The Lou Gramm Band The Lou Gramm Band
by Edwin van Hoof
Staff Writer
Three Gramms in a band, justify the name… right?! But for most fans, it is Lou who is the center of attention. His long spanning career with Foreigner and his both excellent solo records, make expectations running high for this one. After overcoming the life-wrecking tumor, Lou reunited with Foreigner for a second stint. Whether it was musical differences of the long touring streaks the band had lined up, the collaboration wasn’t lasting long. Gramm moved on and this is the first glimpse of his new found power.
The self-titled debut features Mr. Gramm at his very best. Though not hitting the highs of his Foreigner heydays, Lou been keen enough to have his songs tailor made, molded closely ‘round his soulful and warm voice, which is still pristine. The material is honest and clearly reflects on Gramm’s past and new found power after battling his brain tumor in the late nineties. A little white touch of light, praising life and emotionally redefining his life, faith and belief without falling into preaching.
Lou’s elusive career and thus status has provided him with the tools to fit emotion, faith, soul with slick and gorgeous melodic rock and AOR. It doesn’t take off like with Foreigner, but doesn’t lack power either.
“Baptized by Fire” is thé perfect example of that. Big choirs and tempting chord elevation featuring Lou on the top of his skills. Great guitarwork from Mancuso who dazzles during the solos all over the album. The rather religious “So Great” and “Rattle Yer Bones” are classic rock outburst with great hooks and powerful drive. “(I wanna) Testify” hits the same classic tone, though reaching out more to soul inflicted rock of the early 70’s. Much in the vein of Paul Rodgers and The Free perhaps, the song benefits from Gramm’s remarkable voice. Warm and powerful, exploring the midrange slightly more than in the old days.
The Gramm Band also delivers some top notch mid tempo material like the slick and commercial “Single Vision,” which isn’t the expected rant on his Foreigner departure, or the jaw dropping “Made to be Broken.” This last one needs a bit more time to sink in, but totally wins you over by the second spin. Gramm and his men however shine the most during the impressive hymns to life; ballads! “That’s the Way God Planned It” is one of the finest in the field. Big, with choirs powering up constantly and a chorus which warms the heart. Lou showcasing his skills and bedazzling warm voice. It just creeps up on you and nests the way “I Wanna Know What Love Is” tends to do. Warm and sincere. “You Saved Me” is warm and tastefully orchestrated with Mancuso throwing his weight around skillfully, and Gramm giving praise to his believe.
The Lou Gramm Band self-titled debut is not exactly what’s expected and perhaps might scare off fans of harder rocking melodic music in general, but it also delivers a solid introduction which is tastefully composed and performed by a band in fine shape. Topped off by Gramm’s amazing vocals and Mancuso’s remarkable feeling for the perfect solo in the right song, this is just an excellent album. Perhaps a bit to religiously wrenched and for some too much Westcoast directed, it simply needs a spin or so to win you over. And it does!
Label: Frontiers records
Line-up
Lou Gramm: vocals
Ben Gramm: drums
Richard Gramm: bass
Andy Knoll: keyboards
Don Mancuso: guitars
Track Listing
01. Baptized By Fire
02. Made To Be Broken
03. Willing To Forgive
04. That’s The Way God Planned It
05. I Wanna Testify
06. So Great
07. Redeemer
08. Single Vision
09. Rattle Yer Bones
10. You Saved Me
HRH Rating: 8.1/10