Customer Reviews

War Pipes

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

 

 

War Pipes first album mixes a very interesting blend of harder-edged mainstream rock with some soulfull yet folksy ballads and a couple of "pop perfect" radio friendly tunes. Though they may sound a bit familiar, they all have some very unique twists and turns that make this a refreshing disc to listen to.

Although I am biased and will listen to anything that Davey Johnstone releases, I must admit that I was impressed with Billy Trudel's voice and how he interprets Davey's songs, (most of them co-written with Steve Trudel) and helps to create a different sound for Elton's backing band of Davey, Nigel Olsson (a total musician that just happens to kick ... on drums), Bob Birch (rock steady on bass) and the subtly amazing Guy Babylon on keyboards.

The first half of the album rocks hard from the opening notes of "Rock and Roll Condition" - a familiar sounding cruising tune to the heavy handed chorus of "Little Persuader" and culminating with the thunderous blues tune called "Mr. 2 U" in which the band takes a unique approach to the chord progression, holding the listener at bay until they decide to move forward.

"One Love True" is a pop ballad that starts the second half of the disc. On "Tear Jerker" Billy's passionate vocals wail with empathy for the title. "Divided Heart" reminds the listener of the very best of Journey with that big ballad, pop-perfect sound. "Back a ma Buick" is a funky, fun rocker that has a fresh yet famailar sound that would fit quite nicely being played on the car stereo.

The musicianship on this album is flawless and the intelligence of the compositions and production is so subtle that it takes a couple of listens through to thoroughly appreciate what these artists have created.

Note to Davey: Please release "Smiling Face" and the "China" album on CD!

Note to the Warpipes band: Please record some more! This album is a worthy first effort and it sounds like you all enjoyed doing it.

Far from the screaming and banging associated with hard rock, this group has lyrics that are understandable and acceptable, with a few cuss words. The music compliments the words admirably and the songs hold their own. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Overall an enjoyable CD.

I've been telling people for years that Elton John had the best backing band in the business! Here they showcase their talents as a separate entity, and have created a masterpiece.
Davey Johnstone's guitar is simply stunning; Nigel Olsson's drumming as solid and distinctive as ever.
Bob Birch's bass and Guy Babylon's keyboards are spot on, and Billy Trudel seems custom built for the vocals.
Regarding the songs; the previous reviewer has already summed each one up, and I would echo his comments. Each and every one is superb.
This is a rare album, in that all songs on it are of equal, high standard.
You will be hooked after the first few bars of "Rock and Roll Condition";
after that, just sit back and enjoy perfection!

I've been telling people for years that Elton John had the best backing band in the business! Here they showcase their talents as a separate entity, and have created a masterpiece.
Davey Johnstone's guitar is simply stunning; Nigel Olsson's drumming as solid and distinctive as ever.
Bob Birch's bass and Guy Babylon's keyboards are spot on, and Billy Trudel seems custom built for the vocals.
Regarding the songs; the previous reviewer has already summed each one up, and I would echo his comments. Each and every one is superb.
This is a rare album, in that all songs on it are of equal, high standard.
You will be hooked after the first few bars of "Rock and Roll Condition";
after that, just sit back and enjoy perfection!

War Pipes first album mixes a very interesting blend of harder-edged mainstream rock with some soulfull yet folksy ballads and a couple of "pop perfect" radio friendly tunes.
Though they may sound a bit familiar, they all have some very unique twists and turns that make this a refreshing disc to listen to.

Although I am biased and will listen to anything that Davey Johnstone releases, I must admit that I was impressed with Billy Trudel's voice and how he interprets Davey's songs,
(most of them co-written with Steve Trudel) and helps to create a different sound for Elton's backing band of Davey, Nigel Olsson (a total musician that just happens to kick ... on
drums), Bob Birch (rock steady on bass) and the subtly amazing Guy Babylon on keyboards.

The first half of the album rocks hard from the opening notes of "Rock and Roll Condition" - a familiar sounding cruising tune to the heavy handed chorus of "Little Persuader" and
culminating with the thunderous blues tune called "Mr. 2 U" in which the band takes a unique approach to the chord progression, holding the listener at bay until they decide to
move forward.

"One Love True" is a pop ballad that starts the second half of the disc. On "Tear Jerker" Billy's passionate vocals wail with empathy for the title. "Holes in the Heavens" has a haunting groove that hooks you in. It vacillates between groove and hard- edged pop, but hits the listener right in the soul. "Divided Heart" reminds the
listener of the very best of Journey with that big ballad, pop-perfect sound. "Back a ma Buick" is a funky, fun rocker that has a fresh yet familiar sound that would fit quite nicely
cranked up on the car stereo.

The musicianship on this album is flawless and the intelligence of the compositions and production is so subtle that it takes a couple of listens through to thoroughly appreciate what
these artists have created.

Note to Davey: Please release "Smiling Face" and the "China" album on CD!

Note to the Warpipes band: Please record some more! This album is a worthy first effort and it sounds like you all enjoyed doing it.