Yep, he's still around and completely viable. All the way from Mississippi Queen & Mountain with its various reformations, a decade long bout with substance abuse, a few solo recordings and guesting with anybody who would hire him. Around the turn of the century, Joe Bonamassa comes calling for his services, and all of a sudden West is is demand. Ted Nugent, former collaborator Jack Bruce, Ian Gillan, Ozzy, and Michael Schenker are among his fans and friends. He never found much commercial success, but he kept on pluggin'.
This record came out last September and I saw it on release sheets, but I wasn't motivated to investigate. Mr. Kilts was kind enough to forward me a copy, and despite my preconceived notions, it's a keeper. In my opinion, LW wasn't ever a flashy, notable picker. His voice was more recognizable. Yet, on this record, I first thought Dusty Hill of ZZ Top was singing since I knew Billy Gibbons was on board. Other guests include Zakk Wylde, Steve Lukather, Slash & JB. So the fretwork is obviously well-covered, the vocals are respectable, and the songs run the gamut of blues rock. A comparison which popped into my brain during the various spins was Rickey Medlocke and his life between Blackfoot and Skynyrd. I found this interesting video of LW & JB in the studio working on their joint effort for the album...
There is a track on the record where LW sings "Don't Call Me Legend." I don't believe I will ever call him that, but he literally is a survivor. I'm happy this record has been well-received in the Blues category with some decent sales to boot. You owe it a listen...
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