Reviews and Info

When the first two words you hear on an album are "Ahhhh Yeah", you kind of expect that you are in for a great ride, and that is exactly what the Alastair Greene Band does with their newest release, "Walking In Circles".

John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Walking in Circles Constantly with the Alastair Greene Band

Alastair Greene Band a three-some trio of musicians consisting of Alastair Greene (Vocals/Guitar), Tom Lackner (Drums) and Jim Rankin (Bass) have banded together to bring to you a collection of attributing tunes they couldn't live without expressing. Within the sound waves of "Walking in Circles," 11-tracks in total, 6 being original songs while the other 5 ranges from numerous cover tunes altogether being a well-rounded piece of art.

Greene says "I love the music and want to be respectful of the form and history yet still be true to myself and my musical goals," Greene adding "If that means things start to rock out, get experimental, loud, and crazy or I choose to cover more traditional territory, it’s all part of what I love about Blues and its musical off shoots." All of that being said and done makes "Walking in Circles," that more noticeable. Some of the tracks that tend to stick out the most includes "Get Out Of My Life, Woman," "Say What You Want," "Cut You Loose," and "Merry-Go Round," all of which showcasing the real essence that music is creating. 

Establishing not only a source for the music to slither on through but it presents itself at ease exposing itself heavy and hard on certain aspects as well. The instruments really work well together showing off their off-beating tempo rhythms with eye popping vocal cord tactics balancing it all out. It puts the fun back in "funtastic" letting Alastair Greene Band show you exactly how it’s done.  Stereop Magazine

Greene’s new CD WALKING IN CIRCLES features 6 original songs and 5 covers ranging from the Elmore James-influenced title track and the deep Muddy Waters vibe on ‘Pocket Full of Change’ to the Gov’t Mule-style reading of ‘Get Out Of My Life Woman’ and the hard-boogie ZZ Top-inspired interpretation of ‘Cut You Loose’. Mitch Kashmar (currently playing with 70s latin-funk band WAR) lends his legendary harmonica playing to 5 tracks as well as piano on a pair of songs. The Albert Collins classic instrumental ‘Don’t Lose Your Cool’ is given an original treatment in which Greene and Kashmar play the melody in unison before throwing down a couple of terrifying solos. The groove and title of ‘Back Alley Strut’ (an AG original) reflects the influence of funky New Orleans band The Meters, while the comical ‘Drunk Again’ is a shuffle reminiscent of the updated Jimmy Reed style that the Vaughan Brothers popularized in the early 80s. Greene also utilizes his first instrument (the tenor saxophone) on the fast swing ‘Look Out Baby’, which may feature the most blazing guitar solo on the record.

WALKING IN CIRCLES is Greene’s tribute to his Blues heroes and influences as well as his bid to re-establish himself as one of the era’s best up and coming Blues-Rock guitarists. “I love this music and want to be respectful of the form and history yet still be true to myself and my musical goals,” says Greene. “If That means things start to rock out, get experimental, loud and crazy, or I choose to cover more traditional territory, it’s all part of what I love about the Blues and its musical off shoots.” None other than Alligator Records founder Bruce Iglauer recently told Greene, “You definitely have talent. I’m hearing you as being a strong player with a good blues-rock feel and some real chops.” Legendary British studio wizard and solo artist Alan Parsons was quoted as saying, “Alastair should be out playing with the biggest bands in the world. I believe it’s just a matter of time.” Regardless of quotes, resumes’, and high profile names, WALKING IN CIRCLES is sure to perk up some ears, put some smiles on some faces, and get some feet tappin’. It may even inspire some booty shakin’, head bangin’, and spontaneous partyin’. The Blues is for everyone, from “those about to rock” to those in their rocking chairs. Alastair will show you how and why. All Access Magazine Blog

Track Listing

1. Walking in Circles 3:45
2. Look Out Baby 2:34
3. Drunk Again 2:56
4. Get Out of My Life, Woman 5:37
5. Don't Lose Your Cool 4:21
6. Say What You Want 3:02
7. Pocket Full of Change 4:22
8. Cut You Loose 5:00
9. Back Alley Strut 4:14
10. Merry-Go-Round 5:34
11. Give Me Back My Wig 4:03

