After
Rainbow Graham Bonnet released a solo album and then formed
Alcatrazz. Bonnet drafted veteran musicians in keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, bassist Gary Shea and drummer Jan Uvena. He then recruited Yngwie J. Malmsteen, who already spent a few years in America honing his chops in Steeler.
Island In The Sun,
General Hospital and
Hiroshima Mon Amour all feature this line up. I
sland in the Sun is a poppy tune, while
General Hospital and
Hiroshima Mon Amour are great
Rock tunes, which have all the classic
Rainbow ingredients. Bonnet belts out his characteristic vocals while Waldo lays the solid foundation with his keys. Malmsteen´s sound isn't far away from Blackmore - as soon as the solo kicks in its typical Malmsteen, who found his own style in early age.
Malmsteen gets to outlive his Richie Blackmore dream on the 2 live tracks
All Night Long and
Since You've Been Gone.
Malmsteen quit
Alcatrazz to pursue a solo career. If Bonnet has the same ability to discover football talents as guitar heroes he would be one the best paid talent scouts. Bonnet recruited
Steve Vai to replace Malmsteen. At the time Vai was unknown despite touring with Frank Zappa. In 1985 "Disturbing the Peace" was released and it's obvious that the songs weren't as inspired and good as the ones with Malmsteen. However,
Stripper is stunning - a full speed Rock song with
Steve Vai virtuous playing all over the song.
Unfortunately the first 7 songs are the only really great songs.
Alcatrazz soon disbanded after releasing "Dangerous Games" in 1986. New guitarist Danny Johnson is responsible for the title track, which is the only shining moment from that album.
The tracks list is in chronological order and it becomes clear that it was downhill after the first album. This CD is all you need with
Alcatrazz or a good supplement if you own the original LPs. Bonnet´s unique vocals makes
Alcatrazz worth a listen.
Written by
Michael Thursday, October 25, 2007
Show all reviews by MichaelRatingsMichael: 6/10Members: No members have rated this album yet.
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