Marino, Frank, & Mahogany Rush: Eye of the Storm

After a long absence, Canadian guitar hero Frank Marino and his band Mahogany Rush are back with a masterful new album, showcasing his superior guitar skills, melodic vocals, and thoughful lyrics. While Eye of the Storm is quite diffferent than many of Marino's heavier albums from the late 70's and early 80's, the guitarist has shown that with age comes maturity on this latest release.

Those who might have tired of all the Jimi Hendrix comparisons that followed Marino throughout his career will be pleased to know that these rumblings may very well end with this CD. Yes, Frank still plays in that lyrical, bluesy style that features lots of effects, but the days of Frank sitting back on his wah-wah pedal and laying down speed of light solos are gone. Take the title track here for instance, which is a weaving, psychedelic masterpiece telling a tale of impending doom. Marino's lengthy guitar solo features loads of Middle Eastern tinged scales mixed with a classical influence, which will remind more of Ritchie Blackmore than Hendrix. The mesmerizing "He's Calling" features a singature Marino sound, and at just over ten minutes leaves lots of room for some guitar mayhem. "Learned My Lesson Well" is a rousing blues rocker, much in the style of Govt. Mule, that shows just how good a singer Frank still is. The touching ballad "Since You Came into My Life" is a nice piece dedicated to his two daughters, which considering how much of a family man Frank has become lately is a nice tribute. There is a hightened sense of spirituality on Eye of the Storm, as evidenced on the lyrics to "Ordinary Man" as well as "Heat of the Moment" which suggest that Marino has taken religion very seriously in recent years. The fabulous instrumental "Avalon" is a showcase for the band, starting off as a smooth jazz piece before working into a complex rocker. Frank's guitar tone is right on target, as he goes from a warm Wes Montgomery sound to a screaming Carlos Santana vibe in the blink of an eye.

As mentioned, Eye of the Storm may not be as heavy as some of Marino's earlier albums, but it doesn't need to be. Six of the songs here exceed seven minutes, so there are plenty of lengthy solos to grab your attention, and the melodies are quite good as well. The great thing about Marino is that he's not all about guitar licks. Add strong vocals and inspired lyrics to his superior musical talents and you have a well rounded CD. Welcome back!

Added: June 13th 2002
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: Official Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Fan Page
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Language: english

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