WHITFORD / St. HOLMES – Reunion (2016) [Includes Bonus CD Whitford/St. Holmes 1981 Remastered]

the REAL CD, NO cuts

Playing music together again has been like getting back on the proverbial bike for Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford and Ted Nugent’s sometimes-singer Derek St. Holmes. Last year, after both musicians moved to Nashville, the duo resurrected their WHITFORD / St. HOLMES band, which released a self-titled album in 1981.
Their sophomore album, the aptly titled “Reunion“, drops on June 3 (it has been delayed a couple of weeks) before the duo hits the road opening for Whitesnake this summer.
As free bonus disc, you have the original 1981 Whitford/St. Holmes album remastered.

Whitford and St. Holmes self-produced “Reunion” at The Castle Studios in Franklin, Tenn., with bassist Chopper Anderson, keyboardist Buck Johnson and excellent Tesla drummer Troy Lucketta.
God bless Brad Whitford… while his Aerosmith partners Steven Tyler is finishing his country (!) solo album, and co-guitarist Joe Perry is touring with a glorified cover band (Hollywood Vampires), Brad Whitford reached out to singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes and reunited to do another Whitford / St.Holmes album.

Yeah, Whitford is the only from the Aerosmith camp creating something new, something truly rocking, and something good, as “Reunion” is a great, kick ass rocking album.
There are many reunions that don’t have the same chemistry that the initial partnership had… that isn’t the case here. Derek St. Holmes can still sing; his vocal abilities are on par with what we have heard on the Ted Nugent records where we first discovered him. He’s got soul, he’s got charisma and he can sell the song.
And Whitford shows he still has something to say as classic rock guitarist, finding here more room for his stupendous guitar riffs / solos.

Targeted as a hard rock record, “Reunion” does have some tracks that are on the ‘lighter side’ and might have crossover potential. A perfect example of a softer moment is ‘Tender Is the Night’. There’s just a great poppy ballad with a little twang to it.
While there’s nothing ground breaking taking place on “Reunion” – and no one wanted that, just rocking stuff – it is however a fun record that showcases amusing moments like ‘Hot for You’, ‘Catch My Fall’ and ‘Shake It’.

Whitford / St. Holmes left off where they did in in ’81 on their self-titled debut; delivering soulful, no frills, catchy, rock ‘n’ roll.
“Reunion” is solid-state, true classic rock with authentic heard & soul, and some terrific songs to boot. Additionally, you have as bonus the complete 1981 album fully remastered.
Really, really good stuff!

CD 1: Reunion (2016)
01 – Shapes
02 – Tender Is the Night
03 – Rock All Day
04 – Hot for You
05 – Hell Is On Fire
06 – Catch My Fall
07 – Shake It
08 – Gotta Keep On Movin’
09 – Flood of Lies

CD 2: Whitford / St. Holmes 1981 – Remastered
01 – I Need Love
02 – Whiskey Woman
03 – Hold On
04 – Sharpshooter
05 – Every Morning
06 – Action
07 – Shy Away
08 – Does It Really Matter
09 – Spanish Boy
10 – Mystery Girls

Brad Whitford (Aerosmith) – guitar
Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent) – vocals, guitar
Chopper Anderson – bass
Buck Johnson – keyboards
Troy Luccketta (Tesla) – drums
Dave Hewitt – bass (1981)
Steve Pace – drums (1981)

PRE ORDER:
www.amazon.com/Reunion-Remastered-Whitford-Holmes-self-titled/dp/B01G71H5I0
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