LESLIE WEST – Soundcheck (2015)

LESLIE WEST is an imposing figure on many levels. His legacy and talent cast a large shadow of influence on rock and roll. This month, the iconic guitarist and vocalist returns with his 16th studio effort, “Soundcheck“, and as usual, West brings in new material as well as some well-chosen cover songs all blended with fantastic guest appearances, and inspired performances.

Among the guests joining West in making music for the new album are guitarists Peter Frampton and Brian May of Queen, former Jeff Beck keyboardist Max Middleton, singer Bonnie Bramlett, and West’s old West, Bruce & Laing bandmate, the late bassist Jack Bruce, including a recording did with him in 1988 (‘Spoonful’).
Soundcheck was co-produced by West and engineer Mike “Metal” Goldberg and features West wielding his instrument on an inspired mix of original material and often-unusual cover songs.
West tackles the blues standard ‘Goin’ Down’ with the ferocity of Freddie King. Joined by Queen’s May on guitar, pianist Middleton, legendary Muscle Shoals session bassist David Hood, Bobby Whitlock on keyboards, and Bramlett on backing vocals, West tears through the song like a hungry dog into a t-bone, sharing solos with May, the two guitarist’s differing styles oddly complimentary.

West’s sizzling guitar playing is punctuated by Frampton’s fretwork on a minor-key cover of ‘You Are My Sunshine’ that represents another odd musical choice.
“I watch the television show, Sons of Anarchy,” says West in a press release for Soundcheck, “and during one episode, a minor-key version of this song was playing in the background. I thought, Whoa…that sounds so different! I recorded it and sent it to Peter, and we trade solos and then play harmony lines together at the end.
Frampton’s tone is phenomenal on this, with a warm sound and a really nice vibrato, and he loved the arrangement. To take a song you’ve heard all of your life and change it around like this is very cool.”

The album also features a reverent, haunting cover of Curtis Mayfield’s soul classic ‘People Get Ready’, a song also popularized by Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck. It is hard for anyone to challenge the brilliance Beck displayed on his version, but West is equal to the task, and his playing simply soars over the song’s sweet melody.
In ‘Empty Promises / Nothin’ Sacred’ West brings back his days with Mountain. It’s got a sweet hard rock groove to go along with his meaty guitars and gritty vocals. This is followed up by a rambling acoustic number, ‘A Stern Warning’. The track leans more towards West’s classical chops and provides a nice counterpoint to the album’s heavy blues feel.

Another favorite is ‘Here For The Party’ which makes justice to its title: a rocking melodic piece with a chorus catchy as hell. There’s a thick distorted riff all over and lots of energy.
West also manages to slip in a few modern elements, like the looping electronics on opener ‘Left By the Roadside to Die’ mixed with sharp guitars, a combination that works really well.

West has come a long way since he initially made his mark with Mountain back in the ’70s. While the casual listener may not know him beyond his hit Mississippi Queen – which is still a radio staple to this day – his influence has impacted music for over 40 years.
With “Soundcheck”, West reminds us of how deftly he can make his guitar sing, and how powerful he remains as a singer and songwriter. Diversity fills this record, but it is all brought together in triumphant splendor by West’s signature vocals and fretwork.
A really good year-end pick for all fans of classic rock and heavy blues.

01 – Left By The Roadside To Die
02 – Give Me One Reason
03 – Here For The Party
04 – You Are My Sunshine
05 – Empty Promises / Nothin’ Sacred
06 – A Stern Warning
07 – People Get Ready
08 – Going Down
09 – Stand By Me
10 – Eleanor Rigby
11 – Spoonful

Leslie West – vocals, guitars
Max Middleton, Bobby Whitlock – keyboards
Jack Bruce, David Hood – bass
Bonnie Bramlet – vocals
Mike ‘Metal’ Goldberg – drums
Peter Frampton – guest guitar
Brian May – guest guitar

PRE ORDER :
www.amazon.com/Soundcheck-Leslie-West/dp/B01543DCYI
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