Various Artists – Songs of the Century: An All-Star Tribute to Supertramp
Cleopatra Records
www.cleorecs.com

Rating: B

Billy Sherwood, formerly of the band Yes, and currently in the band Circa, has a side gig that is a true passion for him. He does tribute records for bands that he loves. This time around he has assembled an all-star cast to help him pay homage to Supertramp.

The songs are all very respectfully done, performed with precision and recorded to sound stellar. Sherwood did a great job on this one. Just listen to the opening track, “Breakfast in America,” featuring Asia’s John Wetton and you will see this is a true tribute album, not just some throwaway album to make a quick buck off of another bands fame.

“The Logical Song” features Mickey Thomas, Deep Purple’s Steve Morse and Tony Kaye of Yes fame. Mr. Mister’s Richard Page and Peter Banks, formerly of Yes, guest on “Give a Little Bit” while Billy Sherwood, Rick Wakeman and Tony Levin take on the ambitious tune “Crime of the Century.”

One of the highlights of the disc is Annie Haslam of Renaissance doing a great vocal on “Dreamer.” Joe Lynn Turner lends his pipes to the rocking “Bloody Well Right” while Rod Argent and Robby Krieger, of The Doors, perform a splendid rendition of the classic Tramp tune “School.”

There is even an original track by Sherwood, written in the style of Supertramp, that features Chris Squire and Tony Kaye of Yes fame.

This is the way tribute albums are supposed to be. The songs are true to form, yet the artists are able to put their own stamp on each song, resulting in one fun and interesting collection of music.

By Jeb Wright