THE RIDES – Pierced Arrow (2016)
Released today, “Pierced Arrow” is the second album from THE RIDES, a super-trio comprising the talents of Stephen Stills (Crosby, Stills and Nash), celebrated guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd and keyboard legend Barry Goldberg.
With the apparent demise of Crosby, Stills and Nash, each of the namesakes have been busy making new music on their own, and Stephen Stills seems to have found new energy in this cross-generational collaboration with fellow fretmaster Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
The Rides has few points in common with Crosby, Stills and Nash country-inflected soft rock style, “Pierced Arrow” has a true bluesy rock orientation blended with that prime Southern California easygoing vibe to it.
The album is a mixture of originals (like the Stills-penned single “Virtual World”) and covers (like the jaunty “My Babe,” written by Willie Dixon), all played with the technical skill one expects of three seasoned musicians.
The biggest takeaway from “Pierced Arrow” is its unity: while some songs show evidence of each artist’s past projects the album as a whole nods to the time The Rides spent touring, performing and writing together as a team.
Stills and Kenny Wayne Shepherd share vocal duties on “Pierced Arrow”. While Stills’ gentle vocals give depth to “Virtual World,” Shepherd goes for a faster rock approach on the early number “Riva Diva.”
The CD keeps pace nicely: “Virtual World” is introduced once the album’s initial speed wears off and is followed by the Stills-Shepherd duet “By My Side,” a track notable as much for the haunting guitar opening as for its heartfelt lyrics of pain and hope.
The album continues in this way as ballads counterbalance the rockers, coming to a final close with “My Babe,” a spirited tribute to the legendary Willie Dixon that leaves listeners on an upbeat note.
One of the stronger aspects in “Pierced Arrow” lies in the musician’s interactions. Stills and Shepherd play off each other, creating the illusion that one guitarist is seamlessly performing the work of two.
The call and response of the vocals in “I Need Your Lovin’” further evidences the bond these musicians have created since starting the group: they sound like they’re having fun, and as a result, the music is fun to listen to.
Though Goldberg’s keyboards maintains a background / atmosphere presence for much of “Pierced Arrow”, his solo in “My Babe” complements the bouncy tempo and brings a fun old-timey energy to the song.
“Pierced Arrow” is a lovely classic rock record plenty of highly enjoyable moments and strong performances. You have two great vocalists – one providing melodious tones, the other raspy rocking pipes – and you won’t soon forget that there are two very good guitar players involved in the band, either; Shephard’s tasty rocking blues licks matched by Stills’ classy fingerpicking.
After having such great time listening to “Pierced Arrow”, I will search now for The Rides’ first album, as this is a truly quality unit to do not let pass by.
Very Recommended.
01 – Kick Out Of It
02 – Riva Diva
03 – Virtual World
04 – By My Side
05 – Mr. Policeman
06 – I’ve Got To Use My Imagination
07 – Game On
08 – I Need Your Lovin’
09 – There Was A Place
10 – My Babe
Stephen Stills – vocals, guitar
Kenny Wayne Shepherd – vocals, guitar
Barry Goldberg – keyboards
Kevin McCormick – bass
Chris Layton – drums
BUY IT !
www.amazon.com/Pierced-Arrow-Rides-Stephen-Stills/dp/B01C8QIDAW
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