Frédéric Slama is the brain
behind this amazing hard rock project
called AOR. 'L.A Connection' is the 13th
album and Frederic has a fantastic line
up this time (again). Together with his
friend Tommy Denander (who he also
shared the production work with), has
done a darn good AOR album. I've been listening
to this album for quite some time now and can't find
a single
filler track.
Extremely high quality in every
track and the vocal capacity is
tremendous. Fans of Foreigner, Giant,
ASIA, Journey & Toto has something
to check out. Timeless hard rock with
stunning melodies and musical
craftsmanship in world class. Stunning
vocals, melodic guitar balm for my ears
and excellent riff and hooks from
Denander.
Bill Champlin opens the album
with 'On the Edge of Glory', but my
personal favourite song is 'Pride of
Strangers' with Paul Sabu on vocals.
Very catchy and hefty track with very
melodic chorus. The charming voice of
David Forbes is blessing the nice song
'Closer to Zero' with some sharp guitar
loops from Tommy. Slama's keyboards are
like a red fat wire through the songs.
It gives the songs a base together with
the bass and the drums.
'Age of Desire', with vocals by
Rick Riso is another top notch track on
the album. 'Lost Souls Don't Cry' with
singer Philip Bardowell contains some
timeless AOR keys and magical guitars.
'Exiled in Sadness' with the wonderful
voice of Sherwood Ball, 'The Crystal
Heart' with Bob Harris and “Circle of
Danger” with strong female vocals by
Tamara Champlin are all shining gems
polished with masterful quality
thinking. 'Once Off Guard' with vocalist
Jeff Paris is flirting with the Asia
and Yes sound.
Overall it is an album which
will be on my Ipod for a long long time!
Congrats to another top class AOR album!!
Line up:
Frédéric Slama (guitar & keyboards)
Tommy Denander (all instruments)
Bill Champlin (vocals, backing vocals)
Paul Sabu (vocals, backing vocals)
Jeff Paris (vocals, backing vocals)
Sherwood Ball (vocals, backing vocals)
David Forbes (vocals, backing vocals)
Bardowell Philip (vocals, backing
vocals)
Bob Harris (vocals, backing vocals)
Rick Riso (vocals, backing vocals)
Tamara Champlin (vocals, backing vocals)
Newdeck Pete (vocals)
Colin Rodgers (guitars, bass)
Pat Thern (drums)
