Friends & Family
Sunset Blvd, 2023
8/10
The frontman Jock Bartley returns with his long running outfit, Firefall, for an album that covers some of the most legendary acts ever, where the 13 tracks surround the ‘70s and all its glory.
“Long Train Running” opens the listen and wastes no time making an impression, where Jim Waddell’s sax bouts adds much energy to The Doobie Brothers classic, and it isn’t long until “What About Love?” features Heart’s original guitarist, Howard Leese, and the newest Firefall member, John Bisaha, on bass and vocals.
Further along, Loggins & Messina’s contribution, “Angry Eyes”, spotlights acoustic guitars and plenty of vocal harmonies, while “World Turning” is full of retro-rock ideas that help make this the record’s best.
Close to the end, The Flying Burrito Brothers’ “Colorado” is full of cozy piano amid the soulful backing vocals and gentle warmth that uses pedal steel superbly, and “Ooh Las Vegas”, by Gram Parsons, exits with an upbeat and dance floor ready demeanor that’s as infectious as it is memorable.
Firefall certainly put their own spin on songs that most of us will be familiar with, and their country-rock leanings are present and appreciated as they prove that nearly 50 years after their first hit single, they can still play music you’ll want to hear repeatedly.
Travels well with: Tom Heyman- 24th Street Blues; Peter Case- Doctor Moan