By Dave Resto
Grammy-nominated vocalist, Paul Rogers has a new live CD/DVD Free Spirit, released through Quarto Valley Records on June 22. Recorded live at the Royal Albert Hall in London on May 28, 2017, it features 16 tracks from the iconic British blues-rock band, Free.
Known as the voice of rock music by generations of fans, Rodgers first made his mark as a singer/song writer with Free from 1968 to 1972. From there, he went on to form Bad Company (with Free drummer Simon Kirk and Mott the Hoople guitarist Mick Ralphs) and the Firm (with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page). He also toured with Queen, after the death of Freddie Mercury. In fact, Rodgers’ vocal prowess had earned praise from Mercury – as it has from Robert Plant, David Coverdale and many other notable singers. These days, he’s a solo artist and at 68 who is performing at full strength and showing no signs of stopping.
The concert opens with “Little Bit of Love,” a mid-tempo soul-rocker which allows both the band and the audience to ease into what will be a long night of deep cuts. From the start, Rodgers voice is in fighting form and the band is a well-oiled machine.
Rodgers is gracious in introducing his band and turning the spotlight over to them over the course of several songs. Guitarist, Pete Bullick delivers very muscular, yet tasteful solos on “Be My Friend” and the blue-eyed soul break-up song “Love You So” (which Rodgers had never performed live until this concert). Gerard “G” Louis introduces “My Brother Jake” with a lovely classical piano piece before his playing shifts gears to blues honky-tonk. Bassist, Ian Rowley takes an extended solo through the entire middle section of “Mr. Big,” proving himself as a master of both tone and dexterity. The ending to “Fire and Water” is a tight, punchy drum solo by Rich Newman.
Rodgers and the band do sweet justice to Albert King’s “The Hunter.” Rowley and Newman lay a deep, blues-rock pocket, which is highlighted by Lewis’ fiery juke-joint piano riffs. That all sets the foundation upon which Rodgers rests his powerhouse delivery as he sings, “Ain’t no use to hide/Ain’t no need to run/ ‘cause I got you in the sight of my – love gun!” Bullick’s solo unleashes as his sustained attack grows in intensity.
Free’s best known song, “Alright Now” gets the full-on rock anthem treatment from both the band and the audience. The band plays it straight, with no unnecessary embellishments other than a slight bump in tempo to keep it lively. The entire middle section is played note for note, beat for beat, keeping this classic song intact. Rodgers invites the audience to raise their voices on the chorus, halting the band and giving it over to the crowd. The band comes back to bring it in for a perfect landing as Rodgers laughs, telling the audience, “Oh, you’re beautiful! You know that.”
“Walk in My Shadow” has Rodgers opening this heavy riff, blues-rocker on the harmonica. It’s amazing that he can still trade off between playing harmonica and singing at 68, but he does so without seeming to break a sweat.
Another Free song, which was never performed live until this concert is “Catch a Train,” which Rodgers uses to close the show. He pushes his vocals into the stratosphere, while maintaining complete poise and control.
Paul Rodgers started as a young fire-brand vocalist and songwriter and has continued to lead the way as the voice of Rock and Roll. Over the decades, he has moved from one musical project to the next, without missing a step – or a note. Free Spirit gives us Rodgers still on top of his game and ready to deliver.
Paul Rodgers is currently appearing nationwide with Jeff Beck and Ann Wilson of Heart on the “Stars Align Tour.”
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