Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews: Flash Featuring Ray Bennett and Colin Carter (2013)

Date Published: Monday, 3 June 2013 at 4:20 PM – Classic Rock Radio (UK)

Uncle G’s FUN Music Reviews
Spotlight: Flash Featuring Ray Bennett and Colin Carter (2013)

By Gary “Uncle G” Brown
American Correspondent for Classic Rock Radio (UK)
GaryBrown@garyunclegbrownarchives.com

A new Flash album released in the year 2013? Who would have imagined? I know the band well. Hasn’t been active in years.

For those unaware, sadly the band’s lead guitarist, Peter Banks, passed away this past March at age sixty-five. Afterward, it was made public that Peter had taken ill for the last few years. Toward the end, the guitarist did some guest work on other people’s projects. Played guitar, right up to his passing. It was his trade and profession. Any music he did throughout his career, is worth seeking out, and giving a listen to.

Original members Ray Bennett and Colin Carter got back to working together a few years ago, performing gigs and coming up with new material. The fruits of their labor are this new release. The title, “Flash…FEATURING Ray Bennett & Colin Carter”…a tip of the hat to days gone by perhaps? A symbolic victory in a way assuming the band that brought the lawsuit over the band’s name and prompted the line FEATURING is long gone. No matter whose name(s) appear after the name Flash, when playing Flash music, be it old or new, collectively they are and always will be just Flash. Again a contender in the world of current prog rock, minus Mike Hough, the original drummer, and with the addition of a few other players, putting out new material.

Peter’s passing was mentioned on just about every news outlet that I’m aware of. I dedicated a column on him in my almost daily offerings for Classic Rock Radio (UK). Was only about a week ago I opened a package and was absolutely floored when I pulled a new Flash CD out. And when I cracked it open and played it…wow. Hard not to be impressed. Matter of fact, it sounds like the band Flash has another hit on their hands. Better yet, instead of being another seventies rock band that just faded away, with the release of new material, the legacy can still grow. And this I repeat is after their last studio release which was in the year 1973. The already mentioned ‘Out Of Our Hands’ album.

Regarding Peter Banks, his contribution to the group will always be missed, and truly never be forgotten. Hopefully, those younger folks digging the new Flash sounds will dig into the entire Flash catalog. It’s music that would be a shame if missed. An honorable mention is “Small Beginnings”, from the group’s debut album, and the band’s biggest hit. Classic rock stations from all over the world, airwaves and Internet alike, should have at least that Flash song in their regular rotation. Other great songs as well.

“Uncle G” DISCUSSES…Flash Featuring Ray Bennett and Colin Carter

Right from the beginning, the very first song, “Night Vision” on Flash featuring Ray Bennett & Colin Carter jumps right out at you. I get the same vibe when hearing it as I do when playing “Small Beginnings”. Outstanding keyboard work is very reminiscent of the band’s first keyboard player, Tony Kaye. His style of playing was a vital ingredient in the past Flash sound. Night Visions is a great upbeat song that deserves repeated plays. In the old days, a number was destined for FM radio play. An “Uncle G” suggestion, get to know the song “Night Vision” before venturing on. It’s that good and deserves repeated plays. Play it loud! Get your groove on!! It’s cool! All tracks are solid. Here’s something about this new Flash endeavor. Like a fine wine, best to enjoy in sips, to savor, and to find a greater appreciation.

For the last week, I’ve been jamming pretty solid on this CD. For those not yet up on yours truly, I’m an old album guy. I carried that with me in regard to my use of newer technology. In a nutshell, I tend to play CDs from start to finish and think of the CD as a whole, instead of just finding individual songs I might like. From the beginning track which I just mentioned, to the last track called “Richerd Of Venice”. Again, like the song that leads off the CD, “Night Vision”, “Richerd Of Venice” is another track that includes exemplary keyboard work. I’m a prog rock fan. This makes my day. One of two instrumentals on the CD. Note…”Richerd Of Venice” was a wise choice for the disc outro.

If someone wanted to know what a modern prog rock CD should sound like, I would give Flash’s new release as an example. There are good things to say about every song. For example, track two is a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song made famous when re-recorded by a then well-aged and dying Johnny Cash; Hurt. In what is traditional Flash style, they make the song their own. Impressive vocals with a strong supporting cast. The song maintains its gut feeling and is presented in classic prog style. Infectious as hell, it begs for repeated listens.

Track three is a well-paced rocker containing some really juicy guitar work by Ray Bennett. Throughout the CD both his and original member Carter’s performances really shine through.

Track four is a re-make of their own song from Out Of Our Hands called “Manhattan Morning: Christmas ’72”. They slowed it down a tad and dropped the holiday part of the title. Both songs process an excellent bass line working through it. Both versions contain stand-out moments.

Track five is a cool prog rocker called “Into The Sun”. It rocks…it slows down…it rocks again. A nice blend of vocals and music. Got their shit nicely together here. Meant to be played loud.

Following up is a tune called “Grand Canyon”. A slower tempo tune and in being so, a showcase for Carter’s vocals. The tune blends in well with the overall tone of the CD.

An especially good intro to track seven, a guitar-driven instrumental written by Ray Bennett called “Morpheum”. Yet another stand-out tune.

Mr. Carter penned the second to last song called “10,000 Movies”. Overall, a fun song with a good beat when rolling along. Then the CD closes with “Richerd Of Venice”, which I already spoke highly of.

Rating: Using the star rating system of one to five stars with the highest number representing excellence, I give Flash FEATURING Ray Bennett & Colin Carter — 5 stars! A no-brainer. Concerning a follow-up — guys (should they really be reading this) — no waiting another FORTY years OK?

Promotion: Glass Onyon PR

End of Story

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