With the new CWF / CHAMPLIN WILLIAMS FRIESTEDT third album just released some of you asked for the trio debut record from 2015 to be re-posted here. Well, we do it better: the 2021 reissue of “CWF 1” including 3 previously unreleased tracks as bonus.
This AOR true super-group teaming up TOTO’s Joseph Williams, former Chicago vocalist Bill Champlin and guitarist / producer Peter Friestedt released their debut CD through AOR Heaven Records to much acclaim, conjuring the classy sounds of their current / former bands adding a modern, contemporary sound to their music.
There are some very Toto sounding songs on here like ‘Runaway’ and ‘Aria’, not just because of Joseph Williams vocals, but the music is like classic Toto, plenty of layered music and attention to detail on every note used. Having Bill Champlin on the album is a real bonus, as they complement each other nicely. The acapella of ‘Rivers Of Fear’ is stunning, the two voices work so well together.
Apart of the great ‘orchestration’ courtesy of Peter Friestedt we have as well many shining star musicians involved all over the album, like Toto’s Steve Porcaro providing keyboards or Randy Goodrum, a legend from the genre.
Among other highlights there is also a faithful cover of the Earth, Wind & Fire classic ‘After The Love Has Gone’ (Champlin was one of the co-writers on the song), with him on lead vocals as you’d expect and Williams adding his classy backing vocals.
Peter Friestedt gets to let rip on a couple of songs, well as heavy as you can get in the confines of the West Coast AOR genre. ‘All That I Want’ and the aforementioned ‘Runaway’ feature great guitar riffs.
The bonus tracks on this reissue include a fresh remix / remaster of the song ‘Aria’, plus to live versions of ‘Runaway’ and ”Nightfly” both featuring an increased, gripping guitar work than the studio takes, and an overall CWF dynamic performance.
To sum up, “CWF” is one of the most ‘true West Coast AOR’ albums recorded in the last 20 years. You have here a real charm from the glorious days of the genre, spiced with a melodic rock feel which provides a more updated sound.
The vocals are excellent, the instrumentation impeccable and production crystal clear… the complete package
HIGHLY Recommended
Tracklist:
01. Runaway
02. Nightfly
03. Aria
04. Two Hearts At War
05. Still Around
06. Rivers Of Fear
07. All That I Want
08. After The Love Has Gone
09. Carry On
10. Evermore
11. Lavender Moon (2016' bonus)
12. Ocean Drive (2016' bonus)
13. Aria 2021 (2021' bonus)
14. Where To Touch You (2021' bonus)
15. Cheyenne (2021' bonus)
16. The Best Day Of The Year (2021' bonus)
Champlin, Williams, Friestedt – CWF [Japan Blu-Spec CD2+5 bonus ] [2021], MP3+FLAC
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