Play 90 second soundbite of 'Secret Agent' @ 'CD quality'
One of the quiet and unassuming blues-sters currently on the big scene, real nice guy Ashton shows just what can be done with contemporary rock/blues. Sitting nicely astride the invisible fence that separates raw blues from hard rock, 'Prohibition' will suit both camps equally well. Just listen to how Ashton makes his vibrant and explosive axe growl, wail, cry and laugh, adding depth and feeling to emphasise the lyric lines - stunning!
'Prohibition' is solid gold from start to finish. Ashton has called on friends and 'brothers in arms' Chris Glenn and Ted McKenna as his mainstay band here and with a bit of extra help from Don Airey and Liz McLaughlin the sleeve notes reads like a who's who of modern blues. So, with all that wealth of experience and Ashton's natural bent for solid rock'n'blues, this just had to be something very special. Oh, and it is!!
Ballsy and dynamic, 'Prohibition' touches spots that most albums can't get close to. It just keeps on comin' at yer like a tenacious terrier that, once it's got a hold it just won't let go. Ashton's gritty vocal delivery is precise and emotionally charged - heart and soul stuff beautifully woven into the superb tapestry of guitar laden songs that just kick ass. And, what guitar! Ashton shows his true colours here; he proves that he's a match for anyone with his beautifully poised, expressioned style.
Generally hard rockin' and up-front 'Prohibition' begs to be played loud but, it's not all in-yer-face stuff - Ashton slips in a couple of real gritty, acoustic based 'chunes' for good measure and some aural respite. It all works incredibly well. Superbly packaged and presented, 'Prohibition' leaves nothing to chance - this is indeed the total 'package' - the mutt's nuts! Guitar driven blues rock is not only alive and well but thriving in the hands of the mighty blues warlord that is Gwyn Ashton. But please, don't just believe me; go grab a copy and give it a try for yourself - it's a stunner!
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