JOHN NORUM

John Norum is, of course, as most will know, Europe's axeman and 'Play Yard Blues' is the next instalment in his solo career that began back in 1987 with the release of 'Total Control'. Famed for his guitar skills that have inspired a plethora of players from rock and metal's many disparate subgenres, for those who haven't followed his work as a solo artist it may come as something of a surprise that the Swede also has a great singing voice too. And 'Play Yard Blues', his seventh full-length outing independent of his primary bread and butter band is, as one would expect from the title, a collection of blues rock biased compositions. Largely consisting of original material, the album also incorporates three covers - Thin Lizzy's 'It's Only Money'; Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush's 'Ditch Queen'; and Mountain's 'Travellin' in the Dark'. Each cover is a well chosen track in that the three of them fit into the context and flow of the album rather than appearing as stilted interludes in proceedings as is so often the case when other bands/artists diverge to indulge in tributes to songs they admire. However, it's Norum's own compositions which shine here, unashamedly retro in their foundations and oozing an affectively soulful blues rock approach, proving himself up there with the best players in said style. His lead work, tonally and technically, is pure blues bliss but, beyond that, his vocals also adhere to the classic blues rock sound. Norum is far from just a renowned guitarist who can sing a bit (of which there have been some disillusioned culprits over the years...no names mentioned), his voice really does carry each track, along with his fretboard work, and adds to the feeling of the music in a stylistically apposite manner. The other personnel involved also perform adeptly, and their instruments afforded a great sound in what is an overall well produced and mixed album. Bassist Tomas Torberg and percussionist Peer Stappe are also credited with some joint songwriting credits alongside Norum, while it's perhaps no surprise to see Europe's Mic Michaeli guesting on keyboards. With Europe a now fully rejuvenated act and fast rising back to prominence within the scene, it's refreshing to see that Norum has not abandoned his sub-career as a musician autonomous of the Swedish rock-metal giants, and 'Play Yard Blues' affirms his talents and significance as a solo artist. Well worth checking out. Recommended.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Mascot Records

Album

PLAY YARD BLUES

Review by Mark Holmes

RUNNING TIME:

41:23

RELEASE DATE:

5th July 2010

TRACK LISTING

1) Let It Shine
2) Red Light Green High
3) It's Only Money
4) Got My Eyes on You
5) When Darkness Falls
6) Over and Done
7) Ditch Queen
8) Travel in the Dark
9) Born Again
10) Play Yard Blues

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Sweden

"...it's Norum's own compositions which shine here, unashamedly retro in their foundations and oozing an affectively soulful blues rock approach, proving himself up there with the best players in said style."