JON BUTCHER AXIS – Jon Butcher Axis ’83 [Ltd Escape Music remaster] Exclusive / RARE

320_1 /// 320_2

As requested, here’s the now rare (over $ 125 on Amazon for a used copy), limited edition, Escape Music remastered release of JON BUTCHER AXIS self-titled debut album, 1983’s “Jon Butcher Axis“. Also appeared for the first time on CD (it isn’t available on digital / streaming platforms), “Jon Butcher Axis” has been remastered by expert JK Northrup (KING KOBRA).
There are no shortage of “they should have been huge” stories, especially from the ’80s, but if there was ever a bona-fide should have been huge story, it’s JON BUTCHER. With four releases (two as the Jon Butcher Axis and two as ‘Jon Butcher’) during the golden decade, the singer / guitarist / songwriter was always just on the cusp of success, but despite a massive talent never got that big breakthrough.
1983’s “Jon Butcher Axis” was the world’s introduction to Jon Butcher, and it’s clear the label had no idea how to promote him. African-American guitarists weren’t exactly the norm, especially playing Melodic Rock. Jimi Hendrix was the standby comparison when Butcher should have been compared to people like BRYAN ADAMS OR JON BON JOVI, and his band, like a mix of ZZ TOP Eliminator-era and early NIGHT RANGER.

The trio’s debut was right in the 1983 FM radio rock comfort zone. A bit more soulful than the average AOR album thanks to Butcher’s guitar approach, vocal tone and lyrical depth, but still an album that should have put him in the pop spotlight.
“It’s Only Words,” “Can’t Be the Only Fool” and “We Will Be As One” could have been radio / MTV / soundtrack hits.

The debut “Jon Butcher Axis” album is a really enjoyable Melodic Rock record, and as good as it was the albums that followed it were even better.
It didn’t make him a household name, but it still holds up quite well all these years later, and is an album that fans of ’80s AOR and melodic rock – especially fans of Bryan Adams, Night Ranger, Survivor, Bon Jovi and Aldo Nova – really ought to hear, especially now that it has been reissued.

After going 35 years without a proper CD release, “Jon Butcher Axis” was finally reissued 2018 for the first time on CD with remastered audio. No bonus material, but just having this one remastered on CD is reason enough for celebration.
Highly Recommended

01 – Life Takes A Life
02 – It’s Only Words
03 – Ocean In Motion
04 – Can’t Be The Only Fool
05 – Sentinel
06 – New Man
07 – Fairlight
08 – Send One, Care Of
09 – Walk Like This
10 – We Will Be As One

Jon Butcher – guitar, vocals
Derek Blevins – drums
Chris Martin – bass

Out of print
www.amazon.co.uk/Jon-Butcher-Axis/dp/B078D2KK92