Black Country supergroup hits the mark

In Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, the Midlands has long held claim to be the birthplace of heavy rock. Now it has its own supergroup in Black Country Communion.

Cannock-born Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Trapeze) and Dudley-born Jason Bonham (son of Zeppelin drummer John), along with American guitar virtuoso Joe Bonamassa and former Dream Theater keyboard player Derek Sherinian have created a debut album, to get classic rock fans drooling.

Across its 72 minutes, Black Country Communion is a true group effort, distilling the essence of 60s and 70s hard blues rock with an up-to-date sound courtesy of uber-producer Kevin Shirley.

Hughes is in astounding vocal form throughout while Bonamassa continues to lay claim to be the most exciting guitarist on the planet, also lending his vocals to three tracks.

Highlights include the storming opener Black Country, the epic Song Of Yesterday and a reworking of the classic Medusa from Hughes' days in Trapeze, which sees Bonamassa wielding the late Mel Galley's "Black Beauty" Les Paul to astonishing effect.

Elsewhere One Last Soul is an ultra-catchy first single, Sista Jane starts off like AC/DC before taking an unexpected turn into Who territory, while Beggarman evokes memories of Hughes' days in Deep Purple.

While Sherinian's keyboard work largely plays a subtle supporting role, adding light and shade where needed, Bonham's drumming locks in with Hughes' bass in a thundering performance which would have made his dad proud.

* Fans who can't wait to see Black Country Communion in action can catch Glenn Hughes when his solo tour calls in at the Robin 2 in Bilston on Tuesday, September 28.

Ian Harvey