Mother Road-not Route 66

This man was a founding member  of the German powerhouse “Soul Doctor” which I happened upon, back in 2007, via an assignment to interview and review the band’s then latest release “Blood Runs Cold”.  I was so excited to have this assignment, as “Soul Doctor” was everything that the 1970’s Hard Rock movement promised-Rock & Blues

polished to the hilt, exploding the borders of both styles.  At the end of 2011, Chris Lyne left “Soul Doctor” to pursue other musical adventures. but not until the group released their excellent live document and another studio album…”Back To The Bone”.   

In 2012, Chris indicated on his own web page, that he was working on another project…but not saying too much about exactly what, and really nothing about his departure from “Soul Doctor”.

Happily, Chris has joined forces with Keith Slack, the ex-vocalist of “Steelhouse Lane”-another excellent group out of America.  Together they are a formidable song writing force, and the result is another pure Hard-Rock outfit called “Mother Road”!  Both are joined by the legendary Keyboardist, Alessandro Del Vecchio, (whom seems to be on everyone’s album lately), and Zacky Tsoukas on drums, and founding member Frank Binke on bass, whom played for Kingdom Come.  Now, their debut is ready—“Drive”, an album full of Blues-Rock that you are used to hearing from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, early Aerosmith, etc.   Alessandro’s keys of choice are Hammond Organs, and what soul shaking flavour he brings to each and every composition from the main songwriters.  Keith Slack, at times, sounds like a young David Coverdale-again elevating the music to the higher echelons of energised Blues-Rock.  Together this five piece forges everything to a razor edge, what with a dynamic rhythm section to the precise and soaring guitar work of Chris. “Drive” is also a wide-ranging collection of music, from the down right dirty Rock sounds to more subtle Blues infused up-tempo numbers—however everything is delivered with a unadulterated ‘groove’.  Yes, a powerful debut, but one with extreme depth—showcasing each member’s talents and the superb harmony that each produces!

 This new group of seasoned musicians is most worthy of your attention…”Mother Road”…now available in the finest of record stores.  Now, let’s hope they decide to tour—it’ll be 1978 all over again!!

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Upcoming Club/Concert Highlights:

The Blue Gator:  Hank Stallion:  Sept. 11^th    The Goods:  Sept. 12^th  & 13^th    Zamboni Brothers:  Sept. 18^th   Jimmy LeGuilloux:   Sept. 19^th & 20^th   Hank Stallion:  Sept. 25^th  Zamboni Brothers:  Sept. 26^th & 27^th

Checkers Bar & Grill (Vernon):  Colt 45: Sept. 12^th & 13^th

Doc Willoughby’s Downtown Pub:    The Steadies:  Sept. 19^th

The Green:   HogWild:   Sept. 12^th  & 13^th

O'Flannigan's Pub:   (Live Music every Tuesday with Riaz and Friends)   We Are Live:  Sept. 12^th & 13^th  Floyd Vedan Band:  Sept. 19^th & 20^th   Linus:  Sept. 26^th

Notable Concerts:    

Minstrel Café:  Maria Muldaur:  September 11^th

Prospera  Place:    Alan Jackson  Sept. 25^th   Sarah McLachlan:   Oct. 24^th   

Kelowna Community Theatre:  Gordon Lightfoot:   Oct. 28^th 

South Okanagan Events Centre:  John Fogerty:  November 27^th 

              

   …if you have a musical story or news and would like me to write something… drop me a line at:  [email protected]  and let’s celebrate Kelowna’s rich and varied music community together!!.....

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.