Share the post "Album review: ALAN HEWITT – High Fidelity"
Angel Song Records
With a playing and production background spanning Earth Wind & Fire, Warrant, and more recently The Moody Blues, as well as high profile TV and film soundtrack work, keyboard playing vocalist Alan Hewitt’s musical pedigree is not in doubt.
‘High Fidelity’ gives his instrumental prowess and gentle vocal style a melodic soft rock focus, which at its best offers potential radio plays, but at its most bland would land him a spot on a dinner jazz station. Happily there’s enough seriously good playing to satisfy a cross over palate, ranging from the intricately arranged ‘Save Me’, to the Latino funky feel of ‘The LA Song’. The latter is a gem that might easily fit into Todd Rundgren’s poppier moments.
It’s rare for an independent release to have such a sophisticated production, let alone such well thought out songs. The soft focus sax intro, tinkling ivories and expansive harmonies of ‘So In Love’ gently evoke the song title on a beautifully conceived piece of jazz fusion. ‘How Will I Know’ is no less impressive with its layered hymnal vocal sweep as part of an 80’s sounding keyboard piece.
The MOR quotient might test your patience but there’s no denying the classy arrangements and Alan’s mellifluous vocal style that draws you into the songs.
The only down side to a lushly produced and crisply recorded album is that by the three quarter mark you could really do with a little more rock and a little less sugar, with ‘After The Rain’ being one ballad too much. But given Alan’s forte is what his PR calls a ‘musical tapestry’, he plays to his strengths, whether on the lush strings and backing harmony vocals of ‘Here After’ or on the techno, funky groove and exuberant piano lines of the instrumental title track.
You pays your money and you takes your choice, and if you dig soft rock melodies played with a nuanced jazzy feel, this is for you.
**** (4/5)
Review by Pete Feenstra
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review: ALAN HEWITT – High Fidelity"