LEE SMALL
LEE SMALL - “The Last Man On Earth”
By Iron Sheik
Taken on a trip back to the 80s cruising with the windows down and stereo cranked is where LEE SMALL transports us with his latest release “The Last Man On Earth”. It's an album full of memories yet to be made and ones to be enjoyed again. Even when the music slows down and gets into a slightly funky groove it takes hold and does not let go of the ears. Heavier rocking tracks like the title track only make the trip more intense.
The project boasts musicians like guitarists Steve Mann who has played for the likes of MSG and LIONHEART, Tommy Denander who has played for the likes of Michael Jackson and ALICE COOPER, bassist Charles Berthoud who is a YouTube star, and drummer Edu Cominato of GEOFF TATE's solo band. Not forgetting the main man, LEE SMALL who has led a successful solo career as well as his first appearance singing for PHENOMENA and fronting LIONHEART for two reunion albums. Plus other artists guesting throughout have helped create an album reminiscent of JOURNEY and TOTO to name just a couple.
Mixing the heavy and slower funkier material makes for a non-stop ride. By the time third track “Let's Go Together” slows to a funky vibe you won't notice a shift in gears has occurred. It absorbs you that much. Whether it takes you down memory lane or not this album will definitely find you engrossed in the excellent musicianship and production. “Here We Go Again” ups the ante of being taken back in time with the addition of sax for an even smoother laid back groove. In And Out Of Love brings back a slightly heavier funky tone making the ups and downs of one's lovelife questions and what to do more than just a thought.
“The Last Man On Earth” never lets up until it's done. It keeps the listener engaged with every twist and turn like the beginning strains of “Heaven Sent” which are reminiscent of “Africa” by TOTO only to develop into it's own sound. By the time “The Big Unknown” starts there is no indication the journey is about to end. Ending an album with a ballad or slow jam is always risky, and LEE SMALL takes that risk and succeeds. Back to reality and the 20s unfortunately after 53 minutes spent back in the day, reminiscing, and getting lost as “The Last Man On Earth” ends. It is an album full of many styles that culminate in a big AOR sound unlike any heard in a long time and well worth the time spent.