Ken
Hensley - ex-songwriter, guitarist
& singer of Uriah Heep with which
he was active member until 1980 and
wrote music history- he presents via
"Blood On The Highway" a
rock opera. This is an album reflecting
his turbulent life as a young man
with a dream of becoming a rock star
over journeys around the world, alcohol
& drugs up to the total collapse
caused, among others, by wrong friends
and wrong decisions. He's describing
the fact that such a life demands
its tribute. He lost a dream he lived.
Mainly, "Blood On The Highway"
is Hensley's way to share with
us the history of the 70's.
With guest singers
such as Jorn Lande, John Lawton, Glenn
Hughes and Eve Gallagher, he succeeds
to offer moving and emotional moments.
For some Jorn Lande (one of the most
distinguished contemporary voices)
elevates the whole record with his
performance, for others is Hensley's
vocal warmth or even the classic epilogue
by Hughes.
The songs have a
70's vibe and they are harmoniously
linked, despite the daring mixture
of different singers. Songs like the
optimistic opening track "(This
Is) Just a Beginning", the fabulous
"We're On Our Way" that
talks about the rough business of
being in a rock band, the stunning
"You've Got It (The American
Dream)" with great vocal work
and choruses, the more calm but still
touching "There Comes A Time"
& "Think Twice", the
desperate cry of "Okay (This
House Is Down)" reflecting the
feelings of his final departure from
Uriah Heep and, last but not least,
the epos of "The Last Dance"
which is beyond any doubt a classic.
I regard Ken Hensley for years now
as an outstanding musician, who made
timeless and unsurpassed music with
Uriah Heep. With his new release he
reveals to us all another of his gems.
It's hard to find in our days
such confessions given with such lyricism.
One last tip though: read the lyrics.
It's the most secure way to
catch the passionate stories of Mr.
Ken Hensley.
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