CD review: Gerry Lane – Till the End of the Line
Gerry Lane was born in Cork, Ireland. He played in several bands from the surrounding area of this legendary city. One of the most successful bands was “Southern Comfort”. During this time he met Noel Redding, ex-bass player of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Gerry and Noel toured throughout Ireland with several bands.
Around 1980 Gerry formed the band “Driveshaft”. With this band he toured a lot through Ireland and England and played as headliner in venues like SFX Center (Dublin), City Hall (Cork), Kings Hall (Belfast), Marquee Club (London).
Besides that they were support-act for international acts like: Rory Gallagher, Phil Lynott’s Grand Slam” and ZZ Top.
In 1983 Gerry moved to England. During his stay in London, he worked with some of the big names in the music-world, for instance: Gary Moore, Cozy Powell, and John Sinclair from Uriah Heep.
In 1992 Gerry contributed 2 songs on Cozy Powel’s solo-album “The Drums Are Back”. He sang and played guitar on those tracks. In 1993 Gerry moved to Gran Canaria one of the seven Canary Islands where he now lives and works.
From this new home-base he made de CD “Meloneras Blues”.
The title song of this CD was heard by “Big Poppa E”, a 62 years old black blues-roots artist. He covered this song from the relative unknown Irish blues-guitarist.
A panic reaction came over me upon seeing the CD at first.
Knowing that Gerry Lane does it all on his own, I was positively surprised by the professionalism of the whole production. But, of course it’s all about the music.
Where his first CD was a lovely mix of blues, rock and soul, “Till the End of the Line” has a rock oriented sound. It shows the versatility that Gerry has in his ‘luggage’.
To release a second CD, and already choose another style means, in my opinion, that he has guts. Also, Gerry returns to his rock roots. Both the music and lyrics are Gerry’s own work. Because of the lack of a band, he uses the contribution of other musicians through internet recording sessions and instrument loops libraries. Because of this we can hear Toto-drummer Simon Philips.
The opening track “When It All Comes Down” is a song that could have been on an album by AC/DC.
This means that blues purists can put this album aside, because this album is more for lovers of the heavier work. But there’s more to hear.
What to think of the beautiful title-track on this album “Till the End of the Line”. Or the song “I’ve Cried the Blues (For New York City)” that already was a video-tip on bluesmagazine.nl….or, the presence of The Memphis Horns in 3 songs, what gives an extra dimension. Also the instrumental last track “La Isla” is a nice one, the waves of the sea, fine guitar-playing, percussion, drums and a little piece of salsa. Actually a affirmation of the already said versatility of this relatively unknown guitarist. The raw voice and the music make this release a great CD which belongs in the Beyond category.
The 14th of September will be the birth of this album and it will be available on i-Tunes and CDbaby.com
Reviews
Review by: Gerrit Harmsen, 11th September 2010
Translation from Dutch to English by Lia Vermeulen
GERRY LANE
Singer/Songwriter/Producer
