Schenker & Barden Acoustic Project Gipsy Lady
by John Kindred
Staff Writer
Michael Schenker is no stranger to acoustic albums. Over the years, he has delivered a series of Thank You instrumental acoustic albums for his fans. MSG released Nightmare: The Acoustic M.S.G in ’92, following that up with ’93’s Unplugged, a live, acoustic album. His latest acoustic effort, Gipsy Lady, continues this tradition.
Reuniting with former MSG vocalist, Gary Barden, on ’08’s In The Midst Of Beauty, Schenker aims to put at least a little bit of consistency within his current band. Together, they have written and recorded 12 songs based on the acoustic guitar, unplugged format. Joining Barden and Schenker on this little excursion is producer Michael Voss, who also handled additional guitar and vocal duties, and Kai Luennemann on percussion.
Barden and Schenker dabble with the Latin-flavored “Dance Lady Gipsy,” which features flamenco guitar. The album features Schenker performing instrumental songs; “El Grande” and “The Journey.” “El Grande” is the highlight of the CD, incorporating the best of Schenker’s acoustic guitar style. The music on the album also features the use of piano, fiddle, flutes and female background vocalists.
Barden’s vocals sound tired and strained. It seems he has lost his upper range as most of the songs fall into a mid-to-bass vocal timbre. The lyrics also seem quite hollow and listless as if written with little thought. The music, itself, is a tired rehash of past acoustic efforts. Schenker shines better when combining the acoustic elements within the confines of his electric guitar playing.
Honestly, Gipsy Lady would have been better as an instrumental album. Although he has done the acoustic-themed instrumental before, so why relive it? Schenker’s flashes of brilliance cannot bolster the album beyond its pale musical presentation.
Label: INAKUSTIK
Lineup:
Gary Barden (v)
Michael Schenker (g)
Michael Voss (g)(b)(k)(v)
Kai Luennemann (d)
Track Listing:
1. Lost
2. Dance Lady Gipsy
3. All Of My Life
4. Fight For Freedom
5. El Grande
6. Starting Over
7. Can’t Live On Life Alone
8. Another Melody
9. Travelled So Far
10. Hungry
11. Night Of The Stare
12. The Journey
Hardrock Haven Rating: 5.3/10