Mutter Slater Band: The Champ

In the '70s Mutter Slater sang and played flute for the band Stackridge. I was not familiar with the band at the time. They had a string of albums in the early to mid-70s but disbanded in 1977. There were subsequent attempts of comeback tours and albums but the band officially called it quits in 2015.

Mutter Slater still has the music in him as he has made quite a splash with his new album The Champ. Slater (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, flute) is backed by a solid band that includes Chris Cleaver (lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Clive Ashley (tenor saxophone, backing vocals), Dan Wheeler (drums, percussion, backing vocals), Ian Olliver (bass guitar) and Tom Hughes (organ).

The Champ is filled with fine British rock with a main influence from classic R&B of the '60s. What hit me right from the start was Slater's excellent lead vocals. His voice is deep and clear with excellent tone and depth of feeling. Every song is strong but if I had to pick a few favourites I would choose the heart wrenching balladic title track, the tender "I May Not Be An Angel" with its lovely organ and guitar and the catchy R&B of 'Icing On The Cake" with its nice acoustic flavour.

The Champ proves the old guard can still make some great music. In this day and age when it seems substance and quality is sorely lacking in popular culture, it is refreshing to hear music full of soul and passion. Another highly recommended release courtesy of Angel Air Productions.

Track Listing:
1. Even Love?
2. Your Love Affair With Pain
3. I May Not Be An Angel
4. Icing On The Cake
5. A Day On The Town
6. The Champ
7. Jesus In The Backyard
8. Why Are You Talking To Me?
9. I'm Not The Man

Added: September 12th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Label's Official Site
Hits: 2109
Language: english

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