Steve Fister Band
Live Bullets
ZYX Music
Review by Nightwatcher for Rock N Roll Universe
One of the most underrated players of the past decade, California
based guitarist Steve Fister is back with a blistering live set of
smoking hot blues rock, recorded live in Oldenburg, Germany on the
35th of 36 dates on his 2006 European tour. Featuring no overdubs,
this is a stellar showcase for one of rock's best kept secrets, as
the stellar trio rips through a collection of tracks from all of
his prior studio albums with abandon, leaving no doubt that this
is the real deal.
The album leaps from the starting gate with a rousing version of the instrumental "True
Grit" from Fister's excellent 'Age Of Great Dreams'
release, and from this point on never looks back. Masterfully switching gears
from high octane blues rock such as "She's Ain't Lonesome" to contemplative
pieces like "Age Of Great Dreams" or the heavy rock of the crowd pleasing
medley "Baby Please Don't Go/3rd Stone From The Sun/Radar Love" with
ease, this is the work of a well seasoned player. One who hearkens back to the
glory days of rock when actual musicianship mattered. Influenced in equal parts
by Jeff Beck, the 3 Kings (B.B., Albert and Freddie) and the sounds of classic
70's hard rock, the former Pat Travers/Steppenwolf/Lita Ford guitarist can hang
with the best of them.
Unlike too many who concentrate on merely the technical, Fister is a well rounded
musician for whom the song is what matters. Although technically brilliant when
need be, it's never an end in itself. A gifted vocalist as well, he shines in
a live setting. Without the gloss of the studio to smooth things out, the vocals
are suitably gritty and authentic, which adds to the overall presentation. Fister
even breaks out the old talk box during the middle of "J.B. Meets J.B." (Jeff
Beck meets James Brown), launching into a snippet of Peter Frampton's "Do You
Feel Like We Do", validating the claim that give a guitarist this effect and
sooner or later, this will ensue! But, it sounds great, and works quite well.
Supported wonderfully by bassist Barend Courbois and drummer Hans in’t
Zandt, forming a tight, hard driving rock trio whom sound at home with the material,
the three give impassioned performances throughout. Never one to hog the spotlight,
Fister allows these two ample time to display their considerable talents and
then some.
German audiences are notoriously hard to please, dating back to the days of The
Beatles, but by the time the last notes of the encore, "Pay Bo Diddley"
ring out, it's met with a fantastic reception, leaving the cheering crowd wanting
more. It's quite obvious that a splendid, magical time was had by all, and one
which makes one wish they were there to witness, which is a hallmark of a great
live album.
The bottom line here is, if you're a blues rock fan, or for that matter a fan
of excellent guitar work, you can't go wrong with this one. Once you've
heard what's on offer here, do yourself a favor and pick up any of the earlier
releases as well, which feature performances by some of rock's great players
such as Stu Hamm, Tommy Aldridge, Carmine Appice, Reese Wynans and Tony Franklin.
You won't be disappointed, and all come highly recommended. 10/10
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