Album review: STEFAN BERGGREN – Stranger In A Strange Land

September 20th, 2016 by jason

Pride & Joy Music [Release date 28.10.16]

Stefan Berggren has fronted a few bands in his time, most notably Snakes In Paradise (who return next year with a new album on the Frontiers label) and Company Of Snakes, plus he did an enjoyable blues rock album a couple of years ago with former Uriah Heep drummer Lee Kerslake. On this album he has enlisted guest musicians from his musical past and present including former Whitesnake men Bernie Marsden and Neil Murray, fellow Snakes In Paradise member Tomas Pomma Thorberg, Joakim Svalberg (Opeth) and Lars Karlsson (Diamond Dogs) amongst others.

One minute he is rocking out on ‘Do What You Do’, complete with slide guitar and rumbling Hammond organ, then it is a more reflective side of his singing on the stripped back blues on ‘Bye Bye Baby’. Stefan has a powerful voice, no rough edges and perfect for the blues/rock he sings.

Not sure who plays on what song as little detail available, however credit to the keyboards/organ player on the title track, lots of interesting fills and solos on this. ‘Keef Song’ reminded me of the much missed Company Of Wolves, a good time song with a neat piano riff and gang vocals.

‘Long Gone Down The Road’ is superb, from the opening Lynyrd Skynyrd approved guitar drawl through to the Whitesnake approved vocal backing on the chorus. Close your eyes and you are transported back to days of 70’s rock anthems. The way the vocals come back in at the end of song, the slow Clapton-like solo and the drums all make this a classic in the making, a wonderful piece of music.

Stefan Berggren is one of the best blues rock singers out there and this solo album is another ‘must have’, especially if you miss the Moody/Marsden era of Whitesnake. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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