Reviewed by Veronika van der Walt.
The Hollywood Allstars are the brainchild and handpicked Supergroup of Grammy Nominated Songwriter/Producer/Keyboardist, and former Epic/CBS Recording Artist, Steve Gaspár on Hammond Organ & Piano.
A rare commodity, coming together between tours for fleeting and unforgettable performances. When assembled, The Allstars throw down High Octane Rockin’ Funk with Blazing Horns and a crunchy Hammond Organ.
I gave the EP a spin and this is what I thought. Enjoy the read!
1.Field of Grace
When I first read the name of the band I knew they’re going to sound good but nothing could prepare me for ‘Field of Grace’! Felt like I was at the Eagles Farewell 1 Tour: Live from Melbourne in 2005, with the axophones and backing vocals – the whole package worthy of Hollywood. Nice buildup with the saxophones and drums in the beginning, making you wait in anticipation for the vocals to begin. Then you hear a man’s voice that could almost sound like Don Henley. The track is an energetic song fitting the title but the lyrics contradict it with the “field of grace” and “undying love” that’s gone now. Sounds like the couple were opposites (“I was leather and you were lace”) trying to make it work (“blinded by a field of grace”).
2.Trust Me
This one is a pure R&B song. Was pleasantly surprised by the powerful female vocalist. The saxophone gave the track “soul” with the jazzy piano, and the keyboard spiced things up. The lyrics is about a foxy lady who’ve changed her ways and telling her man to trust her. The confident female vocals and sassy melodie says it all.
3.Living In America
Imagine Don Henley covering James Brown’s Living in America – mind-blowing, right? But The Hollywood Allstars still made it their own with their female backing vocalists. Like the buzz of cars in the beginning, telling you’ve arrived in America now. I thoroughly enjoyed this trace since I’m a big 80’s music fan. Makes you want to dress like the 70’s and disco-dance to it lol.
4.The River
This slow track has a slight country feel to it with the violins and ukulele I believe. The chimes make it magical – you imagine you’re crossing a crystal clear river in a boat. The lyrics encourage you to do the things that make you happy before you have to “go to the other side”. You get glimpses of a gospel song during the moments the backing vocalists sing. Deep and meaningful.
5.What Good Is Your Body If You Ain’t Got No Soul
The R&B vibe returns with trumpets and a lot of “soul” (pardon the pun lol). The lyrics have a strong and straightforward message – what good is a beautiful body if you have a bad personality. By the way Botox is a neurotoxin that temporarily paralyzes muscles – need I say more? lol. So ladies, stop obsessing over being beautiful and rather work on your personality. Real men will love you for your inner beauty! Thanks Hollywood Allstars for reminding us what truly matters in an age where looks seemingly matter.
6.Living In America (Radio Edition)
I loved hearing ‘Living In America’ again. This time they dived right into the song. I can see it being added to my ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ playlist 😉 It should be played over every American (and South African) radio station!
7.Trust Me (Radio Edition)
It sounds like there’s less saxophone and backing vocals here, letting the powerhouse female vocalist shine even more. Nice track to celebrate women’s month here in South Africa. Showing women can be strong and independent!
8.The Reason
What a pleasant surprise – a new female vocalist! I think the title refers to the reason why we have to suffer sometimes. It’s to make us a stronger and better person. To purify you like gold going through fire. Nothing good comes easily and that’s the reason…
I really enjoyed listening to this EP. The extra instruments bring so many layers to the songs. The melodies are soulful and the lyrics meaningful. You are truly worthy of Hollywood, Hollywood Allstars!
Listen EP here:
Follow The Hollywood Allstars here:
Website: https://www.thehollywoodallstars.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHollywoodAllstars
Also featuring:
Vocalist: Tom Bowes – Seven years lead vocalist with the legendary Tower of Power, and has also fronted Blood Sweat & Tears and also fronts The Bernie Williams Collective, a group begun by New York Yankee and Jazz Guitarist, Bernie Williams.
Vocalist: Chevy Chevis – Has performed as background vocalist with Beyonce, Chaka, Madonna, Arianna Grande, Adele, J-Lo, and on and on.
The Uptown Horns: This legendary horn section has toured and/or recorded with The Rolling Stones, Joe Cocker, Bonnie Raitt, Robert Plant and The J. Geils Band, to name just a few, and who’s recording credits on over 150 albums, also include James Brown’s Grammy Award winning “Living in America”.
Guitar: Andy Abel – well known Connecticut native who’s played with Blood Sweat and Tears, Talking Heads, Chieli Minucci, Marion Meadows.
Bassist: Scott Spray – Grammy Nominated Bassist and Songwriter, recorded on over 750 albums, and a longtime touring and recording member of the Johnny and Edgar Winter Groups.
Drummer: Lee Finkelstein – Drummer with The Original Blues Brothers Band, who while not touring, works regularly with Jazz Guitarist John Tropea, and Felicia Collins of David Letterman’s CBS Orchestra.
Percussionist: Eddie Torres – Turning the beat around from the Vickie Sue Robinson band.
*With very special guests: Will Lee on bass and Tony Cintron on drums!