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Eric Steckel: Grandview Drive Review

Guitar extraordinaire Eric Steckel returns with his latest album, Grandview Drive. Don Plowman joins Steckel on drums and percussion, but Steckel handles the rest of the duties including guitar, vocals, keys, and bass. Steckel also produced the album, which follows up 2018’s Polyphonic Prayer.

“Take My Love To Town” kicks things off with Steckel’s gritty blues metal sound. Steckel is known for his guitar skills, but he is an extremely talented keyboard player, too. “Dream For 2” showcases this with a beautiful intro and features an extended jam which should be fun in the live environment. “Sames Old Blues” is a slow blues with a soaring guitar solo.

Steckel takes another crack at “When Ignorance Turns To Bliss” on Grandview Drive, which appeared on his 2008 release, Feels Like Home. When the guitar solo cuts in you can tell why Steckel decided to record it again. Killer stuff.

Other standouts include the euphoric “Can’t You See,” “Good Day Bad Days and “You Never Will.” “You Never Will” is a catchy radio-friendly track with an Eric Johnson inspired guitar solo that perfectly compliments the song taking it to new heights.

Grandview Drive is Steckel’s most complete album to date and really shows his maturation process as a songwriter. The album is well constructed and filled with wonderful songs, fat tones, and stellar playing. It’s even more impressive when everything recorded on Grandview Drive consists of just two people.

The Review: 9/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Same Old Blues
– Can’t You See
– Good Days Bad Days
– When Ignorance Turns To Bliss
– You Never Will

The Big Hit

– You Never Will

Review by Pete Francis

Pete Francis

Pete Francis is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Blues Rock Review. Pete founded Blues Rock Review in 2010 because he felt there was a major void in how the blues rock genre was covered. Pete is the host of Blues Rock Weekly and a co-host on the Blues Rock Show.

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