JEFF SCOTT SOTO - Live At The Gods 2002

Frontiers Records

Posted: 12/11/03

Reviewed by: Dirt

Category: Melodic Rock

Released: 2002

Label URL: www.frontiers.it

Artist URL: www.jeffscottsoto.com

Jeff Scott Soto is best known in the USA for his vocal work with Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force. Hard rock diehards will also be familiar with him from Talisman, Humanimal, Takara, Eyes, Panther, Axel Rudi Pell, and his two solo albums, Love Parade and Prism. This live recording was culled from The Gods, a melodic hard rock festival that took place in England in 2002. While Hardline also recently released a live recording from the same festival, Jeff's release greatly surpasses it in production quality. Although Hardline's material suffered from a bootleg sound, Jeff's is as pristine as any live recording could ever hope to be. The energy of the performance was totally captured. Additionally, Jeff's track selection spans all the artists listed above with the exception of Panther. Highlights are the tear 'em up Axel Rudi Pell track, "Warrior," his new solo hit "Eyes Of Love," and even the Rockstar track "Stand Up and Shout!" Props go out to his band (Howie Simon on guitars, Gary Schutt on bass and Alex Papa on drums) because they just rip! An acoustic medley featuring Talisman ("Mysterious" just ruled!), Eyes, and solo material was awesome as well. Shockingly, word has it that the band only had three days to practice and Simon had never played with Schutt previously. If only we had the chance to see stuff like this in the US. What a crime! Since Jeff is stylistically far away from his days with Rising Force, he did not focus on Yngwie material, instead he closed the live set with a medley of "Don't Let It End," "On The Run Again," "I'm A Viking," and "I'll See The Light Tonight."

The Bloody Truth: Jeff Scott Soto has an amazing voice for hard rock, melodic rock, and ballads. It's great to see that he's had a diversified and consistent career, and this release should please all fans of 80s hard rock. The sound is impeccable. The musicianship is tight and professional. And the songs are all winners. Buy it! Live At The Gods 2002 is also available on DVD.  (Chris Dugan)

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