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.
On Sunday 28 July 2019, David Randall celebrated his 600th show. “Assume The Position” started in June 2007 on UK City Radio before transferring a year later to Get Ready to ROCK! Radio. The show includes tracks played on the first show plus Upton Blues Festival highlights, new music and the regular features “Live Legends” and “Anniversary Rock” which this week celebrates the Island Records label 60th anniversary.
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Power Plays w/c 19 August (Mon-Fri)
BEFORE FIRE Dead Eyes (indie)
SCOTT & MARIA Never Give Up (indie)
CORELEONI Queen Of Hearts (AFM Records)
BERLIN Transcendance (Cleopatra Records)
PHIL CAMPBELL These Old Boots (Nuclear Blast)
PHIL LANZON Blue Mountain (Phil Lanzon Ditties/Cargo Records UK)
Featured Albums w/c 19 August (Mon-Fri)
09:00-12:00 SOLEIL MOON Warrior (Frontiers)
12:00-13:00 ROXY BLUE Roxy Blue (Frontiers)
14:00-16:00 DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS Dragons (Magnolia Music/Thirty Tigers)
Albums That Time Forgot (Mon-Fri)
BRIAN ROBERTSON – Diamonds And Dirt (2011)
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