GREGG ROLIE – Gregg Rolie [Japan AOR CITY Series remastered]

As requested, here’s former Journey GREGG ROLIE first solo album, 1985’s ”Gregg Rolie” in its CD remastered reissue from the Sony Music Japan campaign AOR CITY 1000, a friendly-priced remastered reissue on 100 classic AOR / AC albums from their back catalog, many of them out of print or hard to find.
There’s some gems among the titles reissued, such a this GREGG ROLIE self titled debut, a true ’80s sounding album from the ex Journey vocalist and keyboard player.
After leaving Journey right before the whirlwind arena rock-friendly, chart-topping superstardom that defined their career began, GREGG ROLIE took some time off to catch his breath, reflect, and then hit the studio again on his own terms.
Rather than be held down by other people’s creative agendas, he took the solo course and released his eponymous solo debut. Collaborating with keyboardist Peter Wolf (HEART, STARSHIP) on the first three songs, Rolie favors a more polished, radio-friendly AOR approach to his songs according to the era (the album was originally released in 1985).
The cast of session musicians is stellar; guitar master Dann Huff (GIANT), former JOURNEY bandmate Neal Schon, Carlos Santana, Alan Pasqua (GIANT, EDDIE MONEY), STARSHIP’s Craig Chaquico, Stan Bush, Jason Scheff (CHICAGO), and many more.

Aside Rolie’s smooth vocals, being also a keyboard player you may expect a lot of ivory all over the record, but also some stupendous guitar work. Among the uptempo cuts ‘Marianne’ (featuring a great Santana solo), ‘Zap Me’ and the delicious AOR of ‘Don’t Talk’ (Dan Huff shines on guitar) are the highlights.
On the softer side ‘Deep Blue Sea’, ‘Close My Eyes’ and ‘It’s Only Make Believe’ (featuring a Neal Schon deep solo) provide the balance.

‘Young Love’ has a radio-friendly catchiness akin RICK SPRINGFIELD circa his Living In Oz album, ‘I Wanna Go Back’ is a catchy cover of a BILLY SATELLITE original (far better than the EDDIE MONEY version), and ‘Close My Eyes’ (written by talented Canadian PAUL JANZ) is a little pearl.
Another favorite of us is ‘Let Me Out’, perhaps the most emotional Rolie song here, helped by the awesome synth work by the marvelous Alan Pasqua. Also the FM-ready ‘Over And Over’ oozes class, great chorus and a funky rhythm purely ’80s.

This is you chance to get a Japanese remastered edition of this very good ’80s album quite hard to find (plus remastered with a pristine sound) and sold at a really affordable price. The sound quality and manufacturing is excellent.
While this AOR CITY 1000 CD is sold out now, you can find used copies at reasonable price.
HIGHLY Recommended

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01 – Young Love
02 – Close My Eyes
03 – I Wanna Go Back
04 – Let Me Out
05 – Over And Over
06 – Don’t Talk
07 – Zap Me
08 – Marianne
09 – It’s Only Make Believe
10 – Deep Blue Sea

Gregg Rolie – Vocals, Keyboards
Neal Schon – Guitar
Dann Huff – Guitar
Carlos Santana – Guitar
Craig Chaquico – Guitar
Mark Ross – Guitar
Dave Margen – Bass
Peter Wolf – Keyboards
Alan Pasqua – Keyboards
Mark Craney – Drums
Mark Russo – Sax
Bruce Miller – Horns
Matt Schon – Strings
Stan Bush – Backing Vocals
Gene Miller – Backing Vocals
Jason Scheff – Backing Vocals
Carmen Grillo – Backing Vocals
Kevin Beamish – Backing Vocals

out of print
www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/SICP-5489