Post by HARD ROCK UNIVERSE on Sept 27, 2007 8:41:11 GMT -5
Steve Fister Band
Live Bullets
ZYX Music
Review by Nightwatcher for Rock N Roll Universe
One of the most underrated players of the past decade, California based guitarist Steve Fister is back with a blistering live set of smoking hot blues rock, recorded live in Oldenburg, Germany on the 35th of 36 dates on his 2006 European tour. Featuring no overdubs, this is a stellar showcase for one of rock's best kept secrets, as the stellar trio rips through a collection of tracks from all of his prior studio albums with abandon, leaving no doubt that this is the real deal.
The album leaps from the starting gate with a rousing version of the instrumental"True Grit" from Fister's stellar 'Age Of Great Dreams' release, and from this point on never looks back. Masterfully switching gears from high octane blues rock such as "She's Not Lonesome" to contemplative pieces like"Age Of Great Dreams" or the heavy rock of the crowd pleasing medley "Baby Please Don't Go/3rd Stone From The Sun/Radar Love" with ease, this is the work of a well seasoned player. One who hearkens back to the glory days of rock when actual musicianship mattered. Influenced in equal parts by Jeff Beck, the 3 Kings (B.B., Albert and Freddie) and the sounds of classic 70's hard rock, the former Pat Travers/Steppenwolf/Lita Ford guitarist can hang with the best of them. Unlike too many who concentrate on merely the technical, Fister is a well rounded musician for whom the song is what matters. Although technically brilliant when need be, it's never an end in itself. A gifted vocalist as well, he shines in a live setting. Without the gloss of the studio to smooth things out, the vocals are suitably gritty and authentic, which adds to the overall presentation. Fister even breaks out the old talk box during the middle of "J.B. Meets J.B." (Jeff Beck meets James Brown), launching into a snippet of Peter Frampton's "Do You Feel Like We Do", validating the claim that give a guitarist this effect and sooner or later, this will ensue! But, it sounds great, and works quite well. Supported wonderfully by bassist Barend Courbis and drummer Hans in’t Zandt, forming a tight, hard driving rock trio whom sound at home with the material, the three give impassioned performances throughout. Never one to hog the spotlight, Fister allows these two ample time to display their considerable talents and then some.
German audiences are notoriously hard to please, dating back to the days of The Beatles, but by the time the last notes of the encore, "Pay Bo Diddley" ring out, it's met with a fantastic reception, leaving the cheering crowd wanting more. It's quite obvious that a splendid, magical time was had by all, and one which makes one wish they were there to witness, which is a hallmark of a great live album.
The bottom line here is, if you're a blues rock fan, or for that matter a fan of excellent guitar work, you can't go wrong with this one. Once you've heard what's on offer here, do yourself a favor and pick up any of the earlier releases as well, which feature performances by some of rock's great players such as Stu Hamm, Tommy Aldridge, Carmine Appice, Reese Wyans and Tony Franklin. You won't be disappointed, and all come highly recommended. 10/10 www.stevefister.com