Blindstone: Live In Denmark

Now this is how to do a live album! No gimmicks, no extended stage raps, no copious amount of overdubs; in short, no bullshit. That's Live In Denmark from the riffin' blues beast that is Blindstone. Combining a stinging set of their own mighty compositions to some obvious and some not so obvious covers, this trio of power serve up a live offering that simply seduces and smashes from the off. "Freedom's Calling" is how to kick off a show, "Temple Trippin'" how to create a knock out one-two. "Rock Your Mojo" allows you to regain your balance, as the heavy rockin' blues riffs roll over you, this band's ability to smoothly shift up and down through the gears a sound to behold. "Land Of 1000 Nights" is the set's first cover, a blistering take on the Mahogany Rush track growing into a mid paced powerhouse, before the early Journey of "Karma" reminds us just what Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie were all about before they kept on believing! The version here spits with fiery ferocity, guitarist Martin J. Andersen laying the groove down thick and fat, as he does throughout, drummer Anders Hvidtfeldt illustrating his ever apparent authority as he hammers out the beat. Add in the dextrous bass work from Jesper Bunk and it's simply no surprise that "Struck Down By The Blues" hits you like an express train or that "Waste A Little Time On Me" oozes and cruises in a fashion you simply can't resist.

If ever a song was well named, then it's "Keep The Rock Alive", Blindstone proving that they know how to do just that, before the Hendrix pair of "Stone Free" and "Are You Experienced" show that it is possible to roll out the classics with new life and feel. In this genre Hendrix is untouchable and yet Blindstone know how to pay respect, while infusing their own personality into these well loved numbers. "GM1 Jam" closes the show, the extended workout a welcome excuse for the trio, and especially Andersen, to show their ability; the breathless reception it receives from the apparently small, but vociferous crowd proof it was as effective on the night as it is on disc. If I was being ultra critical, then with only eleven tracks on show, a couple less covers and a couple more Blindstone originals would have been ideal, however when every track on show pulsates and bites in the way they do here, I'm arguing over small potatoes. Long term fans of this band and new converts alike will find barrow loads to excite and enthral them on Live In Denmark. After all, is there a better sound than a band firing on all six as they put their heads down and groove? On this evidence, I think not!

Track Listing
1. FREEDOM'S CALLING

2. TEMPLE TRIPPIN'

3. ROCK YOUR MOJO

4. LAND OF 1000 NIGHTS

5. KARMA

6. STRUCK DOWN BY THE BLUES

7. WASTE A LITTLE TIME ON ME

8. KEEP THE ROCK ALIVE

9. STONE FREE

10. ARE YOU EXPERIENCED

11. GM1 JAM

Added: May 30th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Live In Denmark at Grooveyard Records
Hits: 3227
Language: english

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