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SPIRIT |
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The
late, great Randy California was an architect of modern rock
music as weve come to know and love it. Jimi Hendrix and Randy
were great pals back in NYC in the late 60s. No doubt Randy
and Jimi would have made a great recording team together, but Randy
had other ideas and formed the group Spirit in 1967. Spirit was Californias
musical vehicle and the original lineup featured a number of musical
giants including the late, great keyboardist John Locke and
Randys dad, drummer Ed Cassidy. Sadly, Randy passed away
in 1997 but his spirit lives on in the grooves of all those great
Spirit album classics. Fans should take note of a great new reissue
/ remaster featuring some of Randys final recordings. Released
in 2009 by the L.A. based Audio Fidelity label, Spirits California
Blues Redux reconfigures a number of Randys final studio
works and results are quite satisfying. Displaying his amazing vocals
and one of a kind guitar skills, California Blues Redux features
Randy backed up by Ed Cassidy and guitar ace (and brother of founding
Spirit bassist Mark Andes) Matt Andes, along with Matts
daughter Rachel, then just 15, on backing vocals and Steve Loria
on bass. The late John Locke also appears on several tracks.
With Spirits classic sound on the rebound back then, Randy was
set for a fantastic comeback but alas, his tragic death in Hawaii
on January 2, 1997 made it all over too soon. In his historic liner
notes, CD producer Mick Skidmore goes into great depth on how
this CD came to be. In addition to Micks editing, remixing and
remastering of the California Blues Redux album, Audio Fidelitys
double CD set also features a second CD of live Spirit tracks from
1993. As if this great rocking, bluesy Spirit music and splendid repackaging
wasnt enough, the CD also features guest spots from a number
of players such as Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger, Spencer
Davis and late, great drumming legend Bruce Gary. Packed
with that patented California / Spirit vocal and guitar sound, California
Blues Redux is a worthy remembrance of Randy Californias
musical legacy and is essential listening for Spirit fans. www.RandyCaliforniaSpirit.com |
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