52 Music (release date – out now)
The opening track to this album could well sum up James Toseland’s career to date, a double Superbike world champion and now a blossoming music career, ‘Life Is Beautiful’ right enough. This album was written by James and ex-Little Angels man, Toby Jepson, who also handled the production duties, and is a polished and accomplished affair.
Toseland is more than a one man band though and James has gathered a group of excellent players around him including Zurab Melua, brother of Katie and James’s brother in law, on guitar to keep things in the family.
As I say, the album opens with ‘Life Is Beautiful’ which is all jagged riffs and attitude and sets the stall out well. James’ vocal prowess is never in question, he has a strong voice which can carry off the softer ballads as well as the full on rock numbers.
‘Gotta Be A Better Way’ follows in the same rocking fashion and that is followed by the autobiographical ‘Singer In A Band’ which I think was written with tongue in cheek. Recent single ‘Crash Landing’ is up next, a short, sharp rock hit with the emphasis firmly on the hit, you can see why this was released as a single.
The pace then slows for ‘Just No Way’ which also showcases Toseland’s keyboard work, yup that’s another talent the man possesses and he provides all piano and keyboard to the album. Possibly the best track on the album and one that again features great piano is ‘Kingdoms’ which has a great hook in the chorus and a driving riff to compliment the skilful keyboard work.
Closing the album is another track which was released as a single and again is hit material. ‘Renegade’ is set to become a live classic and a song which will be forever on the set list and deservedly so. This is melodic rock at it’s finest.
As a debut album this is a highly impressive affair. Toby Jepson has done a great job in guiding Mr Toseland through the initial writing and recording process but without the talent of James and the band all his efforts would have come to nothing. They have the skill and attitude to go on to bigger things and judging by the interest so far shown in the band that success should not be far away. Oh, and did I say that James happens to be a really nice guy as well… ****
Review by David Wilson
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
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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.
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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)
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