www.carlbaldassrremusic.com [Release date: 16.05.25]

‘Retroduction’ is the first of a planned series of four album releases – each offering a different slant and flavour from guitarist, composer and producer Carl Baldassarre. Baldassarre released the well-received ‘Grand Boulevard’ project in 2023, which was released on all the normal formats plus on his innovative ‘cassongle’ format.

Retroduction was recorded at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, and additionally Sweetwater Studios in the USA. Carl Baldassarre is joined on this record by drummer Nick D’Virgilio; vocalists Mike Lusk, Kat Bowser, Laura Cooksey; on keyboards Phil Naish; brass & wind John Hinchey, Vinnie Cieslieski, Skip Cleavinger, and conductor Rick Wentworth.

As Carl Baldassarre explains, “…my setting out to create this record as an homage to the 60s and 70s American and British rock/pop music that I love to this day. Retroduction is an “introduction” to my “retro” take on that era and I hope you sit back (perhaps in a bean bag chair next to a lava lamp?) and enjoy the trip as much as I enjoyed revisiting that era and creating this music.”

Production wise the sound is spot on, with strings add a touch of class to ‘Miracles’, whilst the gospel infused ‘The Lord Rescued Me’ benefits from the gospel chorus taking the lead on the choruses.

Classic bit of 70’s inspired song storytelling on ‘The Ballad of Dorian Gray’, the sort of lyrics Chris de Burgh was king of in his 70’s heyday. Not sure who sings on ‘Joe’s Song’, but they are a dead ringer for Neil Diamond, as is the musical arrangement.

Heck, there is even a seasonal song, ‘It’s Christmas Each Day’, in amongst the album’s fifteen songs.

Other stand outs include the prog like ‘Lily’, the upbeat ‘Right Back Where I Started’ (which features a lovely Hammond riff) and the wonderful guitar solo that ushers in ‘While We’re Still Friends’, making for a rocking end to the album. In fact the guitar playing throughout this song is a thing of aural beauty!

Mission accomplished as this album is a real treat for lovers of laid-back pop rock, West Coast AOR and easy listening, although thankfully it is more Al Stewart or 70’s Chris de Burgh, than Val Doonican! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Album review (Grand Boulevard, 2023)

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