Originally released in 1989, cult melodic rock album “Messano“ got a 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition remastered reissue by Divebomb Records, including 5 bonus tracks.
The decades-long career of respected guitarist Bobby MESSANO picked up steam in the mid-to-late-’70s with acts such as Stanky Brown and Starz. Gravitating toward session work around 1980, Bobby would contribute to albums from a range of different artists — Peter Criss, Joe Lynn Turner, all Fiona ’80s albums, Tycoon, etc — as well as touring alongside heavyweights like Steve Winwood, Lou Gramm, and more.
For a portion of that era, Bobby had also joined rockers Franke & The Knockouts, performing (and co-writing two tracks) on their 1984 album, Makin’ The Point.
Toward the end of the ’80s, MESSANO also stepped up to present his debut solo album, having assembled a backing band consisting of bass player Erik Boyd (Denaro), Joey Zee (keyboards), and ex Point Blank’s Mike Gage (drums).
Ex Rainbow Chuck Burgi guest drums on one track, and other fellow session musicians contribute as well.
Recorded with Jim Barg at The Barge Sound Studio in Wayne, NJ, Bobby handled lead vocals, guitar, bass, and the bulk of the songwriting. That being said, two cuts nodded to his past: “Hide Our Love Away (Tell Me Why)” was first recorded by Franke & The Knockouts under the title “Carrie Why?,” and “Sing It, Shout It” was a Starz cover from 1977.
Other standout tracks are “Hide Our Love”, the catchy “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over”, and midtempo “You And I (Are Forever)”. For more edge, check out “Sing It, Shout It”, and “Face Behind The Axe”, showcasing Bobby’s skills with the 6-strings.
Released by Strategic —a division of Relativity Records— in 1989, this 11-song album has become a bit of a cult classic over the years for fans of top-shelf, hook-fueled melodic hard rock.
30 years later, “Messano” gets a proper remastering reissued with a whopping five bonus tracks.
Bobby Messano wouldn’t release another solo album until 1998 —the blues-based Dominion Roads— but has remained an active and highly regarded force in the Rock community since that time.
Highly Recommended
1.Hide Our Love Away (Tell Me Why) 03:35
2.Sing It, Shout It 03:42
3.You And I (Are Forever) 03:51
4.Rock & Roll Heaven 03:58
5.Stand And Fight 04:05
6.Don't Tell Me It's Over 03:12
7.Hot N' Heavy 04:22
8.Rock Out 03:52
9.(On The) Firing Line 03:35
10.Four Play 03:51
11.Face Behind The Axe 02:39
12.Good Girls Gone Bad [Deluxe Edition] 04:08
13.Ready To Rock Tonight [Deluxe Edition] 03:17
14.I'll Be There [Deluxe Edition] 03:39
15.Sleepless Nights [Deluxe Edition] 04:05
16.Every Little Thing [Deluxe Edition] 02:28
turbo thx magnus!
MESSANO – Messano (Deluxe Edition) Remastered 2019
Would love to see a a new link for this album please, thanks