Tag Archives: 70s classic rock

Cactus – Tightrope

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CACTUS CD - TIGHTROPE (2021) - NEW UNOPENED - ROCK - PURPLE PYRAMID

Cactus returns with a new album titled Tightrope, their first in 5 years. The band were originally founded by [then former] Vanilla Fudge members Tim Bogert [RIP] and Carmine Appice, along with guitarist Jim McCarty [ex Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels] and singer Rusty Day [ex Amboy Dukes], making the band something of a ‘supergroup’ at the time, and would be dubbed ‘the American Led Zeppelin’ for their blues rock approach. In 2021 the band is still lead by the legendary drummer, and includes longtime members Jimmy Kunes [vocals], guitarist [and co-producer w/ Appice] – Paul Warren [ex Rod Stewart, Rare Earth..], Randy Pratt on harmonica [The Lizards], and bass player Jimmy Caputo. Tightrope also includes guest appearances from Jim McCarty, Phil Naro, and Pete Bremy.

Featuring 12 tracks of varied blues and blues rock, Tightrope is a good album to get in to and enjoy multiple plays, with so much to offer. Notable is the rocked up cover of “Papa Was A Rolling Stone”, a song that Warren played on as a session for The Temptations decades ago. Other highlights include blues rock numbers “Primitive Touch” and “Elevation”, as well as the epic atmospheric piece “Suite 1 and 2: Everlong, All The Madmen”. Dig the closing track “Wear It Out”, a cool rock tune, with the added bonus of featuring McCarty and Naro. *Available on CD or a nice looking 2 LP gatefold, colored vinyl.

Classic Rock Legends CACTUS Balance Power & Precision On New Album TIGHTROPE! | Glass Onyon PR

Cactus – Tightrope (Limited Edition Colored Double Vinyl) – Cleopatra Records Store (cleorecs.com)

CACTUS ROCKS

KJJ, 04/’21

Corky Laing’s Mountain – The Toledo Sessions

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Corky Laing’s first solo studio album since 1977’s Makin’ It On The Street, Toledo Sessions was released on CD in September of 2019, which has been followed up by a limited orange vinyl edition [along with a vinyl reissue of The Secret Sessions w/ various ’70s legends like Ian Hunter, Mick Ronson, Clapton, Dickie Betts… from ’99] . Toledo Sessions is a return to a classic blues hard rock sound, with plenty of variety, and great playing – which should appeal to Mountain fans. On it Laing teams up with Mark Mikel [ex The Pillbugs, The Sprags], and whom guested on the last Alan Parsons’ album] who handles bass, engineer, and co-produces, along with blues guitarist Chris Shutters [who released his first solo album in 2019, as well]– both share lead vocal duties.

“Beautiful Flies” kicks off this album, and it’s a great heavy blues rock tune, and there’s plenty of heavy blues riffs rock, combined with more laid back melodies, and cool tracks in “The Road Goes On”, “Knock Me Over”, “How’s The Weather” [riff reminds me of The Allman Brothers], and the outstanding “Information Overload”, and the summertime ballad “Earthquake” [great ’70s vibe here] . A solid album of 9 tunes, well written and produced.

“The excitement brought on by the new repertoire is reminiscent of the classic Mountain albums, Climbing! and Nantucket Sleighride.” [from Prudential website]

After 50 Years Drummer Corky Laing Is Still Climbing the Mountain! | Glass Onyon PR

*For ordering: Prudential Music Group

Musician | Corky Laing (corkylaingworks.com)

KJJ, 04/’21