Larry Carlton & Sapphire Blues Band Album_ The Paris Concert

A collection of Rare Unreleased Tracks by Blindside Blues Band featuring Mike Onesko on Guitar and Vocals. Includes 11 tracks (65 Minutes) of killer, blues-based, heavy guitar rock riffage/mojo that lands old-school, retrofied, six string kool. Featuring excellent original songs + bad-ass cover songs by Mountain, Montrose, Black Sabbath, Cream & Bodine. Recorded through the years and documented From The Vaults of Grooveyard Records. Prepare to dig deep and Rock the Blues hard & heavy with B.B.B.

The 2001 get together of these two masters at their creative peak was an unforgettable experience fuelled by mutual love and respect, freedom of inspiration and the sheer pleasure of playing. Could there be a better reminder that blues and rock find the main source of their energy in the complicity between musicians? Before you shove the disc into the player, a bit of friendly advice: fasten your seat-belts!

One of the greatest jazz-rock guitarists of the '80s and '90s provides this classic Christmas guitar album. A hugely successful guitarist and composer, Larry Carlton emerged from the Los Angeles studio scene of the late '60s, eventually becoming a popular contemporary jazz artist in his own right. Noted for his lithe technique, sweet-toned, blues-inflected sound, and distinctive use of volume pedals, Carlton first came to prominence as a member of crossover jazz and R&B outfit the Crusaders. From there, he developed into an in-demand session player, recording on up to 500 albums a year and appearing on over 100 gold albums. His studio credits from the '70s and early '80s include work with musicians and groups like Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Michael Jackson, Sammy Davis, Jr., Herb Alpert, Quincy Jones, Bobby Bland, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and literally dozens of others.

By the time Larry Carlton recorded Friends, his status as a guitar legend had already been established. In addition to being admired by musicians, he was also loved by Muzak programmers. His blend of happy pop-jazz was the perfect background music for dentist offices. For those who care to listen closer, there is some excellent guitar work being performed. A good example of this would be his creative improvisation on the introduction to "South Town." His duet with B.B. King on "Blues for TJ" is wonderful. It is refreshing to hear two players who are more interested in sharing ideas than showing off. The scat version of "Tequila," courtesy of Al Jarreau, was also interesting. As with most Carlton recordings, there is something here for just about everyone; there's just not enough of it.