The rock ‘n’ roll elder statesman DION’s new album “Stomping Ground” (produced by Wayne Hood with Dion) is set for release on 5th November 2021.
The disc features collaborations with Peter Frampton, Billy Gibbons, Rickie Lee Jones, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Bonamassa, Mark Knopfler, Eric Clapton and many more.
Most of the album’s songs were written by Dion and his songwriting partner Mike Aquilina.
“Take It Back” with Joe Bonamassa has a persuasive countersway that equilibrizes the acutely acidic electric-guitar stings. This has a gratifying stride and, of course, terrific vocals. It’s a zinger!
“Dancing Girl” with Mark Knopfler is, of course, melodious. The sensual moodiness is repentant, perhaps even remorseful, but life moves on… and so does the sentiment & ardor in this magnificent number; with its yummy guitar-work and breathtaking special vocals. Super-special!
“Cryin’ Shame” with Sonny Landreth is equally impassioned. Like all good blues, it searches for answers and yearns for redemption. And so the voice is filled with penitence. The musicianship is adroit, the tempo is cantering… the song faces the mean truth that we are all running out of hours…there is so little time left… and we must (all) make amends before it’s too late!
the voice is filled with penitence…
“Angel in the Alleyways” features “Mrs Bruce” singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Patti Scialfa and “the Boss” himself, Bruce Springsteen. It’s a glowing spiritual sounding, foot-stomping, churchly-karmic, rockin’ blues number with truly scrumptious blues-chorals and a sense of eternal, hope-filled, delivery from sin.
DION performs the Hendrix number “Red House” (a song that was itself probably inspired by Albert King’s Travelin’ to California) with award winning Delta blues man Keb’ Mo’. In these capable hands, the song is a dawdling roller that mobilizes proficient vocal skills, superb guitar work and healing beats.
“I’ve Been Watching” with Rickie Lee Jones and Wayne Hood is a wonderfully voluptuous slice of rock sound with huge butterfat vocals and the type of musical rhythm that slinks around rather than scampers. And that’s a good thing, ‘cos we need to take this kinda slow. Rickie Lee Jones’ performance adds architectural luster to this tempting piece, which reminds us of “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” (Petty/Campbell and performed by Stevie Nicks) with that same kind of bittersweet attitude and suppressed jeopardy. It’s a superbly structured song, brilliantly developed and gloriously presented.
This is an album of accomplishments and bedazzlement.
Words: @neilmach 2021 ©
Main image: David Godlis
Pre-order the album here: https://shop.jbonamassa.com/collections/dion-dimucci
RAW RAMP 