Epitaph - The Acoustic Sessions (2014) Hi-Res

The history of EPITAPH goes back fifty years, when Cliff Jackson, Bernd Kolbe and Jim McGillivray already played together in the cover band RED ROOSTERS. After all, two of the musicians are involved in the 2014 output, the "Acoustic Sessions". And, together with Heinz Glass, Achim Poret and a whopping handful of illustrious guests, deliver one of the highlights of a long career.

For the most part unpowered to re-record parts of their own repertoire is actually a pretty well-read story. But albums like "The Acoustic Sessions" show how expandable the concept with some creativity and inspiration is still today. Filigree and concertante processed, the songs show a greater abundance than their original electric versions. The relatively unfussy sound of the band, especially in the times without keyboards, of two lead guitars, showed EPITAPH closer to American groups like WISHBONE ASH than to the Teutonic variant of progressive / art rock of the early seventies of the last century. EPITAPH did not search for new sounds but rocked it off, like the blues in their hand luggage. It was not for nothing that "Who Do You Love" was a happy and varied street-dwelling on live concerts.

The acoustically performed pieces are suddenly joined by that groping, searching and wistful spirit that makes solid pieces special. Be it the addition of a violin like the opener, which - not alone - provides a folky atmosphere; Breaks in the right places, delays and embellishments that elicit new facets from well-tried songs. Of course, there is the harmonious and natural interaction of musicians who have lived side by side for half a century.

An independent version of the BOB-DYLAN classic "All Along The Watchtower" succeeds in this way - which, of course, owes its classic status to JIMI HENDRIX in the first place. HENDRIX is allowed to play again, his little popular "Villanova Junction" represents the second and final foreign composition of the album. A slow, atmospheric instrumental, a haven of peace settled between HENDRIX himself and relaxed early FLEETWOOD MAC.

Sonically, "The Acoustic Sessions" are a treat, the sound is full and powerful without overheating the fragile moments.

CONCLUSION: Just a few months after the release of the live CD / DVD "Still Standing Strong And Back In Town - Live At The Capitol", EPITAPH's "The Acoustic Sessions" is a small masterpiece within its many years of history. The subtle as well as bewitching acoustic mix of driving rock, folk and blues sounds incredibly fresh, the diversified instrumentation does the rest to offer more than gracious bread of old grown-ups. Very strong performance!