The band and the live audience certainly had a good time.
The Graham Bonnet Band, following the success of 'The Book', has a live (CD and DVD/Blu-Ray) album out entitled 'Live... Here Comes The Night', released by Frontiers Music. The recording and filming took place at the Frontiers Rock Festival III in Trezzo, Milan on April 24, 2016.
Although the title harks back to a solo recording Bonnet did way back in 1990, this song is not included. The record is in fact homage to his time with Rainbow, Alcatrazz and Impellitteri. Although his recent live shows do include several new songs, they are absent from this album, which is a pity because their song structure and range suit him well live.
Anyway, assuming this was a business decision, the album works well and Bonnet's vocals sound good; never one to duck a song, Bonnet goes for it on every selection apart from 'Stand In Line', where he wisely sings around the frenetic second verse. His range is still there and although an expert would probably tell me some of the song's keys are lowered, Bonnet's voice belies the fact he has been in the business for nearly fifty years.
Regarding song choices, there are the inevitable Rainbow 'Down To Earth' songs, Michael Schenker Group's 'Dancer', 'Desert Song' and 'Assault Attack', plus a nice choice of both Steve Vai and Yngwie Malmsteen period Alcatrazz tracks. His solo hit 'Night Games', the hit that never was 'S.O.S' and the aforementioned '...Line' complete the package.
Remembering this is a band affair, an accomplished rhythm performance is given by Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass and Mark Zonder (known for his work with Warlord and Fates Warning) on drums. A special mention must be given to Conrado Pesinato, who carries off all songs and emulates the sound of the maestros – Ritchie Blackmore, Schenker, Vai and Malmsteen – with aplomb; never taking over the show, his fat and crunchy guitar sound works well with Bonnet's voice.
The DVD and Blu-Ray versions of the package are well shot and clearly show a typically warm and passionate Graham Bonnet Band performance. Both the band and the live audience certainly had a good time!
Rob McKenzie
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