About Alastair Greene Band

Guitarist, Singer, and Songwriter Alastair Greene has been a mainstay of the Southern California music scene for over 2 decades. Best known for his blues-based, soulful, and melodic guitar playing (as well as one of a rare-breed to play slide guitar), Alastair can be heard on CDs by Alan Parsons (2006 Grammy Nominated ‘A Valid Path’); Aynsley Dunbar (2008 SPV Records release ‘Mutiny’); Blues singer, harmonica legend, and member of WAR, Mitch Kashmar (2005 ‘Wake Up and Worry’ on Delta Groove Records), as well as French Blues Guitarist Franck Golwasser’s 2007 release ‘Bluju.’ Alastair has put out 5 of his own CDs and has also appeared on countless independent CD releases ranging from Blues to Southern Rock. Alastair's song 'The Long Way Home' appeared in a 2007 episode of the TNT hit TV series 'Saving Grace'.

Whether with his own band or as part of others, Alastair has opened shows for The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robin Trower, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers, Lonnie Brooks, Chris Thomas King, Lucky Petersen, Jonny Lang, Billy Boy Arnold, Joe Bonamassa, Mike Campbell's Dirty Knobs, and many more. Alastair continues to perform an average of 100 live dates a year with his own band as well as with Mitch Kashmar, Franck Goldwasser, Shari Puorto and a host of other Southern California Bands including guest appearances with the Alan Parsons Live Project.

What They Are Saying About Alastair Greene

Alastair should be out playing with the biggest bands in the world. I believe it's just a matter of time. Alan Parsons

Although 'Walking in Circles' is categorized as a blues album, it should make a broad spectrum of ears prick up and take notice. It embodies all-round quality, mature and honest playing. It's a good'n. Bob Daisley (bassist- Ozzy Osbourne, Rainbow, Uriah Heap) (Jun, 2009)

"You definitely have talent,.. I'm hearing you as being a strong player with a good blues/rock feel and some real chops."
Bruce Iglauer - Alligator Records

Greene is a wonderful blues/rock player. It's the kind of playing that us 40-somethings grew up with, but doesn't seem to exist amongst the younger crowd.. It's his guitar playing and writing that carry the day here so If you long for the rock of the early-mid '70s, when it was dominated by players influenced by the blues, this one's for you. J.H. - Vintage Guitar Magazine

Alastair is one of the best young rocking blues guitarists I've heard in a long time." James Shane (guitarist- Canned Heat)

Alastair is an extremely gifted guitarist, whether playing effects heavy blues/rock or intense electric slide. He melds a touch of Walter Trout, a dash of Warren Haynes, and a pinch of Trower into a high powered blues/rock beast. Tom Branson - Bluesrockers

Blues-rock fans have been warming themselves to the fire under Alastair Greene’s lightning fingers for several years now. His Quicksilver finger work has likened comparisons to Stevie Ray Vaughan. His voice – what he jokingly calls “controlled shouting” – comes from somewhere deep and fierce within. Ted Mills - Santa Barbara News Press

Those who prefer their blues amped up should be deafeningly pleased. Simply, he goes for it. Greene has a strong, baritone voice that often distorts his mic as the song reaches an apex. Matt Collar - All Music Guide

" I really like it when you do your thing!!!" Ike Turner

Superficially, blues in Santa Barbara could only result from one-way street misdirection or parking more than a block from Nordstrom, but in reality, the area has a long and distinguished blues tradition. The Santa Barbara Blues Society is the nation's oldest; acoustic blues wise guys Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan have been at it for decades; the Fabulous T-Birds frontman Kim Wilson is a local; and the Pontiax tore things up for years. And then there's Alastair Greene, blues-rock guitar monster, who will be like a god when and if long hair comes back.
Bill Locey - Ventura County Star

Alastair Greene takes you back in time by dishing out legendary numbers by Muddy Waters, Albert Collins, John Coltrane and Albert King. Greene gives credit where credit is due then rocks the songs his way. Deanna Segretarian - Music Connection Magazine

It was a true pleasure to witness Alastair Greene and his excellent band. Keep an eye out for Alastair Greene. He's one musician with which to be reckoned. Accept no imitations! John Rhys - Bluepower.com

Alastair Greene Band - 3 Bullets

Alastair Greene Band opening for Robin Trower Feb 8th 2008 with Tom Lackner on Drums,
Jim Rankin on Bass, and Alastair Greene on Guitar and Vocal

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