Uli Jon Roth started his career by replacing
Michael Schenker as lead guitarist in
Scorpions when Schenker left to join
UFO.
Uli Jon Roth left
Scorpions to form Electric Sun in 1978. Ever since his solo career has been based around his unique guitar playing.
This performance is taken from the Rock and Blues Custom Bike Show held at Castle Donnington racetrack, England June 23th 2001.
The concert opens with
Uli Jon Roth showing off his expertise on his 7-string guitar.
Uli Jon Roth's solo tracks are instrumental and based in the neo-classical style. No doubt that Uli is a skilled player. Especially the tracks
The King Returns and
Aranjuez are perfect examples of Uli putting lots of emotion in his playing.
Phil Mogg,
Michael Schenker and Pete Way from
UFO are the first legends to join Uli on stage. They start off with versions of their classics
Let it Roll and
Rock Bottom. The middle play on
Rock Bottom features some amazing guitar duels from the 2 Germans Uli and
Michael Schenker. It is obvious there is a great chemistry between the two former
Scorpions guitarists. The guitars are often harmonizing and both are taken turns at soloing.
UFO is brought in later for a weak version of
Doctor Doctor. The version on
UFO's classic live album "Strangers in the Night" is much better.
Before the event at Castle Donnington there were rumors about a
Scorpions 70's line up reunion.
Uli Jon Roth and
Michael Schenker sharing the stage would be the perfect excuse for some old
Scorpions classics. I would have loved to hear
In Trance or
Speedy's Coming.
Next legend to join the party is Jack Bruce. The songs performed
Sunshine of Your Love and especially
White Room are both incredible written songs. Both are timeless classics. However, this concert and this album's weakness is the vocals. Jack Bruce has never been a great singer and his voice is rusty on this performance.
Uli Jon Roth has a very authentic sound on his guitar and is doing a pretty good Eric Clapton imitation.
Jack Bruce stays on stage handling the vocals on two of the best songs ever written. The Bob Dylan penned
All along the Watchtower is performed Jimi Hendrix style along with Hendrix's own beautiful masterpiece
Little Wing. You can easily hear how fragile Jack Bruce's vocals are performing these songs. With all respect to both Jack Bruce and
Uli Jon Roth their interpretation of these rock classics are not anywhere Jimi's.
I do enjoy this album but with so many rock legends playing I find the outcome a bit disappointing.
I am sure that it's been a great experience for
Uli Jon Roth playing with Jack Bruce. I am also sure that the concert was amazing to watch, but this is not transferred onto the album. You don't have the visual aspect and you are always comparing the collaboration songs to their originals.
A must for
Uli Jon Roth fans. Everyone else I recommend a listen before buying.
Written by
Michael Sunday, January 5, 2003
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