Andersen; Martin J.: Six String Renegade

Having recently been grooved to within an inch of my life by the new Blindstone CD, Live In Denmark, the next logical move was to check out Six String Renegade from Blindstone mainman Martin J. Andersen. Two Flying V's, crossed as though they're broadswords on the cover leave no doubt that we're in for a serious six string assault here and Andersen doesn't disappoint as he proves his (tasteful) prowess on not only guitar, but bass, keyboards and vocals. Aided by drummer Klaus Agerbo "The Fire Burns Within" sets the scene, a Satriani like lead line backed by something far funkier than The Satch offers up these days; the groove running deep as the soaring lead lines say more than words ever could. However with the album's title track, Andersen's voice also gets a chance to shine, his rich, deep tones the perfect accompaniment to a staccato riff and funked up vibe. Blindstone four-string expert Jesper Bunk shows up to slap the living daylights out of his bass on the superb "Funky State Of Mind" - and with a name like that, you don't need me to tell you what it sounds like! Although I will add that this track wouldn't have been out of place on the hugely underrated Beautiful Mess album by Jeff Scott Soto. An instrumental cover of Iron Maiden's "The Trooper", while good fun, illustrates why Steve Harris and the boys have been untouchable for so many years, the power of the original lost without Bruce Dickinson's unmistakable voice. Andersen does do a good job of evoking both the fretboard fireworks and the vocal melody through his guitar, while guest bassist Peter Bruun adds some serious bottom end, however in terms of cover versions we're in much more interesting territory with the Frank Marimo penned "Strange Dreams". Here an irresistible keyboard line underpins a chunky funky riff and Andersen's stunning voice to provide my own personal high point on an album which provides many. A little "star power" arrives for the album closing "Anthem For Humanity", where Andersen trades solos with the Fate pair Torben Enevoldsen (also of Acacia Avenue and Fatal Force) and Michael Denner (ex-of Mercyful Fate) and Soren Andersen (Glenn Hughes) on a poignant track which walks the line between introspective and exuberant with quite stupendous ease.

If you've sampled MJA's work in the ever excellent Blindstone, then you'll already know to expect crafted songs, passionate performances and scintillating guitar work on anything this man puts his hand to. If you've haven't encountered Martin J. Andersen before, then I'm honoured to introduce you to the Six String Renegade; you're in for a hell of a ride.

Track Listing
1. THE FIRE BURNS WITHIN

2. SIX STRING RENEGADE

3. DIRTY LITTLE ANGEL

4. STRANGE DREAMS

5. NEVER ENDING CLIMB

6. THE TROOPER

7. FREAK FLAG FLYING

8. FUNKY STATE OF MIND

9. STRANGER

10. ANTHEM FOR HUMANITY

Added: June 12th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Six String Renegade at Grooveyard Records
Hits: 2419
Language: english

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