Do I detect a trace of brimstone on Paul Rodgers’ recording contract?
Is a decaying portrait of his vocal cords locked away in an attic, while his
real ones remain unscathed? Whatever forces are at work, Paul Rodgers is a rare
singer whose voice has not only defied the years, but actually become stronger
with time. And what a voice it is. Rich as brushed suede, brawny and seductive,
Rodgers’ bluesy, smoke-cured vocals have set a gold standard in rock and
roll. They’ve stamped a sound as distinctive as a fingerprint on Free,
Bad Company, the Firm, Queen and several solo forays. And now, Rodgers has taken
that sound solo again with Live In Glasgow.
Recorded in October, 2006, the CD, as well as the companion DVD, pleasantly
surprises with a strong salute to Free’s classics including crackerjack
versions of “The Stealer,” “I’ll Be Creepin’”
and “All Right Now.” It digs into the Muddy Water Blues:
A Tribute to Muddy Waters album with “Louisiana Blues,”
as well as “Radioactive” from Rodgers’ foray with the Firm,
and Bad Company’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Seagull.”
There are also two excellent new songs, “Warboys (A Prayer for Peace)”
and “I Just Want To See You Smile,” which deserve a fighting shot
at some airplay.
Rodgers has surrounded himself with equally accomplished bandmates: guitarist
Howard Leese (Heart), drummer Ryan Hoyle (Collective Soul), bassist Lynn Sorenson
and 17-year-old guitar wiz Kurtis Dengler. They provide a polished restraint
that perfectly complements Rodgers’ soulful, effortless crooning. Paul
Rodgers is the definitive blues-rock singer; with Live In Glasgow,
he carries on with his nearly 40-year track record of class and quality —
with a kick.
~ Merryl Lentz
