS – Blood Of The Sun (2014)

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Mr. MICHAEL SCHENKER, known as a guitar hero and a member of the Scorpions, UFO and MSG, invited legendary rock singers to recreate legendary rock songs now released in Europe by Collectors Dream Records as “MICHAEL SCHENKER & FRIENDS – Blood Of The Sun”.

Michael Schenker’s ‘Friends’ are a roll-call of Hard Rock and Metal luminaries, from Michael’s long-time vocalist in MSG Gary Barden, to Sebastian Bach, Joe Lynn Turner or Tommy Shaw and with Paul Di’Anno in-between, this compilation of Classic Rock cover songs gives you goosebumps from the start.
To my ears and Rock ‘N Roll senses, Michael Schenker has undeniably molded these classic songs into his very own. He magically allows his Dean Flying V guitar to do all the talking for him and each vocalist featured here sounds nothing short of terrific.

A perfect rhythm section (check the amazing players involved below) and the incredible quality of Schenker’s fretboard work could be traced on Gary Moore’s “Out In The Fields” – especially the soloing that is magnetic, while Gary Barden sounds fabulous during the verses.
UFO classic “Doctor Doctor” offers melodic riffs and fantastic shouting by Jeff Scott Soto. The song shared extra melodic heavier riffs, melody, and an ’80s spirit rather than the ’70 vibe of the original.
The impressive opening solo on “Save Yourself” is an amazing triumph for this powerful track along with the melodic singing by Robin McAuley. “Blood Of The Sun” rallies the same qualities of guitar wizardry, but with Leslie West at the front for further enrichment.

“Money” (Pink Floyd) is more than just appealing. The crew made textbook work for it along with Schenker’s special guitar treatment conjuring the wills of the saxophone. “Finding My Way“ is totally excellent with Sebastian Bach screeching at the helm. Also quite barnstorming is “Politician” sailing with fine bass work and tremendous solos.
“I’m Not Talking” and “All Shook Up” drifted on Rock N’ Roll, slipping the Metal taste for the good of a rocking blues and country mystique.

The guitar tones of Michael Schenker are forever entrenched in the minds and souls of his countless fans; any admirer of this guitar icon should be pleased by what they hear on “Blood Of The Sun”. This compilation defines Michael’s uniqueness and (improvisation-like) studio creativity, which has had him stand out among his peers for decades.
Schenker is on top form and his ‘friends’ shine, there’s not a weak performance among the entire record.
Most of these tracks / versions surfaced early on different compilations, but it’s a real pleasure to get them together on a single disc.
This album is about Rock, Hard Rock and Metal coming together as one impressive Classic Rock family.
Rocks Great.

01. Out In The Fields (feat. Gary Barden)
02. Save Yourself (feat. Robin McAuley)
03. Doctor Doctor (feat. Jeff Scott Soto)
04. War Pigs (feat. Tim “Ripper” Owens)
05. Finding My Way (feat. Sebastian Bach)
06. All Shook Up (feat. Joe Lynn Turner)
07. Blood Of The Sun (feat. Leslie West)
08. Money (feat. Tommy Shaw)
09. I’m Not Talking (feat. Mark Slaughter)
10. Hair Of The Dog (feat. Paul Di’Anno)
11. I Don’t Live Today (feat. Sebastian Bach)
12. Politician (feat. Jeff Pilson)
13. Doctor Doctor (Instrumental)
14. War Pigs (Instrumental)

Michael Schenker – lead guitar
Bob Kulick – rhythm guitar
Jeff Pilson – bass, vocals
Jeremy Rubolino – keyboards
Rudy Sarzo, Marco Mendoza, Phil Soussan, Tony Levin, Chuck Wright, Tony Franklin – bass
Aynsley Dunbar, Simon Wrigh, Brent Chassen, Mike Baird, Vinnie Appice, Eric Singer – drums

BUY IT !
www.progrock.co.uk/acatalog/Michael_Schenker_Group_MSG.html#aP17308
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