Album review: AYNSLEY LISTER – Eyes Wide Open

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

Save

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

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 16 November 2025.

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 600th show was first broadcast on 18 November 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 1 December 2025

We feature all the artists selected in this sequence in 2025.

Featured Albums w/c 1 December 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.