Michael Schenker and vocalist Gary Barden have a long history together and while for most of their collaborations it was Gary's terrific voice set against the searing electric guitar work of Schenker, they have decided to give you a little different taste with the disc Gipsy Lady.
This completely acoustic work shows off another side of these heavy metal rockers. Not only do they show their melodic sense is as good when it comes to lighter material, the album shows off just how much Schenker is underrated as a guitarist. He gives some very magnificent performances throughout this disc such as the instrumental "El Grande" which is one of the highlights for sure. His style and grace on this disc has a renaissance quality that is like having a good cup of hot chocolate on a cold wintry day. When you add the powerful vocals of Barden, this becomes a dynamite composite that will find more than a few spins in your player.
When I first put this album on, what flashed through my mind was how this seemed to remind me of the Ken Hensley's solo offerings when he stepped away from Uriah Heep. There is a startling similarity to the style and even at times the vocals that came off the early Hensley efforts. Believe me, this is a good thing. Some of Hensley's best works are on those disc just as with Schenker and Barden on this one. They have made some simply marvelous melodic statements throughout this album. They prove that you don't always have to be loud and in your face to be powerful and dynamic.
I have enjoyed this disc many times since receiving it and I am sure that it will continue to be played when the mood strikes. Sit back and draw a good glass of your favorite beverage and enjoy the terrific music that they have given you. This is a fine choice for those times when you need to relax a bit and rub the neck from all the headbanging that a UFO or MSG disc will give you.
There is one thing that bugged me about this disc. When I plugged it into the computer the track listing is for another disc by MSG called In The Midst Of Beauty. It is a minor annoyance but still one for sure.
Track listing:
1. Lost
2. Dance Lady Gipsy
3. All Of My Life
4. Fight For Freedom
5. El Grande
6. Starting Over
7. Can't Live On Love Alone
8. Another Melody
9. Travelled So Far
10. Hungry
11. Night Of The Stare
12. The Journey
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