Tommy James has been there and back in the music world for more than forty years. He's had lots of hit records, written some great songs that have been hits both for his band of yore, Tommy James and the Shondells and for other people. In the late 'sixties he and his band were one of the most successful acts in the USA and other territories. All these years later Mr James is still going strong, playing many live shows every year and also as evidenced by Hold The Fire, making new music too.
'Isn't That The Guy' get's things going and doesn't sound a million miles away from the sound of the classic hits in places. Title track, 'Hold The Fire' is very laid back with a gentle acoustic guitar, piano and distinctive fretless bass. 'Megamation Man' has tinges of world music about it and builds into an anthemic chorus, with lots of big choral backing and strings thrown into the mix. 'Sweet Cherry Wine' gets a dusting down and a new arrangement,making it become more gospel in feel and so therefore closer to the original biblical inspiration for the song. 'It Keeps On Goin'' edges towards a country rock feel and is a really catchy tune with some nice instrumental touches supported by some bedrock Hammond organ throughout. 'Ordinary Girl' is a laid back piano led ballad, whilst 'Amy' bounces along on a funky dance rythmn. Finally, 'I love Christmas' is the closer and hits the mark for a catchy yuletide ditty.
The Tommy James songwriting ethic has been in the past and still is to keep it simple and make it catch your attention by clever production and arrangement touches and that is how he has gone about things on this release. It's also nice to be able to report that Tommy's vocals are first class throughout the whole album.
It is tough for an artist who has been very successful in the past, to make new music that is both accepted in the same light as 'the hits' and that stands up on it own two feet in the present. It's abundantly clear that Tommy's gift for a great tune is still with him and in fine fettle too, Hold The Fire is a worthwhile purchase for longtime fans and for people who may be discovering this man and his music for the first time.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank
08/27/09
1. Isn't That The Guy 2. Lupe And Joe 3. Hold The Fire 4. Love Words 5. Megamation Man 6. Sweet Cherry Wine 7. It Keeps On Goin' 8. Angels And Strangers 9. Give It All 10. Ordinary Girl 11. Amy 12. I Love Christmas
WPKN Radio Base Camp live interview with Tommy James on Oct 9, 2009, hosted by Eric Cocks and Steve di Costanzo. Tommy goes deep, talking about music, songwriting, production and his upcoming book, "Me, The Mob and The Music". and MORE..
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