The debut album of the MIKE DELLA BELLA PROJECT received a very nice welcome and rave reviews by the WestCoast and AOR audience in 2019. This led Mike to the production of his second album on which he decided to rely again on his trusted musicians who already played in ‘ONE’, such as Daniele Trissati on guitars and Mauro Scardini on keyboards, who also helped him with the arrangements.
Titled “The Man With The Red Shoes“, the who’s who from the genre contribute on the album, including Robbie LaBlanc (Find Me, Blanc Faces, East Temple Avenue) lead vocals on many tracks, Jesus Espín (91 Suite, Secret) lead vocals, Peter Friestedt (CWF, The LA Project, Fergie Fredriksen, State Cows) on guitar, Nathan East (Toto, Eric Clapton, Joe Satriani) on bass, Shannon Forrest (Toto, Boz Scaggs, Michael McDonald) on drums, Bill Champlin (Chicago, CWF, Jay Graydon) on keyboards, and many more.
Robbie LaBlanc show his vocal credentials masterfully blending-in with the music of opener “ Far from Over” where Toto and Chicago pops to mind. Nathan East on bass and J-Rod Sullivan on drums complete the stellar line up alongside Mike’s band. ‘Nuff said.
Mr. LaBlanc repeats in “Gifts of Life”, a song more in line with his classic AOR past plenty of melody and a great chorus. Production is inspired by the late Eighties sound, lovely. Shannon Forrest (Michael McDonald, Don Henley) shine on drums.
“If The Darkest Night” presents colorful keyboards and intoxicating atmospheres, again with Forrest behind the kit, matched in elegance by a six-string solo by virtuoso Fran Alonso (Hackers, Krull). LaBlanc appears again for the smooth Westcoast breeze of “Affinity”, where specialist Peter Friestedt crowns a solo.
The ballad “To You” features a vocal duet with Jesus Espín (91 Suite/Secret) female Nana Petrossi, an AORish poppy tune with certain Diane Warren influence.
Then there’s a contagious feel good vibe on closer “I’d Rather Be a Fool” that even reminds me of those “one hit wonders” called Fairground Attraction. The song features welcomed contributions from ‘crooner’ St. Paul Peterson (Prince, Peter Frampton) on lead vocals, and the great Bill Champlin (Chicago, CWF) who leaves us speechless with a special organ solo.
Not only recommended for Westcoast AOR ears, “The Man With The Red Shoes” is a pleasure for anyone interested in well done, timeless melodies & harmonies. This is an album made with love for this type of music, from the heart, but with a major production quality.
Highly Recommended
01 - Far From Over (feat. Robbie LaBlanc).mp3
02 - Gifts Of Life (feat. Robbie LaBlanc).mp3
03 - Shelter Me.mp3
04 - Nothing I Wouldn't Do (feat. MaShanda Favors).mp3
05 - If The Darkest Night (feat. Robbie LaBlanc).mp3
06 - Affinity (feat. Robbie LaBlanc).mp3
07 - Once In A Lifetime.mp3
08 - Surrender (feat. MaShanda Favors).mp3
09 - To You (feat. Jesus Espin).mp3
10 - I'd Rather Be A Fool (feat. St. Paul Peterson).mp3
Mike Della Bella Project – The Man With The Red Shoes 2024, MP3+FLAC
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