Dutch label Music On CD is reissuing both GIUFFRIA albums, and although not specified, both are remastered versions. “Giuffria“, originally released 1984, is the terrific self-titled debut from the band created by Gregg Giuffria, a must have for any ’80s music and AOR fan.
Keyboard maestro Gregg Giuffria, who became prominent through the band Angel (with whom he released five albums), as soon Angel called it quits he founded own band Giuffria, to make sure his keyboards got the role they deserved.
Gregg enlisted excellent musicians in David Glen Eisley, who had recently been vocalist for Los Angeles-based rockers Sorcery, the great Craig Goldy (guitar), briefly a member of hard rock/glam metal band Rough Cutt, and talented session bass player Chuck Wright, at the time having recorded several tracks for Quiet Riot’s hit album, Metal Health.
Giuffria were signed to MCA Records in 1984. Their self-titled debut album “Giuffria” soon followed, peaking at #26 on the album charts, while spawning two hit singles, ‘Call To The Heart’ (Hot 100 #15) and ‘Lonely In Love’ (Hot 100 #57).
The band was the opening act for Deep Purple and Foreigner, and enjoyed considerable success. Giuffria played a few shows in Japan in June 1985 and a live video was released.
All who adore keyboard-laden AOR can’t do without a copy of “Giuffria”. This album is simply stunning.
Co-produced by legend Andy Johns, the album represents all we love in this marvelous musical genre.
Gregg Giuffria sets the keyboards on fire, and the rest of the band fills in with melodic energy, with Goldy delivering sharp guitar licks and Eisley singing his heart out.
Highlights include opener ‘Do Me Right’ (with swirling keyboards from the very start), the Journey-esque ‘Call To The Heart’ (I love this tune), the killer midtempo ballad ‘Lonely In Love’, the fantastic ‘Don’t Tear Me Down’ and the closing track ‘Out Of The Blue’ with a brilliant solo from Goldy.
But… what I am saying? ALL tracks are pure gold!
The sound on “Guiffria” is majestic, bombastic and haunting, combining the best of the seminal Pomp AOR with the ’80s commercial melodic hard rock. All tracks are superlative.
As said, this MoCD reissue sounds obviously remastered, not specified if this was especially commissioned for this release or uses a previous remastering job. Anyway, sound quality is excellent.
A MUST HAVE
1. Do Me Right - 4:12
2. Call To The Heart - 4:37
3. Don't Tear Me Down - 4:54
4. Dance - 4:08
5. Lonely In Love - 4:54
6. Trouble Again - 5:24
7. Turn Me On - 4:25
8. Line Of Fire - 4:56
9. The Awakening - 2:34
10. Out Of Blue - 5:31
Bass, Vocals – Chuck Wright
Drums – Alan Krigger
Guitar – Craig Goldy
Producer, Keyboards, Vocals – Gregg Giuffria
Vocals – David Glen Eisley
Giuffria – Giuffria 2024 Music On CD Remaster , MP3+FLAC CD
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