Review of LIVE IN EUROPE

Source: Webzine The Cutting Edge / Todd K. Smith

TONY SPINNER
Live In Europe
Grooveyard Records

Touring with Toto for almost ten years now, guitarist Tony Spinner has learned a thing or two about playing guitar. "Don't try to impress with fancy guitar licks, but always play from the heart," he states on his website. And that's exactly what he demonstrates on his stunning live opus Live in Europe. Spinner, 45 plays like a man possessed with his guitar working as a direct extension of his voice and lose delivery. Hand selected by Toto's David Paich, it's easy to see why Spinner's such a great fit for the band, especially in the vocal range. His melodic timbre moves from Richard Marx to Tommy Shaw with ease and dexterity. He is noted for his exceptional handling of lead vocals on the Toto song "Stop Loving You," originally performed by Joseph Williams. Yet, on Live In Europe he let's the refinement of Toto go and struts his own band, including bassist Michel Mulder and drummer Han Neijenhuis, through a raw romp of blues-rock masters.

Taken from two shows (Holland and Germany) The Tony Spinner band crank out eleven numbers that vary in dynamics and range. Each show presents a separate side of Spinner's efficiency - think side one and side two of a traditional LP. The first five tracks are more melodic while the next six are fire bred riff monsters. Side one (or the first five songs) gives us the funky staccato lick of "IRS Blues," the rockin' "Turn it up" and the SRV-inspired "Politics Man." Hitting square in the chest is "Love Sick" a blazing, side-winding Texas boogie with a hefty dose of cowbell and ripping guitar. Then there's the Van Halen-inspired "Caledonia" where Spinner wails away at some of the most mind-altering runs that would shame Malmsteen, Lynch or Gilbert. He even takes time to introduce the band and give each a segment to showcase their chops. Side two (tracks 6-11) will make your ears bleed as the band destroy the stage with "Freedom," the Hendrix tribute "Spanish Castle Magic" and the slide-infused "Bourbon and a Fast Car."

Website: Grooveyard Records