From the very first to the very last note, this is a winner and I love it.
Michael Thompson and Billy Trudell are two of the most well-respected session musicians working today. Just take a look at a small selection of the artists these guys have worked with; Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, Michael Bolton, Elton John, Billy Joel, Diana Ross and Bonnie Raitt. I'm sure you'll agree that they have a musical pedigree that anyone would be proud to have.
These men have also been involved in innumerable albums that anyone calling themselves an AOR fan should/does own. In fact, Thompson's solo album 'The Michael Thompson Band' is still in many Fireworks writers best ever albums list. A little bit of trivia for you, is that Trudell was going to be the singer on that album, but owing to contractual issues Moon Calhoun took his place.
So, what then have these two musical heavyweights put together for their new album? Well to be truthful, it ain't Rock. Instead, it's a glorious mixture of R&B, Blues, Pop, West Coast, Jazz and AOR; in fact, it feels like these two good friends are taking a walk through every musical genre that they have ever worked on whilst having a great time doing so.
I will be the first to admit, 'This Time' won't be for everyone. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that a lot of people won't like it at all. Yet the more musically adventurous amongst you will find eleven songs filled with strong melodies and a classy production that brings out the warmth in Trudell's vocals that's all topped off by Thompson's superb guitar playing, which is worth the price of the album alone.
So sit back, relax, and let 'Chains Get Broken', 'Better Days', 'Forever', the aptly named 'R&B Love Song', the Reggae-influenced 'Eyes Of Barbados' and the stunningly good 'Coming Home Soon' wash over you and hopefully, just like me, you will soon find yourselves falling for the heady musical charms of Culver Kingz.
'This Time' is probably the least Rock sounding album I've listened to in many, many years, but with Trudell and Thompson on board you can feel and hear the quality on show. From the very first to the very last note, this is a winner and I love it.
Ian Johnson
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