Supersounds Music [Release date 02.11.12]
Ben Granfelt used to partner Andy Powell in Wishbone Ash and it’s no surprise that fellow Finn (and former bandmate in Gringos Locos) Muddy Manninen and Powell contribute to one track, ‘New 7’. It may come as a surprise, though, that this is Granfelt’s eleventh solo album, now getting a re-promotion in the UK. It might be timely, as the album doesn’t seem to have commanded much attention (or reviews) when first released.
Right from the opener, this is a guitar instrumental album with purpose. ‘El Gringo’s Revenge’ rattles along and sets the very high standard maintained throughout. Granfelt never over-eggs. He evidently has the chops but unnecessary histrionics never hijack a good tune. A seasoned pro having a damn good blow.
There is even a hint of Satch-esque melody here and there whilst that other great instrumental troupe The Hellecasters are evoked on tracks like ‘GTR Tech’ and indeed the Ash-collaboration ‘New 7′.
The bluesy ballad ‘Still Waiting’ brings to mind mid-seventies period Jeff Beck (as does the fusion-y ‘Because We Still Can’) and ‘GMT’ has a slight ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ feel in places and is the mandatory slow-burn, pot-boiler.
On this album, apart from his Wishbone Ash guests, Granfelt is joined by long-time colleagues Ako Kiiski on bass (Guitar Slingers) and Twist Twist Erkinharju on drums (from Granfelt’s other ongoing band interest Los Bastardos Finlandeeses).
Always rooted in a good tune, ‘Melodic Relief’ shows guitarists just how a solo instrumental album should be done. Outstanding. *****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
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In this two hour special David Randall plays a selection of the GRTR! reviewer choices for ‘Best of 2019′ and announces the results of the popular poll. First broadcast Sunday 22 December 2019.
Featured Albums w/c 20 January (Mon-Fri)
09:00-12:00 AUTUMN’S CHILD Autumn’s Child (AOR Heaven)
12:00-13:00 THE RAGGED SAINTS Sonic Playground Revisited (AOR Heaven)
14:00-16:00 AMBERLY CHALBERG Hi-Line (indie)
Power Plays w/c 20 January (Mon-Fri)
THUNDERSTICK Go Sleep With The Enemy (Roulette Records)
BUFFALO SUMMER Everybody’s Out For No.1 (Silver Lining Music)
ANCHOR LANE Dead Run (R7 Records)
MOLLY KARLOFF She Said (indie)
H.E.A.T. Come Clean (Frontiers)
THE KENDALL COLLECTION Staring Back At Me (indie)
VOODOO RAMBLE Midnight Train (indie)
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