RANDY HANSEN – Randy Hansen [Rock Candy remastered & reloaded]

As requested, we have here the first time on CD / remastered & reloaded version from Rock Candy Records of RANDY HANSEN‘s self-titled debut LP “Randy Hansen“. Seattle-born Randy Hansen got some of his music featured in the film “Apocalypse Now”, which lead a recording contract with major label Capitol Records.
While pretty unknown for the masses, Randy Hansen is one of the greatest rock guitarists of our time. Sure, his name and work has inevitably been associated with fellow Seattle native Jimi Hendrix, but Hansen is not a mere clone having recorded here one of the most innovative hard rock albums of the early ’80s, a record that pretty much set standards for electric guitar playing in years to come.

Hansen first came to prominence in the ’70s staging a sophisticated and hugely successful Jimi Hendrix tribute show going under the handle of Randy Hansen’s Machine Gun which attracted the attention of music producer David Rubinson and film director Francis Ford Coppola who asked Randy to provide musical interludes for the movie ‘Apocalypse Now’.
Catching the ear of Capitol Records, Hansen was signed and given free rein on his debut album, a record that deliberately steered clear of obvious Hendrix comparisons but showcased a solid grasp of intelligent song writing an avalanche of guitar pyrotechnics.

Originally issued in 1980, the album is packed with the sort of hard rock bravado that you might expect from a three piece power trio but thankfully steers clear of clichés.
His style is fluid and fast with melody and muscle to the fore yet encouraging cool free-form jamming in tracks such as ‘Champagne And Cocaine’, ‘Time Won’t Stop’ and Millionaire’.

Unfortunately Capitol didn’t know how to sell the album, with the LP falling victim to lackluster promotion and poor touring support. But most detrimentally, it seems that lack of radio play is what prevented Hansen’s ’80 LP from attaining the success it very truly deserved.
The album contains no less than 3 truly viable singles, not even counting the album’s opening track.

“Champaign And Cocaine”, which with its killer grooves and great vibe easily equals if not out-classes the Pat Travers Band hit “Snortin’ Whiskey”. Put simply, there is not a single bad tune on this record.
Even Hansen’s cover of Sly And The Family Stone’s classic “I Want To Take You Higher” is simply fabulous. Funky as all get out with hot guitar lick galore, it’s everything a cover should be. It’s faithful to the original, yet Hansen brings his own vibe to the party making the classic tune sound even better in a funked out hard rockin’ way.

Hansen nos only is a skilled, prodigal, guitar player but was blessed with a great voice. As lead vocalist on all the tracks on the album, Hansen reveals himself to be an truly excellent, way above average singer (just check out the awesome album closer “Don’t Pretend ” or the should have been a smash hit “Time Won’t Stop”).
Furthermore, his lean backing band of bassist/backing vocalist Scott Rosburg and drummer/backing vocalist Charles Tapp were an absolutely dynamite rhythm section of extreme talent.

So in conclusion, if you’re a fan of killer axe work, explosive hard rockin’ late Seventies / early Eighties arena guitar hero style playing, then Hansen’s 1980’s “Randy Hansen” is a must have for your collection.
A perfect album in this genre with stunning performances, top-notch songs, and an excellent production courtesy of David Rubinson. And a crystal clear remastering by Andy Pearce from Rock Candy.
Highly Recommended

01 – Champagne And Cocaine
02 – Watch What You Say
03 – Time Won’t Stop
04 – I Want To Take You Higher
05 – Millionaire
06 – Dancin’ With Me
07 – Don’t Pretend

Vocals, Guitar – Randy Hansen
Bass, Vocals – Scott Rosburg
Drums, Vocals – Charles Tapp
remastered by Andy Pearce

BUY IT
www.bol.com/nl/p/randy-hansen/9200000013601637/