Released on Infinity Records founded by former Epic vice-president Ron Alexenberg, DIXON HOUSE BAND 1979’s only album “Fighting Alone” generated a great deal of attention, given that Infinity’s speciality was to release albums of American progressive hard rock, far removed from the disco or FM rock in vogue at the time. The label had made a name for itself producing New England and Screams.
Surfing on the emergence of bands such as Journey, Kansas, Styx, Toto, Foreigner and Boston, the signing of the House Dixon Band made perfect sense. House Dixon Band is first and foremost the band of Edward Dixon House, singer & keyboardist who previously formed the band Song Bird before joining Heart with guitarist Howard Leese. It’s a family affair, since Song Bird’s producer, Michael Fricker, was also Heart’s producer.
Fricker gave “Fighting Alone” a sound similar to BOSTON, STYX, STINGRAY, QUEEN, AVIARY, etc – commercial melodic rock with a pomp factor – at places with some REO Speedwagon pop sensibility too.
Only officially reissued on CD in Japan three decades ago, now finally Bad Reputation is releasing DIXON HOUSE BAND “Fighting Alone” fully remastered.
In 1978, Dixon House was joined by Chuck Gardner (guitars), Canadian BIG HORN alumni James Kenfield (bass) and Fred Zeufeldt (drums, percussion) and a female guitarist, the technically gifted Chrissy Shefts. Recording began at the beginning of the year and took twelve months to complete.
Dixon House composes all the songs and handles the vocals, assisted by Chrissy most of the time. The key to this album is Dixon House’s keyboards, and while it has a catchy edge, a dramatic sensibility emerges that makes this record a pinnacle of American pomp / progressive melodic hard rock.
”Sooner or Later”, which opens the album, sets the scene. We sail on the ocean of Styx’s layers, from vocal harmonies to cutting guitars. The song was released as single and got some radio airplay, turned out to be a minor chart hit.
”Crusader” is theatrical, a song divided into three parts but all in 4 minutes, and is one of the highlights of the album. ”Angela” moves closer to Toto, with refined arrangements and melodies. Howard Leese lends a hand on ‘Who’s Gonna Love You Tonight’.
You can tell that Mike Flicker’s production has studied the work of the great names from the American scene. In addition to Heart albums, this producer has worked with TKO (Let it Roll), Poco, Randy Meismer and Al Stewart, among others.
How could a work of this magnitude not be as successful as Kansas or Styx? Probably because of Infinity’s closure after only two years of existence, and a distinct lack of promotion.
After the Dixon House Band split up, Dixon House continued a very brief solo career with the release of Masked Madness in 1981, where he was joined by Howard Leese. Chrissy Shefts wrote for Sheena Easton (Best Kept Man), appeared on Heart’s Bebe Le Strange album, joined the House Of Schock band, and made a successful solo career.
“Fighting Alone” is a very strong album with a classy late Seventies / early Eighties sound and feeling: well written songs, playing and smooth production. Fans of any of the aforementioned bands will find something to enjoy on this CD. (thanks TJ for the rip)
Highly Recommended
1 Sooner Or Later 3:07
2 Crusader 4:27
3 Turn Around 3:51
4 Angela 3:21
5 Who's Gonna Love You Tonight? 3:26
6 Fighting 3:24
7 Feelin' No Pain 4:57
8 Runnin' Scared 3:06
9 Saracen Ride 2:06
10 The Promise 3:42
11 Fighting Alone 3:00
Dixon House Band – Fighting Alone 2024 Remaster Bad Reputation , MP3+WAV
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