Ok....new music day (more on that despicable name later in the post)

David Readman is our spotlight artist today, and he comes to us on high praise from MusicMan. MusicMan is in tune with the new and old from our metal, so I downloaded some tracks from Mr. Readman's debut SOLO album (he's been with several bands since the early 90's) and I was very impressed. Let me warn you before you start reading my interpretation of David's solo work that if you are looking for AC/DC three chord switches, Motley Crue kiss my ass testosterone, or Metallica speed, you've picked the wrong day to tune in. To me Readman is more in tune with the prog rock bands I like (you out there Crazy From The Heat?) but still does incorporate several aspects of our metal into his work. Long Way To Heaven was the first song I got my ears around and it was very good. The voice (the guitar work is stellar as well) is what stands out, and to me it sounds very much like Dave Meneketti (that's high praise from me) and--bear with me on this one--Peter Cetera of Chicago (that's high praise from me too) in spots. I throw the Cetera reference out there just because..well...that's what he sounded like in spots. His voice is very, very good by all accounts and lends itself well to the music David writes. I've seen the music described in other reviews as "melodic" and I think that's a very good word to use. His band is tight, plays behind him, and doesn't just grind it out. Now, I like my ground up songs as well as anybody, but when you're dealing with melodic rock that's not on the menu. My buddy Joe Saytch disagrees, but I liken it to a late 80's Dokken sound. Professional singer, professional musicians. You won't find anyone playing guitar with a chainsaw on David Readman. If you're done listening to the same power chords and dark lyrics on the "new" metal, give Readman a try. My personal fave is Prisoner of Shame, but it's a very good all around record.

Now...to the name of this feature we'll be having every Wednesday. We have struggled to find a name so I leave it to the Angels. Keeping the Flame Alive? New Artist Spotlight? New Metal Wednesday? Shut the hell up already Big Robbo? Send me your recommendations guys. Good night....and Good luck.