Customer Reviews

Rites of Passage

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After taking several years off from the music business, former Supertramp singer Roger Hodgson got back into the saddle with 1997's "Rites Of Passage," a live album recorded near Hodgson's home of Nevada City, California, featuring 8 new, previously unheard songs, plus a few Supertramp hits and a couple of other songs contributed by Hodgson's band members (including his very talented son Andrew Hodgson, who plays drums for most of the album). "Rites Of Passage" isn't really a "proper" new album from Hodgson, but it's a very excellent live performance, and the new songs are great, including the catchy "Every Trick In The Book," the punchy "Showdown" (which Hodgson would later record for his 2000 album "Open The Door"), the beautiful "Don't You Want To Get High," and the magical, majestic "Time Waits For No One." Supertramp faves "Take The Long Way Home," "The Logical Song," and "Give A Little Bit" are all given superb treatments (featuring 'Tramp sax man John Helliwell), and there's also a terrific moment as Hodgson steps aside and lets his son Andrew take a solo spotlight at the piano & microphone with his very lovely song, "Melancholic." For any diehard fan of Roger Hodgson and Supertramp, "Rites Of Passage" is a major treat.

I first heard about this release during an interview with Roger on NPR late one night back in 1997. He previewed a few of the tracks on that radio show and I knew I would purchase this CD: "Rites of Passage". A few months passed and nothing appeared in the record Shops, I would have to explain to the young clerks who Roger Hodgson was, have them look this new record up on their computers under Roger's name and/or Supertramp to be told time and time again nothing was available. Over a year after I listened to the radio Interview I located "Rites" as an import CD and I never did spot this in any record stores before 2003.

After all the Fuss of trying to find "Rites" I am very happy to be one of the lucky ones who own this fantastic CD. "Rites" is a live recording from the Miner's Foundry, Nevada City, Ca. where Roger has lived for over two decades now. The hometown crowd is very happy to see our hero and he has a stellar show most of which is captured on this CD. As I still enjoy Supertramp and I'm glad
they still perform, it's not the same without Roger Hodgson.

That said; "Rites of Passage" is a great CD and of the many thousand of recordings I own. This is easily one of the best things I have in my collection, I do hope more people will be lucky enough to hear this great work, but I doubt it.
New songs: "Every Trick in the Book", "Don't You Want to get High", "Time Waits for No One" and "Red Lake" take their place right besides the Supertramp Classics: "Logical Song", Take the Long Way Home" and "Give a Little Bit". This is timeless music, the sound & production are stellar. The band is in top-notch form (including Roger's son Andrew). This is one of the best CD's you have never heard.
FIVE STARS...

I have already talked to you about the ability of Roger Hodgson to recreate the fascinating old moods by Supertramp, live on stage (listen to his new tracks "Time waits for no one" and "Every trick in the book"), but also during the reprisal of classics by his former famous band, when He recaptures so well such pretty musical atmosphere!! (see also my review of his CD SINGLE"Open the door", where I have described my sensations during a live performance that I saw in Milan-Italy 1 year ago).

Well Roger is the sound of Supertramp and the true Supertramp don't exist without him!!

Recommended for the lovers of tasteful, dynamic and aggressive pop!!

Just like Roger Waters can't escape Pink Floyd, Roger Hodgson can't escape Supertramp, and this album is his attempt to deal with his Supertramp past versus his solo future...the only problem is that he didn't include more of his post-Supertramp solo songs, but it's still a very good live album.

Roger returns to the music scene with this great live album. Anyone who has seen Roger live can attest to the love and magic that he brings to the stage. Rites of Passage is indeed that for Roger. This artistic triumph proves that Roger is ready to be the force that he once was when he was with Supertramp. His new songs, like Time Waits for No One and Every Trick in the Book recaptures the magic of his music. He also plays some old Supertramp classics and In Jeopardy (from his first album - In the Eye of the Storm).

Welcome back Roger! We missed you.

It was even more obvious after listening to this album on how much of an influence Rodger had on Supertramp...even on music he did not write. More importantly, I now more than ever want to see this man in concert. I felt a certain familiarity with the songs i did not know, like Every trick in the book. If you want to listen to songs that reminded you of Supertramp's best period, buy this album.

At first, forgive my mistakes. I'm used to write in Spanish.

This CD is an excellent compilation. It's composed by some Roger's songs ( like "Every Trick in The Book" and "Red Lake" ) and some Supertramp's ones: "Give a Little Bit", "Take the Long Way Home"....

I reccommend you this CD. Besides, "Rites of Passage" has got the songs' lyrics. I'd like to thank all the group for this marvellous music !

Argentina is waiting for another visit !

After waiting so long for Roger to put something out, this has to be classified as a disappointment. With the exception of "Don't you wanna get High", there is nothing here to get the old supertramp juices flowing again (or his 1st solo, ITEOTS). Roger seems to work best in the studio, lets hope he gets back there soon!

What's wrong with you people? This is a GREAT CD! Great sound and classic Roger voice!I love the Solo-tramp tour and cd! I'm just glad Roger is still playing, after breaking both of his wrists! Whoever, doesn't like this cd, ...GET A LIFE!

Well...I have 2 ways of looking at this album.

First, critcally, it's not too bad. There are some good moments here. "Every Trick in the Book" is classic Roger, although marred by an overabundance of feedback. Pretty decent songs, although some tend to ramble a bit. And I could have done without the Tramp re-do's - remember Supertramp's live album "Paris", not to mention the 2 live lp's from the new version of the group (although the live "Give a Little Bit" was good to hear). "In Jeopardy" was also a welcome addition, but I pined for more live solo stuff from his albums. But overall an energetic performance.

Now...the fan in me....WHO CARES??? It's Roger's first album in 10 years! His voice still sounds as wonderful as ever. And hearing John Helliwell play sax with him again is enough to send chills down the spine of any fan.

I didn't realize how much I had missed him until this album came along. And I eagerly anticipate more from him. just as long as it doesn't take another decade!