By Andrew Catania
I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of Graham Bonnet’s new album “Meanwhile, Back In The Garage.” At 70 years old, most singers don’t have the ability to sing like they did 30 years ago. Don’t tell that to GB, he sounds as strong as ever. In a previous interview, I asked him if he did any vocal exercises before a show. To my surprise, he said no.
Crafted with Kurt James on guitar (Joey Tafolla performs all rhythm and lead guitars on this album except for track 3, which was performed by Kurt James), Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Jimmy Waldo on keyboards, and Mark Benquechea on drums, “Meanwhile, Back In The Garage” sees Bonnet showing why he has been and still is one of the premier vocalists in hard rock!
This new studio album offers 13 new songs where Bonnet lays down his inimitable vocals over a selection of tunes full of great hooks and melodies. Includes a bonus live DVD captured at a Live From Daryl’s House (yes, THAT Daryl of Hall & Oates) performance in early 2018 that is a must see!
As a 35 year fan of Bonnet’s, I really can’t say I have a particularly favorite song on this album. The album is awesome. The band is just on fire from song 1-13. Tafolla and James are monsters on the guitar. Beth-Ami is ripping on the bass. Jimmy is the master of the white ivories and Mark is bashing those drums. This album reminds me of the Impellitteri’s System X album which is my favorite album of Chris’s catalog. System X has Bonnet’s powerful and soulful voice with Impellitteri lighting up the fretboard. I can see Bonnet being 90 years old and still releasing these albums with that powerful voice of his.
Not dismissing his previous great releases, but Meanwhile, Back in the Garage, I have no problem saying is his best work yet. The production is great. The songwriting is great.
Bonnet has worked with some of the best guitarists in the industry. Blackmore, Malmsteen, Impellitteri, Joey Tafolla, Kurt James, Michael Schenker and so on. Who’d be next on his list to shred with? Maybe House of Lords Guitarist Jimi Bell? 10/10 Rating
PRODUCED BY: Jimmy Waldo & Giles Lavery
RECORDED BY: Jimmy Waldo & Giles Lavery
MIXED BY: Andy Haller
MASTERED BY: Andy Haller
BAND MEMBERS:
Graham Bonnet – Vocals
Kurt James – Guitars
Beth-Ami Heavenstone – Bass
Jimmy Waldo – Keys
Mark Benquechea – Drums
Meanwhile, Back in the Garage will be released on July 13, 2018, via Frontiers Records.
Be sure to follow the Graham Bonnet band at:
http://www.grahambonnetband.com/
https://www.facebook.com/grahambonnetmusic/