EP review: RINGO STARR – Zoom In

RINGO STARR - Zoom In

[Release date 19.03.21]

Very few people can generate the goodwill and love that Ringo Starr does globally. Sure, when you’ve been a member of the biggest band ever, you’re bound to have some support, but he just keeps putting out strong and glorious material during the five decades since the Fab Four went their separate ways. He’s always been an icon but his primary focus has always been the music and that is the key to his continued success. A drummer with style and verve, his own playing so distinct and his drive to make the world a better place typified by his always present smile and peace sign in a legion of images of the man has made him a lasting cultural embodiment of cool.

This new five track EP will continue the legend, adding to his already sparkling solo catalogue a quintet of gems that are hand crafted to bring sunshine in these darkest of times. The fact that he’s joined by a star-studded supporting cast of some of the biggest names in music only adds an extra shimmer to proceedings.

Opener ‘Here’s To The Nights’ kicks things off in a suitably anthemic and splendid way, seeing Starr at his most joyous and inspiring. A lovely, mid paced and easy going call to join together in love and friendship, it is lifted with a huge cast of backing vocalists including Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Corrine Bailey Ray, Ben Harper, Sheryl Crowe and Dave Grohl amongst others. With the addition of Steve Lukather, Nathan East and Benmont Tench bringing their own musical magic you have a line-up that few could dream about, let alone bring together. Together they make such an ecstatic noise that you believe that the power of this song solely could heal the world.

It speaks a lot that second track, the rolling rocker ‘Zoom In Zoom Out’, isn’t totally overwhelmed by what went before but just shows the strength of the material. The Doors guitarist Robby Krieger certainly makes his present felt here, his playing suitably quicksilver and packed with feel, deft little touches a delight. ‘Teach Me To Tango’ and ‘Waiting For The Tide To Turn’ both radiate sunshine and good times, the former a fiesta of life and passion, the latter a lilting reggae groove that’s irresistible.

Upbeat to the last note, the EP closes with ‘Not Enough Love In The World’, a big and bouncing pop rock tune that is built to carry the positive message at its core. All five tracks showing what can be done with a bit of ingenuity, time and a heart as big as a continent, ‘Zoom In’ provides not just some great songs but a pathway and a mantra to better times. Love really is all you need. *****

Review by Paul Monkhouse


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.

Josh Taerk Sunday Session - 1 December 2024

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OFF LIGHTS Love You Sober (indie)
THUNDERMOTHER Dead Or Alive (AFM Records)
SKAM Selfish Friend (indie)
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Featured Albums w/c 25 November 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)



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