ERIC MARTIN - Mr. Rock Vocalist (2012)

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Mr. Big's singer ERIC MARTIN has been recording several albums in Japan during the last ten years covering hit songs from bands of the land of the rising sun, mostly including pop numbers and even a Christmas CD.
But this time Eric (and his label) have chosen to version Rock songs - the style we all want to hear from him - entitled "Mr. Rock Vocalist", released the last November only in Asia.

With the contribution of top class guitar players like the great Steve Stevens, Richie Kotzen, Marty Friedman and others, Eric has delivered this time a hot rockin' bunch of versions.
We have kicking melodious hard rockers such as "Dreamin´" an original hit in Asia by Japanese band 'Boowy', "Temptation" originally from glammers 'Gray' and the very Mr. Big-like "One Third Of Emotion", a killer single by Tokio greats 'Siam Shade'.
The fabulous midtempo "Alone" featuring Stevie Salas was penned by 'B'z', the bluesy hard rocker is an original from 'The Yellow Monkey', while the melodic "Honey" is a cover from another very good band: 'L'Arc～en～Ciel', featuring an insane John5 solo.
More rock&pop is the goodie "Gloria" from solo artist 'Ziggy', the groovy rocker "I For You" featuring Marty Friedman is a 'Lunar Sea' original, while "Forever Love" as you expect is a very good ballad penned by another famous Japanese band: 'X Japan'.
All are great covers with the unmistakable Eric Martin touch and superb musicianchip from all involved.

As bonus, we have two Eric Martin orignals co-written with Andre Pessis, his usual partner for Mr. Big songs. Both tracks were used for the game 'CR Virtua Fighter Revolution': the uptempo hard rocker "Break Out" is the main theme, while "The Heart Of A Champion" is the outro track, a more melodic rock oriented tune. These songs are really, really good.
"Mr. Rock Vocalist" is a great CD (only released in Japan) featuring solid hard rocking songs performed & arranged with the usual Eric Martin class.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.


① Dreamin' (feat. Steve Stevens)
② Temptation
③ One Third Of Emotion
④ Alone (feat. Stevie Salas)
⑤ Angel
⑥ Paradise (feat. Richie Kotzen)
⑦ Honey (feat. John 5)
⑧ Gloria
⑨ I For You (feat. Marty Friedman)
⑩ Forever Love
～Bonus Tracks～
(composed by Eric Martin & Andre Pessis):
⑪ Break Out
⑫ The Heart Of A Champion


BUY IT !
www.cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=SICP-3587