Night Ranger – 35 Years and a Night in Chicago.jpg)
Frontiers Records
http://www.frontiers.it/album/5342
Rating: B+
It’s been three and a half decades since Night Ranger took over the FM radio airwaves. The world was ready to hear what this batch of California rockers could do, as they were supposed to be the ‘next big thing’. All eyes were upon them after guitarist Brad Gillis returned to NR after replacing the late Randy Rhoads in Ozzy Osbourne’s band. The high profile gig certainly helped with publicity, but Night Ranger was always a band that won over fans live and in concert… and that’s just what they did then. That’s also what they did just now! Celebrating 35 years together, the band recorded a special concert in Chicago. Fans can get this performance via Frontiers Music Srl on 2CD/DVD and Blu-ray.
Brad Gillis, Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy are still rockin’ America with their unique blend of hard, melodic rock, solid vocal harmonies and well executed guitar solos. On this anniversary effort, the band celebrates their entire history. There are classic tunes including “Sing Me Away,” “Four in the Morning,” “Sentimental Street,” “When You Close Your Eyes,” “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” “(You Can Still) Rock in America” and the classic “Sister Christian.” There are fan favorite album cuts including “Touch of Madness,” “Eddie’s Comin’ Out Tonight” and “7 Wishes.” Latest releases not to be left out, the band proves their newer music still has that classic Night Ranger sound as “Growing Up in California” and “High Road” prove. “Day and Night” is a new song that the band gives us a glimpse of from an upcoming Night Ranger album. This sucker is stone cold bad ass! Night Ranger is one of THOSE bands who keep coming back with killer songs each time out. This new tune rocks, and if the rest of the soon-to-be-released album sounds like this, get ready to be impressed!
Today Night Ranger consists of Jack Blades (bass, vocals), Kelly Keagy (drums, vocals), Brad Gillis (lead and rhythm guitars), Eric Levy (keyboards) and Keri Kelli (lead and rhythm guitars). This lineup has a strong chemistry and is especially fun to witness live. Blades has always been -and will always be- one great front man. He has charisma, energy, and chops. Plus he is just fun to watch. Keagy has wonderful vocal skills and he, as a drummer, is part of the show. He brings tons of energy to a live set. Brad Gillis… damn man, what do you say about Brad? The man is a guitar playing machine. He oozes with attitude and talent, chops and riffs, whammy and harmonics... he is that rocker-guy you wish you were.
When this band cooks, as in the musical section of the song that shares their name, “Night Ranger” one understands why musicians love this band. With Keri Kelli onboard on guitar, Gillis has a bandmate that rocks perhaps even harder than he does! Keri brings it! He learned a thing or two playing in Slash’s band and with Alice Cooper, among others. The tandem of Gillis/Kelli brings the drool aspect to a new level, from air guitarist to seasoned professional axe masters!
The show has it all. The band has it all. They can slow it down with “Sentimental Street” and “Sister Christian” and then rock your balls off with “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “(You Can Still) Rock In America.” In between, they deliver a hit-filled set that only Night Ranger can bring.
Jack Blades is pleased the band paused between studio albums to celebrate this milestone live: "After 35 years of recording and touring, we thought it was about time to rock out a live album for all the fans that have been coming to see us. And for those who have yet to experience a live NIGHT RANGER show... enjoy the ride!"
Kelly Keagy adds: "For the past 35-plus years, this band has been knocking out audiences across the globe and continues to do so. All of it building to this one night in Chicago that sums up what NIGHT RANGER has always been about. Great high-energy rock 'n' roll. To the fans, we salute you!"
Night Ranger is still bringing it every night. This live album sees the band sharing the secret to their success… they still love what they do and they love sharing it with their fans.
"35 Years And A Night In Chicago" track listing:
01. Intro
02. Touch Of Madness
03. Sing Me Away
04. Four In The Morning
05. Growing Up In California
06. Rumors In The Air
07. Secret Of My Success
08. Sentimental Street
09. High Road
10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
11. Goodbye
12. Day & Night
13. Night Ranger
14. When You Close Your Eyes
15. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
16. Penny
17. Sister Christian
18. (You Can Still) Rock In America
19. 7 Wishes
2 CD + DVD digipak:
CD 1:
01. Intro
02. Touch Of Madness
03. Sing Me Away
04. Four In The Morning
05. Growing Up In California
06. Rumors In The Air
07. Secret Of My Success
08. Sentimental Street
09. High Road
10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
CD 2:
01. Goodbye
02. Day & Night
03. Night Ranger
04. When You Close Your Eyes
05. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
06. Penny
07. Sister Christian
08. (You Can Still) Rock In America
09. 7 Wishes
DVD
01. Intro
02. Touch Of Madness
03. Sing Me Away
04. Four In The Morning
05. Growing Up In California
06. Rumors In The Air
07. Secret Of My Success
08. Sentimental Street
09. High Road
10. Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
11. Goodbye
12. Day & Night
13. Night Ranger
14. When You Close Your Eyes
15. Don't Tell Me You Love Me
16. Penny
17. Sister Christian
18. (You Can Still) Rock In America
19. 7 Wishes
By Jeb “Touch of Madness” Wright
