|
When vocalist Jack Russell embarked on his solo career there were really no
rules, but with great talents like guitarist Bob Kulick and guitarist/vocalist Billy
Sherwood on his writing/production team, Russell created a new sound that lead
him straight to adult contemporary radio. His surprising success at radio
may not lead to packed performances or unprecedented album sales just yet, but
as he slowly emerges into this new market there are still many hard rock fans
and media willing to support the effort including TPRS.com...
By now, his diehard fans have had the opportunity to
listen to For You (Knight Records) and form their new opinions of the music.
But, if they haven’t, they can find Russell leading breathtaking performances in
intimate venues across the United States. And after watching the crowd’s
reaction at a last minute gig we caught at Cleveland’s Hard Rock Café, it’s
clear that old fans are loving the new music. And, while heartfelt ballads
like “No Time Left” and “Always” from the new album are quite the departure from
raw and raunchy Great White favorites like “Mista Bone” and “One Your Knees,”
Russell’s voice is sounding better than ever.
With the dinner schedule at
the Hard Rock pushing sound check to just prior to the band’s performance, some
fans were treated to a fun warm-up as Russell hid behind a few cabinets as his
band played through bits and pieces of his new material and even a some of
“Can’t Shake it” which had been a mainstay in Great White's sets (but was left out
in this solo performance). But, the real show began
sometime after ten with a performance that included thirteen tracks consisting
of new material, a few Great White classics, and a few surprises.
Keeping with the mellower tone
of the new album, Russell first appeared on stage in a casual black suit jacket and slacks and
softly sang the ballad “Everything” from For You. And while the selection of
Great White songs like "Save All Your Love" and "House of Broken Love," enhanced
that sedate atmosphere, things did rock with the addition of “Shine On” from
Russell’s first solo effort Shelter Me, and other Great White cuts like “Rock
Me” and the encore of “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” The only disappointment of
the evening was that Russell left his first single "For You" out of that
evening's set.
It seems
necessary to point out that the touring band is a completely different from the
studio musicians that performed on For You. However, some may recognize the name
of guitarist Ty Longley, since he’d played with Great White for while. The
others, Yuko Tamura on keyboards, Eric Powers on drums, and David Perelli on
bass guitar, may be new names and faces but are strong musicians just the same. A
fact proven by their delivery of new tracks like the upbeat "Any Kind
of Love" and sentimental "No Time."
For more information on how to
order Jack Russell's new album, and the most updated list of tour dates visit www.planetjr.com. Also, be sure to
check out our pre-tour interview with Russell.
|
