Not so long ago, the mastermind of the band, singer / guitar player Patrick Liotard, inspired after a concert sharing stage with his idol Steve Lukather (TOTO), decided to breathe new life into SEDONA activity.
Then, it is not surprising that "Golden Valley" sounds heavily influenced by TOTO, LITTLE RIVER BAND, DAKOTA, but above all: STEVE LUKATHER.
The guitar solos as well as the vocals remind strongly to Lukather’s solo recordings.
Patrick Liotard is an accomplished instrumentalist, and also knows how to sing those typical Westcoast harmonies. The singing is in English and one can hardly hear that they are French.
I loved the dreamy mid-western guitar lines of 'Magic Dream', even the subtle brilliance of 'Sweet Wave Of Sunset' will warm the cockles of your heart.
For Toto fans, check out 'You Choose Fanatic', the Lukather-like guitar licks are guaranteed to stun.
It's hard not to miss the delicious harmonies of 'Golden Valley' and equally 'California Ballad', the combination of AOR and melodic steel guitar is a winner.
When Sedona decide to rock out, a track like 'Rock Board' goes to show this lot aren't just about slick westcoast, this one is a fun time rocker with big melodies.
Even when they change to instrumentals, Sedona know how to mix it up with stunning musicianship. 'Laguna' features magic landscapes, and 'Sedona' is a classic L.A. session material, a la Larry Carlton / Jay Graydon. One should listen to it with headphones and dream away.
Very good album that will be warmly embraced by friends of classic bands like Toto, Dakota, Tim Feehan, Joseph Williams, Jay Graydon’s Planet 3, Peter Beckett, Nielsen/Pearson, etc.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
01 - TFC Magic Dream
02 - Surfing State Of Mind
03 - Golden Valley
04 - California Ballad
05 - Sweet Wave Of Sunset
06 - Laguna (Instrumental)
07 - Rock Board
08 - Southern California Dream Space
09 - You Choose Fanatic
10 - The Story
11 - Tessalia
12 - Sedona (Instrumental)
Patrick Liotard - vocals, guitars
Stephane Larribat - drums
Jack AnDouar - bass
Laurent Darmon - keyboards