LESLIE WEST
Guitarded (Voiceprint)Doubly incorrect, West names this record shudderingly, and then with the wheelchair-bound graphic, implies the physically challenged are retarded - not good. Moving on, what we get here is Leslie's hoary roar (sparingly) and his soulful if piercing axe tone (ever-present!) applied to a raft of mostly covers, the man mountain (not fair - he's actually quite svelte now!) aided by an impressive amount of stars. Fave of the batch is Gillan/West composition 'Hang Me Out To Dry', a funky metal rocker with Ian crooning the blues, backing track by the ever-capable Y&T boys! Elsewhere, look for Gregg Allman, Joe Lynn Turner, Leo Lyons, Popa Chubby, and Mountain members both current and original to lend a helping hand on this sprightly covers album of mostly blues and (unimaginatively picked) '70s classic rock chestnuts. Note: the credits are kinda incomplete, missing drummers, not citing a vocalist when there is one etc., but minor complaint on what is a well executed if, frankly, not all that exciting of a concept.
Rating 6.5