Quick plays: CARL VERHEYEN, THE MASTELOTTOS

CARL VERHEYEN - Sundial

CARL VERHEYEN Sundial (Cranktone Entertainment) [Release date 01.04.21]

More laid back Lockdown noodlings, this time from a guitarist perhaps best known for his work with Supertramp.

Verheyen’s idea was to create something varied and there were no constraints in terms of style or genre.

Of course this variety can also be an album’s weakness and we go from the West Coast/AOR vibe of ‘Sundial’, ‘Clawhammer Man’ and ‘Never Again’ to the more percussive, sub-Santana workout ‘Kaningie’ which to be honest is a bit underwhelming.

A cover of The Rascals ‘People Got To Be Free’ is played as an upbeat ska song but is far too major key whilst ‘Spiral Glide’ is Verheyen’s homage to David Gilmour. Here there are the makings of an attractive song but it quickly descends into cod-Pink Floyd territory replete with female backing vocals.

There’s no doubting the musical talent on offer here: Verheyen’s smooth guitaring and core support from his touring band (John Madder, drums, Jim Cox, keyboards and Dave Marotta on bass).

Verheyen seems most comfortable when echoing the likes of Robben Ford and Eric Johnson but typical of some sessionist/solo guitar albums you can’t help thinking: this is all very pleasant but I am not really moved by it. ***

Review by David Randall

THE MASTELOTTOS – Too Much Happiness A Romantic’s Guide To King Crimson (7D Media) [Release date 14.02.21]

If you’ve been looking for some online entertainment during Lockdown you may have come across Bob Fripp and Toyah strutting their stuff during their Sunday Lunch sessions. The spirited cover versions show Fripp in a different light and in similar vein this new anthology from King Crimson drummer Pat Mastelotto gives a new twist to that band’s back catalogue.

Mastelotto and wife Deborah have homed in on the romantic side in an endeavour to show Crimson was (and is) not all bombast and bluster.

The couple realised that Lockdown brought them (and others) closer together to appreciate their relationships along with other home-based activities. In their case it included honing work started in 2019.

The main feature of these recordings is Deborah’s jazz-inflected, part-spoken, vocal and overall this is a chill-out café-jazz offering that doesn’t necessarily have to invoke the originals. But it might also prompt listeners to rediscover some of those eighties (and nineties) albums at least. ***

Review by David Randall

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

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Power Plays w/c 21 April 2025

THE DEVIL WEARS NADA Late Night Talking (Eonian Records)
DROWNING POOL Madness (SBG Records)
PARKER BARROW Make It (indie)
REDIKIN Nailed It (Wormholedeath)
PENNY FOUNTAIN Euphoria (indie)
CRY FOR MERCY Saving Grace (indie)
VIGILANTES Life In The Fast Brain (indie)

Featured Albums w/c 21 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

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