Fortune - The Gun s Still Smokin Live

Fortune is an American band whose first album was released in 1978 by Warner. However, the band didn't manage to take off and broke up in 1984. Nevertheless, in 1985 the Camel / MCA Records label offered the band to record a new album. This second album remains a reference for fans of melodic rock. The band unfortunately had to separate due to the bankruptcy of their record company, which refused to give the band the masters of the album, but in 2016 Fortune reformed, first as a trio, then as a quintet with the original singer Larry Greene. The band took the opportunity to release a Fortune II (which is the band's third album) and to celebrate the release of this album, they recorded a live album in Milan (at the Frontiers Rock Festival), which interests us here. Before that, in 2004, Fortune's 1985 album was remastered and released out with three more bonustracks. It was also remastered and released out in 2011.

Fortune is now composed of Richard Fortune on lead guitar, Mick Fortune on drums, Larry Greene on vocals, Ricky Rat on bass and Mark Nilan on keyboards. Note that the band is signed by the excellent and prolific Frontiers Music label.

The live album that concerns us here looks back on the band's career. Ten melodic rock (or AOR) tracks make this live album a must-have for fans of this genre of music.

The pleasure is immense from Thrill Of It All. Larry Greene, the singer, has the perfect voice for this type of rock. The keyboards are not intrusive and Richard Fortune turns out to be a good guitarist. His interventions are brilliant and always of excellent taste. Don't Say You Love Me is a mid tempo, with a heavy and rumbling bass. The keyboards lead the way and the whole thing is extremely pleasant. Especially the chorus.

Vidéo of Thrill Of It All (live)

The melodic road traced by Fortune remains as pleasant as ever with Bad Blood on which the guitar interventions are sharp but always melodic. The bass sound is amazing. The musical level doesn't weaken in any way with What A Fool I've Been, rougher and more rock than its predecessors. Mark Nilan's work on keyboard and piano is clearly highlighted. And it is in the middle of a heavy rhythm that Richard Fortune develops an excellent solo.

Through The Fire will probably bring you back in the 80's since this song was used for the Top Gun soundtrack. Sharp guitars, efficient rhythm, melodic keyboards and superb vocals. Deep In The Heart of The Night remains in the watchword of the band. Melodic rock. But never too sentimental.

Video of Through The Fire (live)

We even raise the tone with the very rock The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter. Thick guitars always rub shoulders with a gigantic bass sound. An effective chorus that stays in the head. We calm things down with Shelter of The Night, a mid tempo, in the style of Journey. An always effective chorus and beautiful guitar interventions, embellished by a very present piano on this track.

Video of The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter (live)

Dearborn Station is a melodic rock gem, clearly influenced by Journey, both on guitars and keyboard interventions. We are in the middle of the 80's. This live album ends with a superb Freedom Road, over six minutes long. All led by the voice both fragile and strong of Larry Greene. The band, welded and united, lets go completely, having won its bet to come back to the melodic rock scene.

Video of Freedom Road (live)

In any case, a beautiful melodic rock album, a genre that has come back fashionable thanks to the enthusiasm of the Frontiers Music label..