Lodge, John: The Royal Affair and After (Live)

Iconic musician John Lodge needs no introduction in these pages. The former Moody Blues bass player has been keeping the Moody’s music alive, continuing to tour since the recent retirement of the band. In 2019 Lodge played in the ‘Royal Affair Tour’, along with heavyweights Yes, Asia, and Arthur Brown. These last few years Lodge has dedicated himself in keeping the Moody Blues’ music alive and well, and the fans reap the rewards. In this case it’s the live document The Royal Affair and After.

The cool thing is the disc’s ten tracks play like a tribute to the entire band, giving the fans great renditions of classic Moody Blues’ music. The disc kicks off with the Lodge penned “Steppin’ in a Slide Zone� from Octave (1978). Lodge and his 10,000 Light Years Band do a faithful rendition that is more rocking with the guitar having extra bite and a little more bombast in the arrangement. The band injects new life into one of the band’s late ‘70s gems. The second track, “Saved by the Music�, is taken from the Blue Jays album released in 1975. Lodge gives a great vocal performance and the band’s classy pop/rock arrangement does the original version complete justice. Softer interludes combine with smooth, majestic builds, providing the listener with some delectable ear candy. The Ray Thomas penned “Legend of a Mind� is performed beautifully as keyboards, guitar, and strings are woven together with a subtlety and class that would be hard to match from any band and made all the more poignant with another fine vocal from Lodge. A fitting tribute to his fallen band member. In honour of Mike Pinder, we have “Sunset�, taken from Days Of Future Passed, revealing exceptional cello and psychedelic nuance. Jon Davison (Yes) adds vocals to a couple tracks, “Nights in White Satin� and “Ride My See-Saw�. The former features his voice and acoustic guitar, giving the classic a faithful but entirely new perspective, while on the latter he adds some really nice backing vocals. Lodge’s own “Isn’t Life Strange� is another highlight featuring outstanding cello, but perhaps the most heartfelt and poignant offering is Lodge’s take on “Late Lament�, featuring a recording of the late Graeme Edge reciting his classic poem. It is one beautiful moment in an album of many.

These renditions sound both energetic and fresh, giving these timeless classics the attention they deserve. A live recording exhibiting superb musicianship and class, a must have for any fan of The Moody Blues. Highly recommended!

A Keeping the Faith production.

Track Listing:
1. Steppin’ in a Slide Zone
2. Saved by the Music
3. Legend of a Mind
4. Sunset
5. Late Lament (with Graeme Edge)
6. Nights in White Satin (with Jon Davison)
7. Gemini Dream
8. Isn’t Life Strange
9. I’m Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band)
10. Ride My See-Saw (with Jon Davison)

Added: November 3rd 2022
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
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Language: english

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