Fidelis is the recently released CD from legendary Blues Rock guitarist, singer/songwriter and Orlando resident Pat Travers. The songs on Fidelis are exactly what any Pat Travers fan (Hammerheads) would come to expect, guitar jamming blues rock with soulful, passionate vocals, but don’t think for a minute that that means the same old thing, because even after 30 years of recordings, that’s one thing every Hammerhead knows you’d never get on a Pat Travers CD.
The CD opens with the funky, bluesy guitar slamming “Ask Me Baby” and “Edge Of Darkness”, proving that this is definitely not a CD for passive listening. In no time at all the listener is jamming on air guitar and singing right along with Travers, “I've been walking on the edge of darkness / just trying to carry my heavy load / and every time that I get something started / Couldn't turn that rust into shiny gold.”
The high-energy guitar assault continues on “Then I Fall” as it spins a tale of longing for home. The tempo slows down a bit on “Josephine” but the jams continue, with one section of the song sliding into a reggae beat. The edgy, dark feel on “Save Me” is perfectly enhanced by the hymnal styled chorus. One of the songs brought to the band from producer Steve Thompson is ‘Stay” a beautiful ballad that the band makes their own with a wailing guitar and passionate vocals. “When I'm With You,” “I've Got Love To Give” and “Tear Of Love” are all tied together with a common theme of love along life’s journey. The band brings out a funky vibe in the mostly instrumental “Yeah Yeah.” The last song “So Missing You” brings the CD to a rousing close with a funky blues jam.
Fidelis is available “on demand” from Amazon, but be warned it doesn't come with the full CD booklet. The record company, Alexus Records, has the full package available on its web site.
Comments
No I didn't like it. Although the review was good journalism. Who gets credit for writing the songs on the album. I don't understand this. A whole review will be great. But the person asking questions. Doesn't ask this one simple important question. All of the journalist make this same error. Time and time again.
sheilahsay@yahoo.com
Thank you for your comment!
Sorry you didn't like it. I did ask Pat Travers on his Facebook about the songwriting credits since I got a copy of the CD that didn't come with a booklet. (I assume the booklet does list this information.) Here is his response: "About 70% (that he wrote). Kirk wrote the music for "Save Me" and had a hand in "Got Love To Give You". Sean worked with me on "So Missin' You" and "Yeah Yeah". "Josephine" and "Stay" came from our producer Steve Thompson. With limited space here for the review, I thought it best to concentrate on other aspects of the CD rather than the complicated songwriting credits.
I don't care who wrote what, but this album kicks butt. Since this album kicks butt, you were able to write a review that kicks butt too. Great job by both Pat and Cat.
Sorry, I meant Kat.
Thanks Tracy!
Hey Kat, Syracuse NY local music examiner here, I am interviewing him today, mind if I link to your review here?
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