ALAIN CONCEPCION – R (2014)
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ALAIN CONCEPCION is an experienced Spanish singer with an extensive Rock background as member of hard rockers Heyser, progsters Psichodelical Dèja Vu or collaborating with Soulitude (metal) just to name few.
Now, Alain took the challenge to continue his career as solo artist, and is presenting to the AOR world his debut “R”.
Musically, Alain Concepcion goes here for his true love: AOR / Westcoast with Melodic Rock waves. Prove of his passion for seminal AOR music is the inclusion – among seven of his originals – of 3 covers of classic songs from the genre.
The disc opens with “If I’m Losing You”, an AOR number with a wonderful piano, deep harmonies and elegant guitars which hook you at first listen. Next appears the first cover, Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin” done really faithful to the original with the typical L.A. sound. Quite sensual performance by Alain surrounded during the chorus by a trio of female voices.
“This Last Dance” is one of my favorites; a hypnotic AOR melody with an organic instrumentation (keyboard dominated), followed by the smooth Westcoast of “Can’t Touch You Anymore”, another strong original.
The second cover on the album is the spectacular “Give Me The Reason” made famous by Luther Vandross. Mr. Vandross would be proud of it, as Alain’s voice turns ‘black’ and soulful, combining R&B with breezy Californian sounds.
“I Want To Live” is another highlight, a 7 minute track where Alain takes us into a journey to the ’80s blending FM AOR with sweet Westcoast melodies. “True Story” brings upbeat Melodic Rock to the table with modern guitars, while “I Have Known” is delicate and soft.
The disc ends with a cover of one of the most iconic AOR tunes ever; Journey’s “Who’s Criyin’ Now”. A bit mellower than the original, Alain has wisely chosen to tweak the main arrangement to fit his voice and the result is more than satisfactory.
“R” is a smooth, elegant and intense album in a style rarely seen in today’s music. Alain Concepcion puts all his love for AOR / Westcoast at the service of these passionately performed songs, accompanied by solid musicians and a vivid production.
A delightful surprise from Spain.
01 – If I’m Losing You
02 – I Keep Forgettin’
03 – This Last Dance
04 – Can’t Touch You Anymore
05 – Give Me the Reason
06 – I Want to Live
07 – True Story
08 – I Have Known
09 – Never Will Come Today
10 – Who’s Crying Now?
Alain Concepcion – vocals
Bjorn Mendizabal Hansen – drums
Kike Mora – bass
Jagoba Ormaetxea, Javi Vega – guitar
Julio Veiga, Mikel Núñez – keyboards, piano
BUY IT !
musica.tipo.es/rock/cd-alain-concepcion-r/
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