West, Leslie: Unusual Suspects

Growing up in New York,the name Leslie West has long been revered as a NY music legend. His band from the late 60's and 70's, Mountain, spawned a few Classic Radio staples and even original Ozzy guitarist, Randy Rhoads, used to talk about how West was a hero of his! But let me tell you, age hasn't tarnished Leslie West's tone and touch on the guitar and his vibrato has long been a strength and damn if his voice isn't stronger than ever. Unfortunately his long battle with Diabetes has recently taken one of his legs, but this record was recorded before this unbelievable setback. With the help of some very notable guitar players to lend a hand, Unusual Suspects (Mascot Music) is a nice bluesy romp filled with tasty chops all around.

Unusual Suspects features some great performances from guitar friends, Steve Lukather (Toto), Zakk Wylde (Black Label Society, Ozzy), Joe Bonamassa (Black Country Communion), Slash (GnR, Velvet Revolver) and TheReverend Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), and alongside of West's bluesy runs,this record is a nice surprise. Lead off track, "One More Drink For The Road" features one of the most underrated guitar players on the planet, Steve Lukather. This is a good paced CD opener that sets the stage for all of the note bending fun in store. Both Leslie & "Luke"wrangle the strings up on this one. Next up is the one and only Slash on, "MudflapMama". West's voice is sounding awesome and powerful and as soon as Slash chimes in, it is undeniably….Slash! You instantly know it's him, no matter what record he plays on.

This record is WAY more rockin' then I had ever imagined and when Billy F. Gibbons pens a song for you, you know it's gotta be pretty damn cool. And, "Standing On A Higher Ground" is just that. "TheReverend" is another guitar player that beyond instantly known, 2 notes into the opening string bending riff. Gibbons has to be one of the damn coolest people on the face of the earth and his swagger is all over this tune. Leslie croons his head off while Billy handles lead guitar duties on this hot Texan romp. Classic bluesy ZZ Top stuff, for sure. Now how would you think Zakk Wylde and Leslie West together would sound? Zakk is Zakk and he does tear it up on 2 songs on this record. "Nothing's Changed" is the first song where Zakk shows up and you can't contain Zakk Wylde! Zakk rips his, mine, and your head off with some Top Fuel riffing on the main solo and the outro duel between these two is just really cool to listen to. But my highlight track is hands down, "Third Degree" featuring another guitar hero and NY native, Joe Bonamassa. They share vocal and lead guitar chores, but Leslie's vocals are not to be out done here. We are talking goose bump territory here kids. West leaves nothing off the table vocally and the back and forth guitar leads are just down right bluesy bliss.

Unusual Suspects is a 12 song Bluesy Hard Rock record that shouldn't be missed. Leslie West's guitar playing is as top notch as ever but it's his vocals that are just amazing. Raspy, passionate and powerful are the first words that come to mind. Mountain never really got their just due and for that matter, neither has Leslie West. Howard Stern helped to resurrect his career in the mainstream and he is much more than the guy that did "Mississippi Queen". West's left hand vibrato has been legendary for decades now and with this great new solo effort, I hope more people will check out the greatness that is Leslie West. Check out this record,you will be glad that you did.

Track Listing

1. One More Drink For The Road (Ft. Steve Lukather)
2. Mudflap Mama (Ft. Slash)
3. To The Moon
4. Standing On A Higher Ground (Ft. Billy Gibbons)
5. Third Degree (Ft. Joe Bonamassa)
6. Legend
7. Nothing's Changed (Ft. Zakk Wylde)
8. I Feel Fine
9. Love You Forever
10. My Gravity
11. The Party's Over (Ft. Slash & Zakk Wylde)
12. I Don't Know (The Beetlejuice Song) (Bonus Track)

Added: December 18th 2011
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
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Language: english

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