Paul Rodgers & Friends
Live At Montreux 1994
Eagle Rock Records
www.eaglerockent.com

Rainbow
Live In Germany 1976
Eagle Rock Records
www.eaglerockent.com
By George W. Harris

Is there something to be learned in looking back? Judging by what your perspective on these two releases by 70s studs, it depends what you learn from it. As my pastor used to say, let the past be your teacher, and not your tormenter.

Singer Paul Rodgers is one of the best blue-eyed soul singers in modern times. He was the singer of the seminal blues rock band Free (which self-imploded just as it was getting popular in the US) as well as the stadium rock band Bad Company. Here at a 1994 concert at Montreux, he heads the stage with rock stars like Nea Schon/g, Brian May/g, Jason Bonham/dr and blues legends Eddie Kirkland/g and Steve Lukather/g along with various and other sundry artists. Rodgers mixes up the moods like a real pro, from material ranging from his Free days (“Mr. Big,” “Fire and Water”) and Bad Company (“Can’t Get Enough”) to down home acoustic blues like “Muddy Water” or an electrifying “Good Morning Little School Girl” with Brian May. Rodgers’ voice is invincible, even better when teamed with Kirkland on a rousing “Hoochie Coochie Man” that will get you howling with delight. As good an overview of the roots of American music as you want, as well as including the air guitar anthem, “All Right Now.”

Since touring in the 70s with ear splitting groups like Deep Purple and Rainbow, guitarist Richie Blackmore is now content to play ethereal Renaissance styled music. At this 1976 concert in Germany, however, he was the king of the heavy metal kids, leading what some consider the best hard rocking band ever, with a lineup of Ronnie James Dio/v, Cozy Powell/dr, Jimmy Bain/b and Tony Carey/key. There are hints of his future direction, with tunes like “Sixteenth Century Greensleeves” and ”Catch The Rainbow” borrowing from early classical music, but most of the time, we’re talking wailing guitars and vocals, incredible digital dexterity and solos that could have been edited down a few choruses. The band is inspired all throughout, however, and for its genre, going to be tough to beat. Without the smell of grass in the air, and with a volume control, it could be an enjoyable listen!