Album review: BEN GRANFELT – Melodic Relief

Ben Granfelt - Melodic Relief

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.

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 3 November 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 29 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 11 November 2024

ARCANE MOON Hello Sun (indie)
S8NT ELEKTRIC XTC (Long Branch Records)
ARCANA KINGS Here We Go (Curtain Call Records)
KLOGR face The Unknown (Zeta Factory)
BEYOND UNBROKEN Dance With The Dead (FiXT)
REVENGIN Decadent Feeling (Wormholedeath)

Featured Albums w/c 11 November 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)