Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush "Live" 1978***

No one talks about Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush anymore😞, but there was a time in the mid-70's when they were idolized by (young male) rock fans for their testosterone-filled guitar heroics. Some time during his early career Marino made some stupid comment about being the reincarnation of Jimi Hendrix, being possessed by his spirit, or some such bullshit that must have seemed as good publicity at the time. And it undoubtedly brought him the desired attention, as well as the ridicule of music critics and the eternal label of an imitator. Not that it's possible to overestimate Hendrix's influence: just listen to the faithful rendering of "Purple Haze" here. Even better are Marino's Hendrix-style original compositions: "The Answer", "Dragonfly" and "Talkin' 'Bout a Feelin'". The excellent rhythm section is really funky, guitar playing is great, and Marino's singing comes across like a cross between Hendrix and Thin Lizzy's Phil Lynnott. "A New Rock & Roll" is harder still, a fast and furious tune merging with a cover of "Johnny B. Goode". The guitar here reaches supersonic speed levels, more like Alvin-Lee-meets-Ritchie-Blackmore than like Jimi Hendrix. "Talkin' 'Bout A Feeling" starts off as a nice slice of funky hard rock, but as a medley with "Who Do Ya Love", "Electric Reflections of War" and "The World Anthem" it soon turns into a super-indulgent and tiresome showcase of guitar prowess. I prefer the blues medley "I'm A King Bee"/"Back door Man", which mixes the usual heavy rock solos with a bit of lighter swing. Granted, this album isn't very nuanced or "smart", lacks pop hooks, and threatens the listener with a guitar overdose in a way that was only cool in the 1970's. On the other hand, it's still a pretty intense live recording of a tight band on top of their game - so, if you love loud and energetic electric guitars, this is an album for you. File it next to Jimi Hendrix, Rory Gallagher and Led Zeppelin.

**** for Introduction/The Answer, Dragonfly, I'm a King Bee, A New Rock & Roll, Talkin' 'Bout a Feelin' 

*** for Excerpt from Back door Man, Johnny B. Goode, Excerpt from Who Do Ya Love, Purple Haze

** for Electric Reflections of War, The World Anthem