John Norum - Play Yard Blues

He's best known as the axe wielding guitarist for Swedish hard rock band Europe, but for years he has also thrived as a solo artist.  Over the years guitarist John Norum has spread his wings and knocked out some pretty solid solo records.  Since the late 80's Norum has been issuing solo CD's, in fairly regular intervals.  John's solo work is a departure from the AOR hard rock sounds of Euope, being primarily heavily blues based.  Norum's solo work has a nice mix of hard rock and blues, leaning more on the blues and less on the melodic rock side.  Over the years Norum has collaborated with the likes of Glenn Hughes as well as other great vocalist, but for his latest effort he has taken the reigns and handled the majority of the vocal duties.  There are two vocals provided by a guy named Leif Sundin.  Sundin sings on Got My Eyes on You and Born Again.  Norum has just released his 7th solo CD titled Play Yard Blues.

As if, the title didn't give it away, you guessed it, this is a blues CD.  The CD offers a heavy does of blues with a little bit of hard rock to keep things interesting.  There are (3) covers on the record that are done very true to the original versions and they are Ditch Queen (Frank Marino - Mahogany Rush), It's Only Money (Thin Lizzy) and Travellin' in the Dark (Mountain).  The CD starts off strong with the track Let it Shine, which is a blues based rocker with a catchy hook and nice melody.  After that, the CD stumbles a bit, until the 4th track Got My Eyes on You, which is more in the hard rock vein.  Well written track containing a catchy chorus and some amazing wailing.   That track is followed up by the killer When Darkness Falls, which is another tune with more of a hard rock feel to it. 

Play Yard is a true blue, blues record, but with some hard rock influences mixed in.  The CD also contains elements of classic 70's style rock, which is due in part by some of the covers chosen for the record.  The strongest part of this CD is Norum's amazing playing.  You forget how good this guy is until you put on one of his solo records.  Make sure to check out the title track which is a kick ass instrumental.  All in all not a bad CD.  It was little too bluesy for me at times, but I did enjoy it as a whole.

Bottom Line:  John Norum exploring his blusier side.  A 10 track platter filled mainly of blues, with a little hard rock sprinkled in for good measure.  Guitarist geeks and blues aficionado's will rejoice, but Europe fans looking for AOR, may be disappointed.

Standout Tracks: Got My Eyes on You, When Darkness Falls, Play Yard Blues and Born Again.

-Ragman forgot how bad ass this guy is.