Tony Spinner - Saturn Blues (1993)
Tony Spinner - Saturn Blues (1993)
1 Atomic Blast 4:51 2 She's My Everything 4:34 3 Freedom 3:53 4 Hey Zombie 4:53 5 Angeline 4:59 6 Make It Through 5:33 7 Delilah 6:44 8 World Fall Down 5:39 9 Hello California 7:15 10 Drivin' All Night 4:37 Bass – John Onder Drums – Aynsley Dunbar Vocals, Guitar – Tony Spinner + Backing Vocals – Mike Varney, Michael Onesco
Why is Tony Spinner so unknown among rock guitar audience? The guy is great and his exciting licks bring me memories of Hendrix and Vaughan (actuallym he dedicated this album to the two fret-masters). I'm not kidding, SATURN BLUES is a hell of a rock album. Its production remembers me of hard rock, but you can still listen to the blues in all the songs! It is a power trio kicking, and Spinner plays very well and also sings. About the voice: some people who listened complained it sounded like those pop metal of the '80s, and they have some reason. But hey, the instrumental in this album is great and I still think Tony's voice fits well in the rock tradition.
I was in a record store better known for its jazz catalogue when I met this album in the "blues session" and asked for a quick listen. Man, when "Atomic Blast" exploded in the headphones, I knew I had discovered something.
"Make it through" is a classic mid-tempo rocker, and the solo is 100% Hendrix. A friend of mine, who is a fine guitarrist himself and has perfect pitch, said it was as if Tony incorporated Jimi's spirit. I have to agree!
"Fall Down" begins with the sonic abuse of an over-saturated amp, and then moves into gung ho rock with killer chops. Perfect to listen to when you're driving in the highway, just beware not to exceed speed limits!
"You're my everything", "Hello California" and "Angeline" brings us closer to the blues, but with the adrenaline of rock always present. It is the kind of music that makes you feel good, with lots of energy, it has none of the contrived sorrow and delusion that has been so associated to rock after the grunge breaktrough. Some may find it old-fashioned, but I love it and it is so good to discover an artist that still rocks in a more uplifted way. "Freedom" is also high-voltage rock'n'roll and "Hey Zombie" a funky mid-tempo, You can listen to classic and thrilling guitar licks all the way, and with a terrific tone!
Summing up, highly recommended and I only wish Spinner could receive more promotion. I found in Amazon he has 2 more albuns and I'm gonna check them too. But one thing is for sure: SATURN BLUES is no-nonsense, terrific rock. ---amazon.com
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