Album review: JIM KIRKPATRICK – Dead Man Walking

US One Records [Release date 21.04.23]

Second solo album from FM guitarist Jim Kirkpatrick, who is joined by fellow FM band member Jem Davis on keyboards and Status Quo’s rhythm section of bassist John ‘Rhino’ Edwards and drummer Leon Cave. That is some musical experience right there and they combine their talents well on the album.

‘Dead Man Walking’ delves further into Jim Kirkpatrick’s love of blues and soul – just cop a listen to the Bad Company meets soul swagger on ‘Hold On’. Impressive listening right there (along with a rather tasty guitar solo, which there are plenty more of dotted throughout the album).

Personal favourite on the album has to be ‘The Journey Home’. A beautifully crafted piece of music, from the uplifting chorus through to the gentle keys and guitar playing, this will be one of my top tunes released this year. Simply magnificent.

The album opens with a little gospel on ‘Promised Land’, before the blues playing kicks in on the title track. Those who maybe a little tired of slightly soulless music of late from Joe Bonamassa will relish songs like ‘Union Train’ and ‘Road Of Bones’. The latter is a top notch blues workout, recalling the likes of Bernie Marsden and Walter Trout.

Closing with the Thunder like epic refrains of ‘I Fall Apart’, Jim Kirkpatrick has produced another winning solo album that demands repeated plays from the listener. Blues, rock, soul and melody all combine into one glorious mix throughout the album. ****

Review by Jason Ritchie

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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)