Post by jptheprofessor on Aug 15, 2008 2:25:06 GMT -5
FOREIGNER – LIVE IN ‘05 (Trigger Productions) Foreigner purists may scowl at the idea that contemporary Foreigner features only one remaining member from the group’s mega-hit glory years, founder and guitarist Mick Jones. But as the performances unfold on the live album Live in ‘05, the current Foreigner roster – featuring Jones, Jason Bonham on drums, former Hurricane singer Kelly Hansen, former Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson, sax player Tom Gimbel, and keyboardist Jeff Jacobs (since replaced by Michael Bluestein) – sounds strikingly close to the original hit-making band of the late 70’s and early 80’s. Recorded live in Las Vegas on November 26, 2005, Live in ‘05 captures this edition of Foreigner with a full head of steam as they performed many of the legendary hits. Hansen’s voice and style closely eclipses longtime Foreigner frontman Lou Gramm’s without sounding forced or contrived, and the band itself enthusiastically refreshes these classics without straying far from the original prototypes. And when they do elaborate on them, the results are electrifying; such as Jones’ extended guitar solo displays that open “Urgent” and “Hot Blooded,” and the clever infusion of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” into “Juke Box Hero” in recognition of Bonham’s pedigree. But while the rockers rock, the group’s performance of hit ballads like “Waiting for a Girl Like You” and “I Want to Know What Love Is” are tender and reverent, with the group nicely capturing the tone and essence of the original hits. Produced by Pilson with the final mix by Pilson, Jones and Hansen, the album sounds crisp and clean, with the band sounding well-balanced and the ecstatic crowd audible and ever-present. It may not be the original Foreigner, but this cast of seasoned players carries the torch admirably on Live in ‘05, and honors the group’s legacy well with a stirring concert document.