Joe Perry Have Guitar Will Travel
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
Over the years, one band that has survived the test of time and influenced many a generation of rock fans is Boston’s Aerosmith. The Boston Bad Boys have set the bar high in outstanding musicianship and song writing.
One of the primary songwriters and guitarist of the iconic band Aerosmith is guitarist Joe Perry. This Fall Joe Perry is taking his solo project entitled the Joe Perry Project on the road this month in support of his upcoming release Have Guitar Will Travel via Roman Records on October 6. Joe Perry recently performed to a sold out crowds at Fusion 5 in Foxboro, Mass. and Club Hell in Providence, RI. Performing a two hour set at a recent show in Foxboro which included mixture of Aerosmith hits, cover songs and four songs off of his upcoming CD, Perry proved he without a doubt one of Rock’s premiere guitarists.
Have Guitar Will Travel features a singer who hails from Germany called Hagen who sings four songs on the CD including single, “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go.” Joe Perry sings lead on five songs on the release. The album has a certain Boston ambiance with guest appearances by Boston rocker Willie Loco Alexander, bassist David Hull, who was in the Joe Perry Project in the 80’s, and drummer Ben Tileston. Joe Perry showcases his love for the blues and at the same time doesn’t stray too far from his signature trademark sound. Perry’s solos are catchy and sometimes haunting. The album channels that raw sound that first propelled Aerosmith onto the charts back in the day with their bluesy riffs reminiscent of “Walking The Dog”, and “Mama Kin”.
Opening track “We’ve Got A Long Way To Go” sets the tone for the entire album and is a surefire hit. Blues rocker “Slingshot” has the Boston Scruffy “The Cat” appeal with its bluesy danceable sound.
“Do You Wonder” is the perfect love gone rock song. “Somebody’s Gonna Get (Their Head Kicked In Tonight)” is the perfect Friday night song that kind of reminds of the Elton John hit, “Saturday Is All Right For Fighting.”
Guitar virtuoso shines and showcases his guitar prowess on the instrumental “Wooden Ships.” Stand out track is “Freedom.” If you love early Aerosmith this album is a collector’s item. Joe Perry takes his guitar to a whole new level of blues/rock reminiscent of early Yardbirds and Jimmy Page. For updates on tour dates visit www.joeperry.com be sure to order your copy today.
Have Guitar Will Travel brings back guitar solos in brilliant fashion. While Aerosmith is on hiatus with the recent Steven Tyler shoulder incident, be sure to check out Rock’s premiere guitarist Joe Perry on tour this Fall. “From The East Coast To The West Coast”, Joe Perry will be showcasing his unique brillant guitar style to fans across the country.
Label: Roman Records
Track Listing
l. We’ve Got A Long Way To Go
2. Slingshot
3. Do You Wonder
4. Somebody’s Gonna Get (Their Head Kicked In Tonight)
5. Heaven And Hell
6. No Surprise
7. Wooden Ships
8. Oh Lord
9. Scare The Cat
10. Freedom
HRH Rating: 8/10