Luther Grosvenor CD: "If You Dare"

Sleeve and track listing

Angel Air SJPCD360.

Review

Now this is more like it. Fifteen years after his previous solo outing (Floodgates, released in 1995) Luther has released a new solo album. And I have to say that after listening to it a few times it doesn't disappoint from start to finish.

Unlike others I could mention Luther doesn't attempt to do everything himself and this album is much the better for it. Luther's playing is purposeful, thoughtful yet restrained throughout without any of the 'look at me!' histrionics some guitar players can indulge in. Luther's singing is good too, with just the right sort of bluesy 'croak' you'd expect from one who has lived.

The music is varied, too. There's the mid-tempo opener Dusty Track, the powerful Emis Song and Fire And Water (no relation to the Free track) where keyboards crash over you on the choruses, to the full-tilt rock of Kids and the almost 60's-esque homage to Luther's guitar heroes in, well, Heroes (no relation to the Bowie song) where the Hammond organ swirls over a slow, moody beat.

This is a good album, from start to finish. Recommended.