On April 27th of this year, Jeff Scott Soto dropped a surprise and digital only release entitled, Loud and Live in Milan 2019. Jeff will release this on physical copies as a second disc of his upcoming solo album, Wide Awake (In My Dreamland) that is due in the later part of 2020.
Exactly one year to the day on April 27, 2019, Jeff Scott Soto performed at Frontiers Rock Festival VI in Milan, Italy. It was a one-off performance and Jeff and his band played an over 60- minute set that spanned his illustrious 18-year solo career.
Right out of the gate, the band launches into “Drowning” from the Lost In The Translation album. As expected, Jeff and the band give 150% and you can feel that energy, even while listening to it from your home. Guitars are off the charts, and Jeff is at the top of his vocal game.
Following that is “21st Century” from Beautiful Mess. Another solid track with big groove and strong elements of funk. Overall, the track has a strong King’s X feel, and I am really digging it.
More melodic rock magic comes in the form of “Believe In Me” which Jeff mentions he wrote with Neal Schon (Journey). Extremely catchy and uplifting song with gorgeous, soaring vocals.
“Eyes of Love” from Jeff’s Prism album starts off with an amazing guitar intro and opens up into a driving, mid-tempo rocker that will have you singing along instantly.
Taking a moment to breathe and recoup, Jeff introduces his band, and then they get right back to rocking with “Soul Divine.” Solid bottom and groove and driving guitars lay the foundation for another home run of a track. The background vocals in the chorus really lift the track to incredible heights.
Slowing things down, the band plays the ballad, “Holding On”, which Jeff proclaims he only performs for his brothers and sisters from Frontiers. Gorgeous piano intro and chorus will bring you to your knees. Raw and emotionally driving, this track is definitely the centerpiece of the entire album.
While in the middle of a crowd sing-along of the Talisman song “I’ll Be Waiting”, Jeff calls up labelmate and fellow singer Dino Jelusick (Animal Drive, Dirty Shirley) on stage for a very special jam to close out the evening.
The band tears into “Stand Up”, originally performed by the fictional band, Steel Dragon from the movie, Rock Star. WOW! As soon as those drums hit, I got chills. I didn’t even need to know the name of the song. I was banging my head and singing right along with them. What an incredible way to close out the show!
Loud and Live in Milan 2019 captured all of the energy and majesty that is a Jeff Scott Solo performance. Jeff is easily one of the most underrated and underexposed vocalists in rock and roll today. He sings with such flawless precision and heartfelt emotion. I am most definitely looking forward to the release of his new solo album later this year.
This is a message to all fans of Jeff Scott Soto and to all fans of melodic hard rock.
GO GET THIS ALBUM ONLINE NOW!!!!!
Rating: 9/10 Stars
I’m Music Magazine Writer Jason “Supes” Mesa
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