Post by denny on Dec 26, 2021 16:50:28 GMT
A couple years back I purchased the first four Rainbow albums. The first three albums had the incomparable Ronnie James Dio on vocals. The album 'Rising' is an absolute classic. When Ritchie Blackmore decided to point the band in a more commercial direction Ronnie was out and Graham Bonnet took over the mic for Rainbow's fourth album 'Down to Earth' which I really enjoyed as well. Bonnet has very powerful pipes and has/had a look that was very different from the accepted rock image of the time. Sadly, Bonnet was only with Rainbow for the one album, but I decided to follow some of his other work so I purchased the following for this Christmas:
- Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group)(Schenker being from UFO and brother of Rudy Schenker of Scorpions)
- No Parole From Rock n Roll (Alcatrazz) featuring a young, little known at the time Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar
- Disturbing The Peace (Alcatrazz) featuring the now legendary Steve Vai on guitar
Bonnet's work with Schenker was limited to one (infamous) gig (search that one for yourself!), and the Alcatrazz albums definitely should have gotten more attention than they garnered at the time. But, they were 'Big in Japan' as they say in the industry. An enjoyable listen throughout the three discs - some great songs, some patchy songs, consistent vocal power throughout with occasional over the top singing, and instrumental prowess for the guitar heads out there... To summarize, Graham Bonnet is definitely a guy hard rock fans from the late 70s and early 80s will recognize and respect, but he didn't quite reach the level he should have given his singing talent... Thanks to a link on this website I was able to hear Bonnet's cover of 'Whisper in the Night' which is very well done...
Merry Christmas everyone, best of luck in 2022!
- Assault Attack (Michael Schenker Group)(Schenker being from UFO and brother of Rudy Schenker of Scorpions)
- No Parole From Rock n Roll (Alcatrazz) featuring a young, little known at the time Yngwie Malmsteen on guitar
- Disturbing The Peace (Alcatrazz) featuring the now legendary Steve Vai on guitar
Bonnet's work with Schenker was limited to one (infamous) gig (search that one for yourself!), and the Alcatrazz albums definitely should have gotten more attention than they garnered at the time. But, they were 'Big in Japan' as they say in the industry. An enjoyable listen throughout the three discs - some great songs, some patchy songs, consistent vocal power throughout with occasional over the top singing, and instrumental prowess for the guitar heads out there... To summarize, Graham Bonnet is definitely a guy hard rock fans from the late 70s and early 80s will recognize and respect, but he didn't quite reach the level he should have given his singing talent... Thanks to a link on this website I was able to hear Bonnet's cover of 'Whisper in the Night' which is very well done...
Merry Christmas everyone, best of luck in 2022!