Seasoned musician John Waite has recently released a self-produced “Live: All Access” album on his own No Brakes Records label. The lead vocalist for The Babys and Bad English has made his mark several times over as a solo artist and his latest release of live material features a short set list, but a terrific selection of songs. The album is pieced together from performances at Philly Sound in Philadelphia, PA, and the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH.
With an introduction and the opening number “Change,” a hit single from his debut solo album “Ignition,” the CD starts out like a live show, but it doesn’t flow like a live show. It’s live tunes on an album and doesn’t really capture the essence of a live performance. That said, each song is able to stand on its own. The recording quality is great and Waite’s voice hasn’t really changed over the years. He still blends melodic tones with grit and it works! From “Better Off Gone” from the more recent “Rough and Tumble” album to The Babys “Head First,” John Waite rocks the house. The final song “Saturday Night” fades out and leaves you wanting an encore. Hopefully, the open-endedness of this CD is simply ‘leaving the door open’ for volume 2 as there are only eight (8) tunes on this set list.
Waite’s No Brakes Band is a trio of solid musicians backing him up. Keri Kelli (also with Alice Cooper) is fantastic on guitar and really shines on “Mr. Wonderful.” Rhondo on drums and Tim Hogan on bass make up the rhythm section. John Waite’s “Live: All Access” certainly warrants a listen and for Waite fans, it’s a must for the collection.
