DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ – Shut Up And Rawk! (2016)

British classic hard rockers DOOGIE WHITE & LA PAZ return with a brand new studio album entitled “Shut Up And Rawk!“. The ex Rainbow / Michael Schenker shouter Doogie White and guitarist Chic McSherry are the main songwriters again, between them creating a fine piece of traditional hard rock with nods to Rainbow, Whitesnake, Deep Purple, MSG and more.

‘Light The Fire’ is a really good example of how an album of this ilk should be opened: energetic, with a catchy chorus and interesting guitar solo / keyboards to complete the right classic hard rock vibe.
‘Heart of Stone’ continues rocking yet in a midtempo vein and it is easy to predict that this song can be a live favorite with its slightly Whitesnake feel. Classic keyboard runs are greatly arranged and they shine on this number.
The little intros to most of the songs are a great idea, be it the piano/string led pomp on ‘The Prize’ (watch out for the guitar which comes flying out of the speakers when you least expect it!) or the car noises on ‘Retribution Blues’.
The latter is a real foot stomper, with driving Hammond from Andy Mason (his keyboards playing is an integral part of the band’s sound) and Uriah Heep-approved harmony vocals.

‘Daughter of Time’ is one of the highlights on the record, everything on this song is true classic hard, with some kind of Dio and Whitesnake jamming and what a powerful vocal work from Doogie White. One of the album’s real stand out tracks.
Kudos as well for the arrangement on ‘No Place In Heaven’, driving, moving and catchy.
La Paz are good at mixing things up, sure the songs are powered by a rock solid rhythm section and lots of guitar solos, but they add in little bits here and there, like a harmonica solo on ‘Faith Hope And Love’.
It gives the music longevity and I still play their last two albums regularly some years later.

I am sure you already are familiar with Doogie White & La Paz’s style, then “Shut Up And Rawk!” does not disappoint. It rocks in the same classic, traditional vein of the band’s previous efforts, and perhaps the songwriting is stronger than ever.
Skillfully produced by McSherry and with the help of legend Rolfe Munkes mixing / mastering, on this new album Doogie White & La Paz successfully take the classic sound of Rainbow, Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Uriah Heep et all, adding their own musical stamp on the proceedings.
Damn fine classy hard rock, made to be played loud.

01. Light the Fire
02. Heart of Stone
03. No Place in Heaven
04. The Revenge of el Guapo
05. A Certain Song
06. Retribution Blues
07. Daughter of Time
08. The Prize
09. Faith Hope and Love
10. Throw Me to the Wolves
11. Miss Dynamite
12. Book of Shadows

Doogie White (vocals)
Chic McSherry (guitars)
Alex Carmichael (bass)
Andy Mason (keyboards)
Paul McManus (drums)

BUY IT !
www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/WhiteShut.htm
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