Bob Silvestri - Best of WNY

Whoever said rock and roll is dead has obviously not heard the latest from the Starlite Campbell Band titled Live!.

The third album from the husband and wife team of Suzy Starlite and Simon Campbell captures the energy and the power of the band in all its glory.

Recorded at various venues in the UK the eight tracks offer a modern take on the esteemed tradition of British blues and features Steve Gibson (The Buzzcocks, Jack Bruce) on drums and a trio of organists including Jonny Henderson (Matt Scofield, Kirk Fletcher), Christian Madden (Liam Gallagher Band) and Josh Phillips (Procol Harum) along with Starlite on bass and vocals and Campbell on guitar and vocals.

Highlights include the slick rocker "Brother", the epic incendiary and shimmering slow blues rocker "Cry Over You", the mid tempo ballad featuring a killer chorus and guitar solo "Take Time To Grow Old", the driving hook laden sounds of "Said So", the smoldering "Guilty" with Suzi on vocals, the funky strut of "Preacher of Love", the in the pocket groove of "Misgivings" and a exquisite cover of Procol Harum's "Whiter Shade of Pale with Phillips on the organ.

If I indulged in the practice of year end "Best Albums" lists, Starlite Campbell Band's album Live! would be on my Best of 2022 list.

Best of WNY - Bob Silvestri