Zadra released their debut album Guiding Star, on 02/18/2022, on Frontiers Music S.r.l. The band Zadra is formed with talented guitarist/vocalist, August Zadra, who is a member of the band, Waiting For Monday.
Joining August Zadra, who sings lead and backing vocals, and plays guitars; are: Jeff Scott Soto, on backing vocals on all songs except “Come Back to Me”; Alessandro Del Vecchio, who plays bass, keyboards, and adds backing vocals, and additional rhythm guitars on “Won’t Let Your Love Take Me Down”; Dennis DeYoung, (yes of Styx), who plays a keyboard solo on “Take My Hand”; Jelly Cardarelli, on drums; Jimmy Leahey, on acoustic guitars on “A Matter of Yesterday”; Andrea Seveso, on additional rhythm guitars on “Won’t Let Your Love Take Me Down”; Martin Jepsen Andersen, on additional rhythm guitars on “Escape The Rain”; and additional keyboards: Guillermo De Medio, Pete Alpenborg and Jan Akesson.
“Guiding Star” is a compelling collection of hard-hitting rock songs and ballads that feature powerful and emotional vocals as well as his fiery guitar playing. The album was produced by the multi-talented Alessandro Del Vecchio.
All the tracks on this album are very well written and played. There are no fillers. You have reminders of everything from Journey, Loverboy, Survivor, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and many of the top AOR bands of the 1980s.
My favorite tracks are the cool opener, “Come Together”, its not as cool as the Beatles classic, but it has some great catchy hooks.
“Nothing More to Say”, is a good Whitesnake/Foreigner mix, if you can imagine those two bands playing together.
“Ship of Fools” is no way as good as the Door’s classic, but it has some more great hooks and guitar riffs.
Zadra, himself physically looks a little like a combination of Rod Stewart, Geddy Lee and Tom Petty.
“A Matter of Yesterday”, is a beautiful acoustic guitar ballad/love song.
“Take My Hand”, with Dennis DeYoung’s keyboards is another wonderful album highlight. The lyrics are also excellent.
“Dream of You”, is a good Journey-like love song.
The closer, “Rise from the Fire”, has a great keyboard opening. It is a great Styx/Survivor rocker.
This is a very good debut for this band. I liked it a lot and will follow these guys in the future. Check this album out if you like the sound of the leaders of AOR, from the 1980s.
Tracklisting:
1. Come Together
2. Nothing More To Say
3. Ship Of Fools
4. Come Back To Me
5. Escape The Rain
6. A Matter Of Yesterday
7. I’ll Meet You In Heaven
8. Take My Hand
9. Dream Of You
10. Won’t Let Your Love Take Me Down
11. Rise From The Fire
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