HOWARD LEESE - review added 1st July 2009
Album Review: Secret Weapon (2009)
For fans of: Hard Rock... and lots of performers you've heard of
Howard Leese signed his first record deal at 15, but got his big break when he produced a demo in 1974. It was for a couple of sisters by the name of Wilson... and he ended up joining Heart in 1975 and staying with them for 22 years, playing instruments such as electric and acoustic guitars, mandolin and
keyboards.
He lists amongst his inspirations Dick Dale, Keith Richards, Peter Green, Jeff Beck, Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Paul Kossoff. Such was his affinity with the Paul Kossof style, Paul Rodgers actually asked Howard to join his own band (and more recently the reformed Bad Company line-up).
On Secret Weapon, Howard teams up with various musicians to create what is presumably his perfect album. He does much of the playing himself, although Mark Shulman joins him on drumming duty. The tracks boast a variety of singers and a wide ranging set of styles.
The opening number is 'Alive Again', featuring an understated blues riff and Joe Lynn Turner's silky vocals. Howard rocks it up in places, but the overwhelming sensation is of self-satisfied cool. It acts as a fine entryway to the album and leads into the phenomenal 'Heal The Broken Hearted'. Paul Rodgers voices the track and, seriously, you have to check it out. It sounds like it was written in the heyday of classic rock and, if you like that early 70's sound, this track will make your brain melt.
'Hot To Cold' again features Joe Lynn Turner, this time in a gnarly duet with Deanna Johnston. It's a song that ships with a truck-load of character - again 70's inspired - but much more lively. Deanna Johnston came to prominence in an INXS search-for-a-singer reality show. On this evidence she doesn't deserve obscurity. 'French Quarter' is a moody piano piece played by none other than Keith Emerson. It lasts less then a minute, but cleanses the palette like a champagne sorbet.
'33 West Street' is a mellow instrumental track with hints of funk, blues, North African folk and straight ahead rock. It nods big time towards Toto's style and features Paul Reed Smith of PRS guitar fame. You'd have to say Howard Leese didn't skimp on the big names with this album... 'The South Summit' features Paul Shortino (although he's credited as Duke Fame, his Spinal Tap character) on vocals. It starts with a long instrumental interlude before 'Duke' kicks in with his warm tone. It's a groovy track with, yet again, a beautiful and classic feel.
'Rada's Theme' is another instrumental, leading into the wonderful ballad 'The Vine; featuring Jimi Jamison. It doesn't do anything groundbreaking or mind blowing, but there's something about it that's spot on. 'In These Eyes' features Keith St John on vocals. He has an unusual and memorable tone that works well with the vintage mood of the track. The result isn't one of the better songs on the album, but it ain't 'alf bad all the same.
Singer Andrew Black features on the blues-rich 'I've Been Leavin' You' and does a bloody good job. Haven't come across his work before but he has a wonderful lived-in voice that makes you hang on his every word. This is a man who sounds like he's singing from the heart, not the wallet. You've got to respect that. Final track 'Somewhere' is from West Side Story and, well, you'll recognize it and make your own opinion. Me? I think it sounds superb.
This album has two sides. The first is the line-up of incredible songs. Few albums nowadays pack this much quality. The second is the random nature of the beast. Because of the varying styles and assorted singers, the end result is not as good as the sum of it's parts. As a pile of standalone tracks this album is approaching incredible. As an actual album, which is what it is, it's a work of flawed genius.
Check out... 'Heal The Broken Hearted'.
Track List:
01. Alive Again
02. Heal The Broken Hearted
03. Hot To Cold
04. French Quarter
05. 33 West Street
06. The South Summit
07. Rada's Theme
08. The Vine
09. In These Eyes
10. Vermilion Border
11. I've Been Leavin' You
12. Somewhere
Label: Frontiers Records
Band websites: Howard Leese , MySpace
