review by John Valenteyn, Toronto Blues Society.
CD Baby CD's can be purchased at most major CD stores in Canada, and signed copies by the band from the stage at all Wild T and the Spirit concerts!
Musicians: On the CD, in addition to Tony Springer and Guenther Kapelle
-- by Joe Curtis -- original article here Wild ‘T’ & The Spirit, featuring ex-David Bowie guitarist Tony Springer, is MIND BLOWING in all respects, musical and otherwise - a true musical masterpiece any way you look at it. It’s been a true pleasure listening to and reviewing this highest order of musical creations. ‘True Bliss’ opens with some very ‘blissful’ rhythms and rhymes in the very appropriately titled, “Heaven Knows”. Real romantic feelings are vividly portrayed with sincere lyrics like “Heaven knows how much I need you - yes I do”. Guenther Kapelle’s bass lines seem to echo the heart, in a refreshing and meaningful way. Springer’s vocals echo the joy of being in love, and speak age-old characterizations, with the lyrics, “Romeo and Juliet”, repeated as the rapidity of the heart’s pulse would beat. The incredible lead guitar riffs Tony plays here, are complemented by his ‘wall of sound’ guitar rhythms. The scorching guitar rhythms and raw vocals on “Jungle Love”, would tear the soul of any rock fan’s resistance to animal magnetism; courtesy of Springer’s exquisite guitar work and tantalizing vocals. Wayne Brauer, the CD’s producer, provides some amazing 12-string guitar rhythms on “Jungle …”; while Peter Nunn’s K-3 (Korg CX-3) playing adds atmosphere to the musical proceedings. “High School Confidential” makes me go ballistic, from Tony’s scorching guitar riffs. This rock frenzy is combined with guest vocalist Carole Pope’s (Rough Trade founder), sharing uncompromising lead and background vocals with Tony -- which hit their mark with precision accuracy. Carole’s vocals cut the edge of juvenile delinquent protest, to the point where all resistance to her overpowering sensuality is useless. The frantic pace continues with a jazzy, and amazingly rocky premise in the title tune, “True Bliss”. Nunn’s organ playing here, is as scarily to-the-point as any iconic Hammond creation can muster up in its stupendous keys creativity. The ‘T’ master, Tony Springer himself, takes jazz to a new and all-original height of ‘true musical bliss’, with the good taste and inner motivation he provides in the arrangement of “True Bliss”. The jazz-inspired theme continues with “Love’s Holiday”. Springer tells his lady, “baby, you’re the main attraction - don’t turn me down.” Nunn’s K-3 work on this one seems to answer Tony’s request to his main love interest - replying the best way he knows how - with guitar licks so appropriate they seem to talk the talk, and walk the path of true music greatness. The next amazing musical creation on this heavenly sent CD, is the blues-inspired “Jenny”. Springer tells his girl, “I’ve been missing you baby, for all my life … Oh, Jenny, I’ve got a crush on you.” Say no more Mr. Springer - the girl is yours. Nunn’s organ work here is magnificent - added to this awesome musical mixture is Brian Lass’ drumming, which is creative beyond belief. Springer’s jazzy vocals on “Jenny” blow my mind - this guy can sing circles around some of the best jazz vocalists around, but with a people feel, that grabs the soul without resistance Tony echoes it’s “Hard To Believe”, with true, soulful spirit. His guitar rhythms jive perfectly with Kapelle’s bass lines and Brian’s drums - they’re as tight as a any band can be. The screaming guitar leads Springer comes up with on “Hard To …” are reminiscent of some Hendrix riffs on “All Along The Watchtower”. I think my favorite tune on this remarkable CD is “All The King’s Horses”. The ecologically-conscious lyrics in this tune, speak of “acid rain … pushing a button and blowing the world to Kingdom come” -- but also offers a solution as simple and brilliant as “put your weapons down”. The familiar nursery rhyme verse regarding ‘Humpty Dumpty’, has wisdom contained in its meaning, in regards to what’ll happen if we let the world’s downward spiral continue - like Humpty Dumpty, we just won’t be able to put it together again … literally!!! “You’re The One”, is a beautiful, romantic ballad that tells the girl, “Lovin’ You Is Like A Dream … I can’t tell if this is real” … a true love ballad if I ever heard one. The George Benson guitar stylings from Springer that ripple through this tune, are upbeat and inspiring. Their youthful enthusiasm is mirrored in Nunn’s fabulous K-3 riffs that blend so well with Springer’s guitar work on this very romantic ballad. Canadian jazz legend Guido Basso’s flugal horn and muted trumpet add real class to this incredible jazz influenced tune. What a stellar talent roster!!!!!!! The momentum slows down, as Tony’s vocals sing love’s lament in “Can’t Get You (Outta My Mind)”. He tells us, “Just can’t get you out of my mind” -- then has the one and only Jeff Healey play out his musical frustration with guitar licks that temporarily