Album review: AYNSLEY LISTER – Eyes Wide Open

September 27th, 2016 by jason

www.aynsleylister.co.uk [Release date 07.10.16]

Aynsley Lister seems to be forever on the road touring, however he does manage to get some recording in as this album is his eight studio album (plus three live albums). What attracts me to Aynsley Lister’s music is the fact he is not only a damn fine blues guitarist and singer, but that he can switch musical moods with ease.

The opening duo of ‘All Of Your Love’ and ‘Everything I Have To Give’ (with added horns to give a mule-like kick to the musical proceedings) were doubtless recorded with an eye on the live arena as both would start a gig off in fine style.

‘Il Grande Mafioso’ successfully creates the feel of being in a gangster film from the lyrics through to the music. ‘Kalina’ (with the short and soulful guitar into that precedes it, ‘Troubled Soul’) deals with a young women Aysnley met who had a long battle with depression, which she sadly lost. Sung with passion and hoping to get more awareness out there of depression and mental issues, this is proof music can do good in people’s lives and the power of song.

He does let fly with some meat ‘n’ potatoes blues rockers like ‘Right As Rain’, however the Hammond and slow playing on ‘Other Part Of Me’ is more up my street. Bennett Holland plays some wonderful keyboards throughout the album.

If you only buy one blues rock album this year make it this one which wins just for sheer musical variety. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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