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IF I ©Palfreyman 2007
LEAVE SOMEONE ©Palfreyman 2007
LAST TRAIN BAND
“Quicksand”
(self-release)
Since bluesinthenorthwest.com started, it is a major surprise how few releases we have reviewed from local bands, therefore this very noble effort from the Liverpool-based Last Train Band is most worthy of our attention!
The band comprise five talented and experienced musicians, namely Alex McGrath (vocals), Adrian Dear (bass, vocals), Terry McCusker (drums, vocals), Ainsley Dunn (guitar) and Ray Palfreyman (guitar, saxophone) - together they deliver an easy-on-the-ear blend of rocking blues, together with a ‘classic’ rock feel.
The ten tracks feature Alex McGrath’s fine voice, and lots of mighty fine slide guitar work - I presume, from Ainsley Dunn, who, without being presumptious must be a Rory Gallagher fan - judging from the bouncy riff on “Washed Up” - recalling the great man’s “In Your Town” from way, way back!
The sparse “Starting Down” features some very nice saxophone from Ray Palfreyman - featuring a nice solo as the song builds; the rocking “Fishing” steams along with more slide guitar; with the acoustic stripped down blues of “Betrayed” containing some lovely steel guitar.
The closing “Obsession” takes us into rocky territory, not a million miles away from Bad Company - and, I would imagine, a killer in the live set. The five guys are all solid players and as previously mentioned, this is a most worthy album.
GRAHAME RHODES - Blues in the Northwest
Discography
CD QUICKSAND
EP INVISIBLE MAN
CD LITTLE CITY
Photos
Bio
Alex McGrath: Vocals: With more than 20 years as a pro singer, Alex has a wealth of experience as a vocalist/frontman and session singer for Radio, TV. His searing range, and powerhouse vocal combined with a dynamic musicality, charisma and a great sense of humour made him the perfect choice to front Last Train Band
Adrian Dear: Bass, Vocals: A regular performer on the acoustic/roots scene and an established singer songwriter in his own right, Adrian brings a melodic touch to the bass playing for Last Train Band. He has worked as a semi pro guitarist and teacher for 20 years, writing and collaborating with musicians throughout the Northwest and beyond.
Terry McCusker: Drums, Vocals: A stalwart on the pro scene, having toured Europe, America and the Middle East with many differing artists and styles. He has experience working in Films and TV and really enjoys powering out those Last Train grooves that are making fans everywhere they play.
Ainsley Dunn: Guitars: Born and raised on Classic rock n roll , Ainsley has found his feet in LTB. Diversions into an eclectic mix of musical ventures over the last 10 years would ultimately always see him return to his first love of grooving rock music. Of the philosophy if Im not tapping my foot, why should anybody else Ainsley brings strong rhythms and thoughtful melodies mixed with a great enthusiasm for the music.
Ray Palfreyman: guitars,sax : Went down to the Crossroads in the late sixties, cut his musical teeth in the pubs and clubs of his native Newcastle and ended up forming Last Train Band in Liverpool in 2007. Although known to stumble into jazz territory his heart is strictly in the blues
with a twist!
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