G'N'R guitarist Slash has ventured into the blues for his sixth solo effort 'Orgy Of the Damned' which was released last Friday ( May 17th) via Gibson Records.
This may surprise many fans of the fuzzy-haired musician with the big hat. He has roped in fellow musicians and friends to record 11 covers of some blues classics by T Bone Walker, Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, as a tribute to his favourite music.
Slash or Saul Hudson to his parents was born in Stoke, England and was introduced to the Blues by his American Grandmother, and subsequently onto his guitar hero B.B King. He now wants to pay homage to some of those greats with his old Blues Ball bandmates Johnny Griparic and keyboardist Teddy Andreadis, joined by drummer Michael Jerome and fellow guitarist and vocalist Tash Neal to lend some rhythm and blues to some notable tracks sung by guests, which include AC/DC Frontman, Brian Johnson, ZZ TOP guitarist Billy Gibbons, Punk icon Iggy Pop and pop star Demi Lovato.
The outcome sees Slash take a step away from his heavier guitar play, witnessed with Guns and Roses and Miles Kennedy and The Conspirators, into a stripped-down, laid-back style to help reignite some of these old classics. The album sees Slash reunited with producer Mike Cink, who does an exceptional job of playing to the strengths of everyone involved.
The Black Crowes' Lead vocalist Chris Robinson adds a soulful edge to' The Pusher, a track made famous by Steppenwolf in the 70's. Robinson sounds just as seedy and laid back as the original with Slash and Co adding an extensive solo to the track. Next up Blues guitarist Gary Clark JR revels on the Robert Johnson track ' Crossroad Blues' as he brings energy and excitement to the track. Clark enjoys trading off with Slash as the two compete to see who is the better guitarist. Billy Gibbons then saunters up with his usual coolness to lend his vocals to 'Hoochie Coochie Man', as he too enjoys playing with Slash and the band. As a matter of fact, all the musicians who appear on this album. They are given the freedom to play and sing the styles they like, which is often restricted to their own bands.
Hats off to Slash for having the understanding of which musician to bring in for each track. They all play their roles well, as they seem apt with their chosen songs. The Country Singer Chris Stapleton brings some of those country blues to 'Oh Well', as it sounds more like a roots track than the original Fleetwood Mac offering.
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| Photo courtesy of Gene Kirkland |
The album then enters the languid, emotional stage with Dorothy-led 'Key To The Highway', sounding more like Janis Joplin, whilst Iggy Pop appears with the intimate 'Awful Dream'. Pop sounds like an old blues timer, as he sings in reminiscence with a harmonica. Bad Company Vocalist Paul Rodgers adds his trademark smooth vocals to 'Born Under a Bad Sign' The rhythm section is tremendous on all the tracks, including this one. They bring a vibrant sound to the track, which helps revitalise them as contemporary blues songs. The musicians play tight, upbeat music that doesn't feel like it takes anything away from the guests involved.
Pop vocalist Demi Lovato, better known for being a television actress, lends her powerful, soulful vocals to 'Papa Was A Rolling Stone'. I am unfamiliar with her pop material, but she reaches all the right notes here. As previously mentioned. 'Orgy of the Damned' allows all the musicians to sing outside their comfort zones, so you get plenty of surprises. AC/DC Frontman Brian Johnson drops all the strong vocals for an affable blues man on 'Killing Floor' with Aerosmith's vocalist Steve Tyler lending his outstretched lips to the harmonica.
Finally, the Slash-penned instrumental 'Metal Chestnut' completes this album. I have reviewed a couple of these types of albums for Rambling Man's Reviews, and feel this is one of the better ones. It is pleasant to hear a different side to Slash, as he alters his style to fit these songs. Overall, 'Orgy of the Damned' is a collection of feel-good blues songs given a boost by some of rock's contemporary acts.
RATING: 8/10
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