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This band dates back to the late 80's when keyboardist
Eric Ragno (Takara/Ted Poley/Danny Vaughn/Vox Tempus et al)
started China Blue with his best friend Tom Gasbarro. Eric
wrote the music and Tom was the lyrical engineer but then
Vox Tempus took off and it wasn't until he played some of
the old China Blue demos to his friend Michael Riesenbeck
that Michael encouraged Eric to take the best out of the songs
and add new material to round out a complete album. Joining
Eric are Tony Mills (TNT/Shy), Josh Ramos (The Storm/Hardline)
on guitars with Ronny Smith (rhythm guitars), Doug Oudell
(bass) and Zane Petersen (drums) - Eden's Curse drummer Pete
Newdeck helps out on few songs as well. On the mixing desk
is another 80's stalwart JK Northrup.***
From the cover (very Journey like) through to the music
this is pure 80's AOR/melodic rock with modern production.
Revel in the guitar solos on 'Changing Ways', very Toto like
or the sheer catchy melody of 'Don't Be A Stranger', featuring
an ultra tight rhythm section. The slower numbers like 'Changing
Ways' have such a lush musical backdrop that keeps the listener
intently listening throughout.***
Tony Mills suits the music down to a tee and sings in
his more melodic style - only one thing there could have been
more of are harmony vocals on the choruses but that's maybe
just my own love of all things harmony related! The good thing
about the music on here is it doesn't try to be a Journey
clones, in fact the music is closer to the 80's output of
Toto or Valentine.***
Two instrumentals on here, the short 'Twilight Of Destiny'
where the keys do battle with the guitar and 'A Last Goodbye'
on which Josh Ramos lays down some very mellow guitar backed
as ever by the keys of Eric Ragno.***
Unlike some 'lost' albums that are best left lost China
Blue's is certainly worthy of this overdue release and is
a 'must have' for lovers of 80's tinged AOR/melodic rock.***
****1/2 Jason Ritchie
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