Francis Voignier - High Winds Album Review
Arcata California USA
Rock
Album: High Winds
Recorded at FV Music Studios
Criminal Records
Released 2011
www.facebook.com/pages/FV-Guitars/102971129772750?v=wallwww.facebook.com/pages/Francis-Voignier/112268182145559?sk=app_2405167945facebook.com/fvoignier
notjustfrenchmusic.com/profile/FrancisVoignier
francisvoignier.bandcamp.com
www.myspace.com/francisvoignierwww.cdbaby.com/cd/FRANCISVOIGNIERwww.reverbnation.com/francisvoignierBand Members:
Francis Voignier - Bass and Vocals, Lead Guitar & Horn Arrangements
Eric Larmier - Slide Guitar on "How The World Was Saved" & Crazy
Alan Redmond - Bass on " High Winds"
Alejandro Del Toro - Drums
High Winds Track List:
1 - Master Plan
2 - The Trick's In The Bag
3 - How The World Was Saved
4 - Easily Swayed
5 - High Winds
6 - Circles & Dust
7 - Tied To The Game
8 - Lucy & Jack
9 - Crazy
10 - Banned
11 - Dreamed
Francis Voignier is no stranger to exacting incredible music in a studio or before a live audience. He is the consummate professional at both instrumentation and vocals. He has a definitive style that cannot be copied nor replaced. There are few musicians that match his expertise on electric guitar and man it shows. With 15 albums under his belt from 1978 to 2010, Francis Voignier has continued to lead the way in cutting edge albums.
His newest release "High Winds" is certainly no exception. Released just this year, 2011, Francis Voignier dazzles us with his phenomenal abilities on the electric guitar. But this man also plays bass and does the horn arrangements as well as lead guitar. Francis is simply brilliant ! It seems everything he touches turns to gold. It certainly did on this album. His distinctive vocal style attracts and holds the listener from the first note till the last. The lyrics on each track are well written, taking you on journeys deep within emotions and experiences. It dawns on you immediately that you are in the presence of someone special. I have a huge amount of respect for Artists who reach the level of expertise I hear on this album. Francis Voignier reigns supreme!
Joining Francis Voignier on this album are Eric "Slide" Larmier. who plays slide guitar on "How the world was saved" and "Crazy". Also Alan Redmond, who plays bass on "High Winds" and Alejandro Del Toro on drums. Together, they have put forth one of the most memorable albums this year, perhaps this decade. Francis Voignier makes magic on those strings. His style is smooth yet raunchy and hard hitting. The recording and mastering of High Winds is exceptional. I am sure by now, you can tell I am impressed by Francis Voignier's work. The proof is in the pudding. High Winds is brilliant!
The 3 tracks I have singled out are:
1 - Crazy - This track got my attention right off the hop. Strong instrumentation and song writing skills, makes this song a winner. Francis Voignier nails it to the wall! I loved Francis's vocals.
2 - High Winds - Title track. This instrumental track showcases Francis Voignier's extraordinary talent on electric guitar. For those guitar enthusiasts, Francis shows you how its supposed to sound. He certainly makes that guitar sing. Well done.
3 - Tricks In The Bag - This is an electric guitar lead, upbeat, rockers dream. Vocals are exceptional and song writing talents shine through making Tricks in the bag a huge success. Once again instrumentation is off the wall. Brilliant song!
Overall, High Winds, has something for everyone. Most impressive indeed! It is refreshing to hear the electric guitar played with such expertise. Matched with amazing distinctive vocals but not overtaking them, it is a marriage made in heaven. Reminds me of when music of the 70's & 80's in the UK reined supreme. My hopes are high now that Francis Voignier has reminded me, it is still out there. Keep rocking Francis, we love you!
And that's how I see it
Shashona
Indie Showcase
www.indieshowcase.net 2011
