Quick plays: GAMMA RAY, CHRIS GRAY, THE BLOW MONKEYS

GAMMA RAY – The Best (Of)

earMusic [Released 02.02.15]

Amazingly it has been thirty years since former Helloween guitarist Kai Hansen formed Gamma Ray. This comes as a standard 2CD package along with a 2CD limited edition and for the vinyl junkies, a 4 vinyl gatefold edition. The band’s backlist are due for re-issue throughout this year too so this marks a nice start to the re-issue campaign.

The tracklisting is handpicked by Kai Hansen himself and you get 25 songs in total. There are the early classics like ‘Heading For Tomorrow’ and the pop metal of ‘Heaven Can Wait’, one of original vocalist’s Ralf Scheepers highlights (Scheepers left in 1994 to form Primal Fear with Hansen taking on lead vocals). Some good metal anthems off their later albums like ‘Hellbent’ ( a very Judas Priest sounding tune), ‘Avalon’ and ‘Insurrection’. Not much to tempt existing fans in the way of unreleased tracks save for the deluxe CD version and vinyl versions.

Gamma Ray for me have been consistent over their past with a good level of quality music, unlike Helloween who have a had a few blips along the way. The only song missing for me is the fun song ‘Free Time’, still you can’t argue with the mainman’s selection as it is his band after all! ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

CHRIS GRAY – Diamonds In Your Tree

Sunn Creative [Released 06.04.15]

This is the debut release from Isle Of Man based singer songwriter Chris Gray. With his band he has supported amongst others Roger Daltrey and Turin Brakes, whose breezy acoustic pop is not dissimilar to some of the songs on this album.

The album holds together well, with some serious songs like ‘Big Guns’ and then a classic pop song ‘Suzy Won’t See Me’, a real feel good song. Chris Gray has a soothing, gentle vocal and on a quitter song like ‘Feel Your Love’ his vocal really stands out.

An assured and enjoyable debut album with a couple of songs that are crying out for airplay, especially ‘Suzy Won’t See Me’, a hit if ever there was one. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

THE BLOW MONKEYS – If Not Now, When?

Blow Monkey Music [Released 06.04.15]

I was never a fan of the band in their 1980′s heyday, however fast forward to now and they have a good album on their hands here. The band originally split back in 1990 before reforming in 2008. This is the band’s fourth studio album since reforming.

Dr Robert’s voice is still in fine fettle as he taps into his love of classic rock ‘n’ roll for much of the album. There is the rock ‘n’ roll of ‘Ok! Have It Your Way’ and the glam rock stomp of ‘The Sound Of Your Laughter’, what a great tune this is. The latter is an album highlight, as is ‘All That Glitters’, one of those gentler pop tunes perfect for late night listening. Touch of Supergrass on another instant hit, ‘Sun Is In The Sky’.

Much more enjoyable than I was expecting and a far cry from their 80′s sound. A pleasant surprise and if you like a decent pop song this album will be right up your street. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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)