US rockers Blues Image struck big in 1970 with their hit "Ride Captain Ride" from their second album Open, but by the end of the year the band had broken up and lead guitarist & vocalist Mike Pinera went off to join Iron Butterfly for their Metamorphosis album. Now, all these years later, Pinera has assembled the troops, or 'some' troops I should say, for a new version of Blues Image and a new album for Solar Music titled Next Voyage. As with their classic material, Next Voyage is hard driving bluesy rock with strong Latin flavor, powered by Pinera's still biting lead guitar work and meaty riffs. The album is comprised of new version of a few old favorites, some brand new compositions, and a re-working of Iron Butterfly's classic song "In a Gadda Da Vida", not a song he recorded on with that band but played live many times, plus "Butterfly Bleu" , originally from Metamorphosis. Both are given royal treatment, even adding horns for good measure on the otherwise heavy version of "In a Gadda Da Vida". Vintage Blues Image favorites like "Something to Say", "Love is the Answer", "Leaving My Troubles Behind", and "Pay My Dues" feature some blistering guitar work, Hammond organ, horns, and strong vocals, while "Ride Captain Ride" is nestled within a suite that also includes some new material. "Isla" is another new track here, a sultry, bluesy ballad with some emotional vocals, organ, and searing lead guitar work.
All-in-all, despite much of what is here being new recordings of old songs from Pinera's past, it's quite enjoyable and the musicians have done a stellar job throughout. It's all pretty rockin' and well produced, so hopefully Mike and the boys decide to take the next step and write some all new material for a follow-up.
Blues Image:
Mike Pinera-Guitar and vocals
Tim Franklin-Bass and vocals
Eddie Metz Jr. and Greg Alban-Drums
Michael Franklin-Keyboards and vocals
Special Guests
Pat Travers-Guitar
Jonathan Cain of Journey-Wurlitzer
Charlie DeChant-Saxophone
Tommy Calton-Guitar
Steady Joseph-Percussion
Randie Paul-soloist on Love is the Answer
Suzie Park-soloist on Something to Say
Naomi Bradshaw-soloist on Pay My Dues
Track Listing
- Butterfly Bleu
- Something to Say
- Love Is The Answer
- Isla
- Leaving My Troubles Behind
- In A Gada Da Vida
- Fugue / Paid My Dues
- Captain’s Suite (Next Harbor / Ride Captain Ride / Safe Harbor / Ride Captain Ride)
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