FRANK
MARINO &
MAHOGANY RUSH
"Eye
of the Storm" (Just a Minute Records; 2001)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
I first heard of Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush some years ago when I purchased the double LP (that's right, vinyl!) recording of the Cal Jam 2 concert. I bought it because of the Ted Nugent tracks more than anything else. But it was the Frank Marino tracks that really caught my ear.
Marino is a guitar player of unique style. He combines a Southern rock style with a Hendrix-like psychedelia. His technique is bold and solid. He's the kind of guitar player (and they're rarer every day) whose solos you don't mind listening to.
"Eye of the Storm" provides plenty of that Hendrix-like guitar along with songs that are well-written, thoughtful and, I think (although I've never met him) a window into the mind and soul of Frank Marino.
The CD floats back and forth between sounds reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Eric Clapton and even Sting. Fans of any of those artists will find something to like with "Eye of the Storm."
It's good that artists as talented as Frank Marino are still out there making records and touring. "Eye of the Storm" is an example of what - you should excuse the expression - mature hard rock can sound like. It won't have you banging your head, but it might have you contemplating your existence and your soul, while rocking you pretty solidly as it does so.
Performing on "Eye of the Storm" are: Frank Marino - guitars, vocals, keyboards, tympani; Peter Dowse - electric bass guitar; Dave Goode - Drums, percussion; Mick Layne - rhythm guitar.
For more information, please visit http://www.mahoganyrush.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 1998 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 18 Mar 2024 11:16:01 -0500.