alleviate Springer’s solitude. Tony springs back, singing, “I just keep hangin’ on.” The beautiful jazz arrangements on “Can’t Get You (Outta) …” lend a sense of importance to Springer’s dilemma. Healey again entertains us with some scorching guitar licks, that bring this great tune to a rockin’ conclusion “Happy Song” is an organist’s delight - definitely upbeat and fun. Tony’s guitar licks get in on the fun, letting his fingers go their merry way on the neck of his trademark Fender Strat. Julie Long and Annette Waters sing harmonious background vocals with Tony, effectively conveying the musical concept that harmony in life does exist, and will make us ‘happy’. Mr. Basso’s flugal horn and muted trumpet playing resounds the same happy, upbeat way on this truly ‘happy song’. As a teenager decades ago, I was very lucky to see the Guido Basso Orchestra performing with clarinet icon Benny Goodman one summer night, at an outdoor concert at the C.N.E. Bandshell in Toronto, Canada. Soon after on another memorable evening at the same outdoor venue, Mr. Basso and his world-class orchestra, performed with the all-time king of all that is drums -- the immortal Gene Krupa. I consider myself fortunate to have seen both these performances, as well as meeting Mr. Krupa. He gave me his autograph that night, and a glossy photo of himself playing a Slingerland drum set - I still have the autograph and the photo. Mr. Krupa was a very friendly, down to earth person, and took time with everyone who wanted to meet him that night. Mr. Basso, along with Moe Koffman, Peter Appleyard, Henry Cuesta and the others in the Guido Basso Orchestra, outdid themselves on those memorable occasions -- as did Mr. Basso again, here on ‘True Bliss’. In “Hello” Tony says “goodbye to yesterday … hello to today” - a simple premise, but oh so true! Guenther Kapelle provides some very funky bass riffs, as does Nunn’s K-3 playing. Tony sings the guitar leads, blending well with the instrumental leads. The ‘George Benson’ influence comes through clearly here, with Tony’s mesmerizing guitar riffs. Only a guitar master like Springer, could bring this tune to a musical conclusion, with guitar licks that are so brilliant they defy description. Well done, Tony …!!!! “Midnight Lady” is the final highly enjoyable tune on this masterful work of musical art. Nunn’s searing K-3 riffs, cut through and accentuate Tony’s story-telling vocals. Springer’s awesome guitar solo on “Midnight …” soars through the cosmos of true guitar genius in every wonderfully created note from the hands of a true guitar master at work, as Tony definitely is. The majesty of rock is very much evident on this 7-minute-plus tune - snippets of “Beck’s Bolero” slip in, and are taken to new heights of rock beauty by Springer. Kapelle’s bass lines follow Tony’s lead guitar parts studiously and imaginatively -- demonstrating the special spiritual bond that Kapelle and the others in Wild ‘T’ & The Spirit share with each other on this incredible CD. ‘True Bliss’ is not only the title, but also sums up the feelings I have reviewing this absolutely perfect CD. As Springer would say, This is it - the real deal, baby!!! Tony Springer, aka ‘Wild T’, has managed to search the depth of his infinite spirit of the muse, to bring upon our sprits, the very essence of rock, jazz, blues and the good soul of a truly good person and fine musician and singer as Tony Springer is. The same can be said of Guenther Kapelle Tony’s long-time musical sidekick, bass player and friend. I believe ‘True Bliss’ will stand the test of time, and echo good things from good people through the music they love and share with us here in ‘True Bliss’. This same feeling I’m sure is felt also, by the countless thousands of Tony Springer fans, who avidly follow Wild T & The Spirit at live concerts, and in their own spirits, souls, and in their hearts. This CD is a true winner in every respect - I hope you go out and buy it - it’s invigorating to the spirit and soul the way the best music always is. Thanks, Tony, Guenther and the rest of Wild T & The Spirit, for providing such beautiful music to listen to and enjoy - it’s much appreciated!!!! Special thanks should go to the producer of ‘True Bliss’, Wayne “The Brain” Brauer, as well as the CD’s executive producer and all round good guy (and drummer ‘extraordinaire’), Jon Long. (If there’s a Long & McQuade store near you, be sure to drop in and ‘feel the music’). Special thanks should also go to Jaimie Vernon, president of Bullseye Records Canada for believing in this very worthwhile, creative and highly admirable musical project. I should mention in closing that all songs on ‘True Bliss’, are either original Tony Springer or Tony Springer/Guenther Kapelle compositions -- except “Hard To Believe” by Brauer/Springer/Kapelle; and “High School Confidential” by Carole Pope and Kevin Staples. Oh, yeah … one more thing -- All percussion on ‘True Bliss’ is performed by “Dirty Sanchez”.
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