CD REVIEW
“Flamenco A Go-Go” Steve Stevens (Ark 21)
Probably best known as the guitar player in Billy Idol’s band during the 1980s, Stevens also has worked with a number of music’s big names including: Michael Jackson, Robert Palmer, Joni Mitchell, Ric Ocasek and Vince Neil, to name a few. He also did the “Top Gun” soundtrack, which ended up earning him a Grammy. His new solo effort, written, produced, arranged and recorded by Stevens, jumps into the popular realm of flamenco music (Ottmar Liebert, Nova Menco, Gypsy Kings) but not without a little twist. The whole album was recorded with a flamenco guitar, but at times Stevens turns to the electric assault that he’s known for. “Letter to a Memory” was co-written by and features ’80s pop-star Howard Jones on piano. Steven’s playing is better than ever, and this recording gives you a chance to see that for yourself: a live video performance of Steven in Japan is included on the disc.
