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Blues Image — Next Voyage
(Solar Music no#, 2023, CD / DL)

by Jon Davis, Published 2023-04-13

Next Voyage Cover art

Blues Image was formed in Tampa, Florida in 1966, relocated to Miami in 1968, and then moved on to Los Angeles in 1969, where their recording career began. By the time of their self-titled debut album, the group consisted of founding members Mike Pinera (guitar, vocals), Manuel Bertematti (drums, vocals), Joe Lala (percussion, vocals), and Malcolm Jones (bass), along with Frank Konte (keyboards, vocals). Their second album, Open (1970), yielded the hit single “Ride Captain Ride,”which turned out to be their only chart action. Pinera subsequently departed to join Iron Butterfly, first appearing on their album Metamorphosis (1970), though his tenure in that band was brief. Pinera later went through a series of other projects, including work with Mitch Mitchell, Cactus, and Alice Cooper. He released two solo albums in the 70s. All of this background leads up to the album at hand, billed as Blues Image Featuring Mike Pinera. There was a 2017 release called Timeless which featured the eight tracks on Next Voyage along with four more. I think the current release is remastered or something, as the track timings are not identical, but I haven’t heard Timeless and there isn’t any clarifying documentation. So while Next Voyage may seem like a commerce-minded attempt to capitalize on nostalgia or name recognition, I’m quite pleased to report that it has musical merit quite aside from any fond memories we may have of Pinera’s past career. The set list brings together songs from Blues Image, Iron Butterfly, and Pinera’s solo catalog in new versions that are skillfully and cleverly arranged, not mere watered-down imitations of the originals. The album kicks off with a great rendition of “Butterfly Bleu,” the epic track that took up most of Side Two Metamorphosis. This version is augmented by a horn section, and also has some great organ from Michael Franklin, who also produced the album; bassist Tim Franklin contributes an outstanding solo as well. There are some well-known guests on the album: Pat Travers, Jonathan Cain, Charlie Dechant, and others. While all the tracks are strong, the new version of “In-a-gadda-da-vida” is worth special note. Like “Butterfly Bleu,” it prominently features a horn section, and while it doesn’t include the famous drum solo in full, Eddie Metz Jr. contributes a shortened take on it that has a jazzier feel; Franklin’s organ solo takes off from Ingle’s original and adds a tasty hint of Bach. At a bit under ten minutes, it more than does justice to the tune’s heritage and even adds to it. In short, Next Voyage is a fine album that presents a muscular version of blues rock with touches of 60s psychedelia and a horn section.

Filed under: New releases, 2023 releases

Related artist(s): Iron Butterfly, Pat Travers, Blues Image

More info
http://solarmusic.com/blues-image/

 

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