Black Country Communion: Live Over Europe - CD

I'm not sure this band needs any further introduction, but in case you still haven't heard, Black Country Communion is the brainchild of Kevin Shirley, who had the vision to bring together some excellent American and British music kingpins to create a supergroup for the 21st Century. The band is made up of legendary frontman and bass guitarist Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze); master blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa; Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin, Foreigner); and keyboardist Derek Sherinian (Dream Theatre, Billy Idol, Alice Cooper). The band is named after the industrial area in Britain where both Hughes and Bonham were born and raised.

To live up to their Black Country heritage they have a strong work ethic, already having released two studio albums, they are currently at work on their third. That's two studio albums, and now a double live CD with accompanying Blu-ray/DVD release, since their incarnation with the teaming of Hughes and Bonamassa back around 2009. The major impetus for this band was to bring back the killer live force on stage that dazzled producers, like Stacey and the many fans like me, that grew up watching bands like the Who and Led Zeppelin tour the country. With most of their major heroes sidelined or in court settling old scores, the opening was ripe for a new power rock band to take the stage. This band just wants to play music. It was designed to rock the live stage.

The power and experience alone, demand that this band bring forth a live album. This band does not rest. Hughes was actually busy writing the lyrics for their second album before the first one had launched. That is not only confidence, its love. Love of the art of music and to entertain on stage. This album truly captures the band's love, magic and excitement for the live performance. Hughes is in his glory on stage in Europe, and even without video, you can hear the smile in his voice. Bonamassa finished a tour through Europe last year, but was more than ready to join his mates for a return. Sheridian and Bonham are also veterans of the European tour and festival circuits.

Rather than write about each track, which I've already done on each of my album reviews, I'll just say that live albums can either be a great collector's item, for the many who may have seen the show and want a memory; or they can be an extension of the image and ultimate power of the band and their ability to go beyond the safety and security of the studio. Nothing is missing or left on stage with this double CD set. You can feel the music and the cherished commitment to deliver it from each of these new legends.

From the high revving opener, Revolution of the Machine, which will amp up your anticipation, through some of my favorite BCC tracks, The Battle for Hadrian's Wall and Song of Yesterday, this album delivers the power and magnitude this band brings to the stage. If you were present at these shows, consider yourself lucky. If not, listening to this CD set, will ensure you will not miss the next opportunity. Bonamassa's solo album track The Ballad of John Henry is one of his best showcases on the CD set. I Can See Your Spirit, brings all of Hughes' emotions, in a year in which he also released his autobiography and lost some of his good mates.

While most of our rock legends are basking in the throes of retirement and enjoying the fruits of their labors, or embroiled in litigious or verbal battles, this band is busy creating and entertaining with a work ethic that just won't quit. They have captured a demographic that were either too young to afford the time or money for live shows during their youth and are now hungry to see great live music.

Go get this double album, close your eyes and remember what rock was and still is, when Black Country Communion is on stage.

Track Listing:

Disc 1

01. Revolution of the Machine
02. Black Country
03. One Last Soul
04. Crossfire
05. Save Me
06. The Battle for Hadrian's Wall
07. Beggarman
08. Faithless
09. Song of Yesterday
10. I Can See Your Spirit

Disc 2

11. Cold
12. The Ballad of John Henry
13. The Outsider
14. The Great Divide
15. Sista Jane
16. Man in The Middle
17. Burn

Added: March 14th 2012
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Black Country Communiion.com
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Language: english

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