It's fabulous to hear the Free Will again after all these years. Back then, I wanted to believe that Mark Doyle was one of the greatest rock guitarists ever. But I didn't have the experience and perspective to say it for sure. Well, three and a half decades later, I can say it was true. Doyle is one colossal rock-god guitarist, in my opinion ranks in technique up there with Clapton, Page, Lonnie Mack. Mark, it's awesome to hear you, Whiting, and the Free Will again.

I assume that joe perry and steven tallarico saw many a jukin bone concert during aerosmith's formative years. Although steve had his own (very) distinctive voice, it's unlikely that he would have been the same vocalist without utilizing some of joe's phrasing and general (no dis this) blues-rock style. It's also impossible to listen to aerosmith without noticing the similarity to jukin bone's rhythm-and-lead-guitar assault. The ryhthm section also brings to mind j.b.'s. And it just occurs to me that without "Nightcrawler", there would not be one of my favorite aerosmith songs, "Draw the Line" (listen to one, followed immediately by the other). Having said this, I hope I can go slightly beyond the requested cd review and refer to the artist(s) in general- I actually own both jukin' bone albums (including their first in the sadly missed flexi-disc format) and was wondering about interest in purchasing them (pardon my frowardness, but I use the computer at a county library and figured I'd better cut to the chase). They're both in very good shape, and I predict the flexi-disc will still be so long after I my flexibility resembles that of an old 78 rpm record (my discs-well I don't want to complain...)... I'll check out this sight again to see if there is any interest.

I assume that joe perry and steven tallarico saw many a jukin bone concert during aerosmith's formative years. Although steve had his own (very) distinctive voice, it's unlikely that he would have been the same vocalist without utilizing some of joe's phrasing and general (no dis this) blues-rock style. It's also impossible to listen to aerosmith without noticing the similarity to jukin bone's rhythm-and-lead-guitar assault. The ryhthm section also brings to mind j.b.'s. And it just occurs to me that without "Nightcrawler", there would not be one of my favorite aerosmith songs, "Draw the Line" (listen to one, followed immediately by the other). Having said this, I hope I can go slightly beyond the requested cd review and refer to the artist(s) in general- I actually own both jukin' bone albums (including their first in the sadly missed flexi-disc format) and was wondering about interest in purchasing them (pardon my frowardness, but I use the computer at a county library and figured I'd better cut to the chase). They're both in very good shape, and I predict the flexi-disc will still be so long after I my flexibility resembles that of an old 78 rpm record (my discs-well I don't want to complain...)... I'll check out this sight again to see if there is any interest.

I first saw Free Will as a teenager and quite frankly wondered why a band that good was not playing large venues around the country. They looked the part and more importantly they played the part. Mark Doyle is one of the most brilliant guitar players I have ever heard. I don't know anyone who can play like Eric Clapton (Cream days) AND Keith Richards in the same song. And he makes it look so easy. Joe Whiting is equally adept at his instrument... his voice. The real magic is when the two of them play together. As good as they may be on their own there is no denying that they bring out the best in each other. They put together the best supporting cast they could find in Egosarian, DeMaso and Glaister. Everybody plays their part in this band. A true team effort and it shows. These guys were the Rolling Stones shadows. It is a true tradgedy that they never made it. As for the live CD, it is a very true representation of them. The only thing I can fault is the song selection. Only three songs (out of ten) are originals. While nobody could fault their interpretations of some of the great R&B classics, I would rather hear their originals. Where is "Got The Need". Or for that matter why didn't they do a "Best Of Live" from the Free Will and Jukin Bone LP's? After all its the same band with the exception of the drummer change. There are some ass kicking original songs on the Jukin Bone LP. One appears on this CD (Mojo Conqueroo) but songs like "Cara Lynn", "Way Down East" and "Saying It Is Easy" are incredible tunes with that brand of R&R that these guys do so well. According to Mark Doyles website they are going to re-release the Jukin Bone CD (and Free Will) and I will give it a pre-release 5 star rating. It's that good. I am patiently waiting for its release and after it comes out the only thing I'll be lacking is a DVD with VINTAGE Jukin Bone and Free Will performances.