Stuart Smith's Heaven and Earth Showcase Album for March 2000

1. DON'T KEEP ME WAITING [5.09]
An up-tempo rocker sets the album off. An almost medieval feel with drums and pipes opens then crushing powerchords overlap before the main riff enters. The riff is bluesy but rocky and is pretty cool, Stuart throws a short melodic solo in before Kelly Hansen enters. The infectious chorus sees the main riff coming into play and their is a great groove going on. The is a fine slab of melodic power rock. Kelly Hansen's voice is clear and powerful, it reminds me a little of Don Dokken and Doogie White [Rainbow]. Stuart throws in several great solo's and their is a great Hammond Organ solo from Ray Rodriguez that brings comparisons to Jon Lord.
2. HEAVEN & EARTH [4.14]
A gentle acoustic passage opens before the melody of the verse comes sweeping over your head. The vocals this time are by Joe Lynn Turner and this is the best I have heard him sound in years. The structure of this track is superb with Joe pouring his heart out on this upbeat ballad, that has so many superb hooks its unreal. The bridge is brilliant and Joe is really something here, the solo is a harmony thing with Stuart trading licks with Howard Leese [Heart]. This song would have been a HUGE hit in the 80's and it would still do well today as it sounds very fresh. A highlight.
3. SEE THAT MY GRAVE IS KEPT CLEAN [4.22]
A bluesy intro sees Stuart and Ritchie Sambora [Bon Jovi] trading licks. The track builds into an ultra-powerful verse that sees vocalist Glenn Hughes [Deep Purple] sounding more like Stevie Wonder than ever before [Gritty and Mean], the power in his voice is astronomical and sounds like he's giving it everything he's got. The track takes a more Rockier direction as it progresses. The musicianship is top notch throughout this 'Blind Lemon Jefferson' tune.
4. WHEN A BLIND MAN CRIES [5.29]
A cover of Deep Purple's B-side from the 'Machine Head' era. This slow blues is so heartfelt that you must have a heart of stone if it doesn't pull you're heartstrings. Ritchie Sambora is the vocalist here and a fine job he does too. Stuart throws in a few stunning solo's that are rich in emotion and taste, his guitar tone is also something pretty amazing - clean but dirty allowing us the listener to hear everyone of his well chosen and placed notes. Another top quality track.
5. MEMORIES [4.29]
Another AOR rocker with great infectious hooks and melodies. The vocalist is again Joe Lynn Turner who throws in another stunning performance. Its slightly more upbeat than 'Heaven & Earth' but still possesses a addictive quality. Again on the solo Stuart shows great taste and restraint, lesser guitarists would be happy to just wail all over but its a compliment to Stuart that he decides to build it up and tease the listener a bit.
6. DREAMS OF DESIRE [3.36]
An instrumental that is superb - inspired by J.S.Bach. Mellow classical guitar sets the scene while strings back it up, the track builds with an early Queen style flavour [grandiose and majestic] before hitting full tempo. This track is not dissimilar to Rainbow's 'Difficult To Cure', it has the same kind of feel and is as good as the superb version on 'Finyl Vinyl'. Stuart really lets rip here and there proving his guitar skills with some great arpeggios and licks particularly towards the end, Blackmore would be proud of a track like this. The production is also superb [and indeed the whole of the album] so credit to producer Pat Regan.
7. TROUBLE IN PARADISE [3.44]
An up-tempo rocker with a great good time fell to it. Kelly Hansen's voice is great and powers the track along. There's some great piano work from Pat Regan that duels with the guitar, while the solid rhythm section of Mike Terrana and Steve Priest keep the track pumped. The bridge is slightly weak but this is the only complaint.
8. SHADOW OF THE TYBURN TREE [3.31]
A medieval style track in the Blackmore's Night vein. The vocalist is something of a shock - its Joe Lynn Turner who's voice is one I've never heard him use before. However its quite stunning and may prompt Blackmore to call him up [go on Ritchie] for a re-union. I must admit that Joe sounds better singing this type of thing than Candice Night [who at times gets a bit too twee!!]. An unexpected highlight.
9. IT'S GOT TO BE LOVE [4.29]
A rocker in the 'Thunder' style, bluesy gruff vocals from J.L.Turner. The verse is pretty cool with a funky groove that really swings. The solo also has a low down dirty feel to it - a lot of grit. A pretty average song [by this albums standards] but still perfectly acceptable.
10. WHEN THE BLUES CATCHES UP WITH YOU [5.16]
A slow blues with a very cool atmosphere, Stuart's blues prowess really shines through. The vocals from Al Mirikitani suit the track to a tee, laid back and full of soul. A pretty basic song but that 'feel' is there that lets you know its great music through and through, again Stuart is superb here! Reminiscent of latter day Gary Moore and Clapton - blues to the max.
11. DO YOU EVER THINK OF ME [4.56]
Starting out with a feel akin to that of Rainbow's 'Stone Cold' with Kelly Hansen sounding a bit like J.L.Turner. Things hot up for the pre chorus and chorus [which is very commercial sounding]. The verse's are superb with a grooving bass keeping things steady while Stuart adds gentle fills here and there. The short solo is up their with Blackmore's on the aforementioned track - needless to say I needn't add any more. Another great melodic track.
12. THE ROAD TO MELNIBONE [4.34]
Another instrumental that gives Stuart another chance to shine on his own. In the same kind of vein as Rainbow's 'Weiss Heim'. Stuart's guitar is ultra moody with some nice harmony work coming from Iain Hersey. A quite beautiful track that travels through many different textures and landscapes.
13. HOWLIN' AT THE MOON [3.55]
Yet again a great bluesy rocker that is home to more superlative vocals [Paul Shortino] and superb guitar work. Quite a bit of a Deep Purple influence in the middle section that works a treat and adds a different slant to the track. Some cool wah wah work too.
14. TELSTAR 2000 [3.40]
An instrumental that is pretty awful actually!!! Kind of like 'The Shadows' god forbid. - Erghhh best forget this one.
15. LOSE MY NUMBER [3.28]
Some pretty wicked Hammond Organ sets the pace for this high speed bluesy rocker. Quite a throw away and derivative track but a huge improvement on the last track. The chorus is okay if a little repetitive. The solo section is good though with great guitar and organ interplay which goes a long way to restoring something to the track.