Black Cat Records [Release date 07.08.20]
Many won’t know the name Hustler, however back in the 70’s they released two albums on A&M, supported Queen on that band’s first headline tour and toured with Status Quo in Europe. The band split in 1976 and that was thought to be it as far as Hustler were concerned. Fast forward to 2016 when bassist Tigger Lyons and drummer Tony Beard (who since 1976 has played and toured with the likes of Mike Oldfield, Jeff Beck, Chris Rea, Go West and many more), they began to piece this album together.
Since Hustler quit in 1976 original guitarist Micky Llewellyn died in 2014 (there is a fitting tribute to him on the album, ‘Salute To Micky’) and vocalist Steve Haynes suffered a stroke which rendered him unable to sing. However, his vocals were taken from songs planned for an album in the 80’s, with original keyboards player Kenny Daughters involved, along with two new guitarists to the band – Tick Brown and Tony Miles.
This is one classy album, with a 70s feel coupled with a modern production. Shades of Bad Company on ‘Stay Close To Me’, then a little soul added to ‘Shotgun’ (surely one of the few songs to feature karate instructors on the outro!), whilst ‘Hard For You’ is a tasty blues number, aided by the harmonica of Pete Quensel.
‘That’s Love’ ups the pace, one for fans of Moody-Marsden era Whitesnake. Neat playing from the guitarists Brown and Miles on this one, with their other stand out being on ‘Into The Fire’, a real six-string treat.
A 20 page booklet accompanies the CD with information and articles about the unique way this album was compiled, together with personal stories, photos and song lyrics. All in all a well thought out package and the music is perfect for those who love the 70’s sounds of Bad Company, Ian Gillan (Steve Haynes does sound like him at times) and anyone who loves a little bit of soul with their serving of rock. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
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 1 December 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 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
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 again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
