GIUFFRIA – Giuffria [Japan mini-LP SHM-CD Remastered] *HQ*

After several requests, here’s GIUFFRIA two albums released some time ago in Japan, remastered, pressed on high quality SHM-CD, and featuring a Carboard Sleeve miniLP package replicating the original artwork. It’s a pity that most of these reissue series are out of print now, and seems these impressive quality SHM-CD won’t be re-pressed anymore.
Let’s go with “Giuffria“, the terrific self-titled debut from the band created by Gregg Giuffria, a must have for any AOR fan.
Keyboard maestro Gregg Giuffria, who became prominent through the band Angel (with whom he released five albums), as soon Angel called it quits he founded Giuffria, to make sure that his keyboards got the role they deserved.

Gregg enlisted excellent musicians in David Glen Eisley, who had recently been vocalist for Los Angeles-based rockers Sorcery, the great Craig Goldy (guitar), briefly a member of hard rock/glam metal band Rough Cutt, and talented session bass player Chuck Wright, at the time having recorded several tracks for Quiet Riot’s hit album, Metal Health.

Giuffria were signed to MCA Records in 1984. Their self-titled debut album “Giuffria” soon followed, peaking at #26 on the album charts, while spawning two hit singles, ‘Call To The Heart’ (Hot 100 #15) and ‘Lonely In Love’ (Hot 100 #57).
The band was the opening act for Deep Purple and Foreigner, and enjoyed considerable success. Giuffria played a few shows in Japan in June 1985 and a live video was released.

All who adore keyboard-laden AOR can’t do without a copy of “Giuffria”. This album is simply stunning.
Co-produced by legend Andy Johns, the album represents all we love in this marvelous musical genre.
Gregg Giuffria sets the keyboards on fire, and the rest of the band fills in with melodic energy, with Goldy delivering sharp guitar licks and Eisley singing his heart out.

Highlights include opener ‘Do Me Right’ (with swirling keyboards from the very start), the Journey-esque ‘Call To The Heart’ (I love this tune), the killer midtempo ballad ‘Lonely In Love’, the fantastic ‘Don’t Tear Me Down’ and the closing track ‘Out Of The Blue’ with a brilliant solo from Goldy.
But… what I am saying? ALL tracks are pure gold!

The sound on “Guiffria” is majestic, bombastic and haunting, combining the best of the seminal Pomp AOR with the ’80s commercial melodic hard rock. All tracks are superlative.
This Japanese SHM-CD remastering sounds incredible, sadly now out of print. If you can find a copy of this one you’ll not regret it.
A MUST HAVE

01 – Do Me Right
02 – Call To The Heart
03 – Don’t Tear Me Down
04 – Dance
05 – Lonely In Love
06 – Trouble Again
07 – Turn Me Again
08 – Line Of Fire
09 – The Awakening
10 – Out Of The Blue

David Glen Eisley – lead vocals, keyboards
Craig Goldy – guitars
Gregg Giuffria – keyboards, backing vocals
Chuck Wright – bass, backing vocals
Alan Krigger – drums, percussion
additional musicians;
Rick Bozzo – bass
Jim Cypherd – Fairlight CMI programming

www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/UICY-94622
Out Of Print