Black Lodge [Release Date 15.05.20]

In that genre of the softest and smoothest AOR given the shorthand ‘West coast’, CWF are something of a superstar collaboration. Former Chicago singer and keyboard player Bill Champlin and Joseph Williams, singer with Toto both currently and during their most westcoastish ‘Fahrenheit’ phase, are both household names but Swedish guitarist Peter Friedstedt has also worked with some of the biggest names in the genre for some years.

This belated follow up to a 2015 debut opens in promisingly uptempo fashion in ‘Runaway Dancer’, a little like contemporary devotees of the genre like Work of Art. ‘10 Miles’ is more sedate but its class reveals itself as US placenames like El Paso and Baton Rouge are name checked evocatively.

A third voice is added to the mix during ‘All the Love in the World’ and it’s none other than Michael McDonald! While the song is a little too far in ‘yacht rock ‘ territory for my own tastes, it’s quite a coup to add to the star studded roster.

Perhaps controversially, among the new songs there is also a live version of one of Chicago’s US No 1’s sung by Bill in ‘ Look Away’ –devoid of some of the eighties bombast and with his gritty voice sounding even more lived in, it’s a worthwhile addition on balance.

While the vocals generally intertwine effectively, on ‘Amanda’s Disguise’ there are moments where they become rather cluttered, while ‘Between the Lines’ and ‘Sometimes You Win’ are a little on the bland side.

‘All That I Want’ begins in similar fashion but explodes into life with a banked chorus that sounds very Toto-esque and Peter’s most out and out rocking solo of the album, while ‘Restless Love’ has a more folky, acoustic feel.

The penultimate song ‘Price of Love’ is rather out of kilter with the vibe of the rest of the album –not only is it notably rockier, but Bill’s wife Tamara sings it, in a very Grace Slick-like fashion. It was also tantalisingly familiar as it was one she co-wrote for Baton Rouge’s 1991 ‘Lights Out on the Playground’ album.

This is one of those albums that requires a bit of persistence as at first listen I found it rather bland, but stick with it as quality oozes from every pore of its immaculate arrangements, making it perfect for those mellow lockdown nights. ****

Review by Andy Nathan

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.