Canadian musician Randy Bachman is best known as the lead guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of not one but two iconic classic rock bands, The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Randy is back with an all new project, Bachman, a true power trio with bassist Anna Ruddick and drummer Dale Anne Brendon and a brand new record “Heavy Blues.”
“Heavy Blues” is just that, an album of 60’s blues rock a-la Zeppelin and Cream. Produced by Kevin Shirley(AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Rush), the record is a modern version of this classic era with a raw stripped down feel and fuzzy distorted guitars. Penned by Bachman, the songwriting is, of course, superb. I expected nothing less from the man who brought us such hits as “American Woman” and “Takin’ Care of Business.” From the catchy chorus of “The Edge” to the heavy riff of “Ton of Bricks,” Bachman is on fire. This new trio sounds amazingly tight and possess a real chemistry together. There is a great stompin’ groove on “Learn To Fly” and a terrific laidback vibe on “We Need To Talk.” Just when things can’t get any better, Bachman brings in a slew of elite guitar soloists that reads like a who’s who of guitar heroes including an A-mazing job by Joe Bonamassa on “Bad Child” and even a posthumous performance by the late Jeff Healey on “Confessin’ To The Devil.”
“Heavy Blues” is a tempting feast for the blues rock fan. With this new musical chapter, Bachman has hit the nail directly on the head.
