Avi Rosenfeld - Very Heepy Very Purple VIII (2018)

To some guys today, to have a band where the leader is a guitarist means an instrumental band, where all focuses around him, and where the guitars are the most important feature of the music. Although there are thousands of cases that empower this idea, there are also the exceptions, and we can say that the Israeli guitarist Avi Rosenfeld is one of them. Once more he brings to us a good work, as “Very Heepy Very Purple VIII”, his new album.

The album’s name denounces what we will find on its songs: a Classic Rock musical approach influenced by URIAH HEEP and DEEP PURPLE. But “influence” doesn’t mean “copied”, because Avi’s work has personality, adapting his influences for a modern outfit. And this album has no instrumental insight as well, because this guy is not a show-off, but someone who really needs to express his feelings using songs, not something filled with technical indulgence (besides his technique is excellent). The sound quality tries to be organic to fit in this old musical genre. But it’s not something moldy or without life. It’s the opposite: the songs gained life and are presented in a very good way. Ok, it could be better, but it’s not bad at all.

On these 10 songs, a Hard Rock/Classic Rock approach is presented to us all on a parade of good musical arrangements. And all the musicians are guests, but all of them giving their best. But to begin to have a great time, the best shots are the charming melodies and excellent feeling that is shown on “Marco Polo”, the very good work of keyboards and on the rhythmic session of “Save Them All”, the beautiful instrumental song “Jon Snow” (Avi’s playing reminds me of something influenced by Ritchie Blackmore and Mick Box, but with a personal and elegant bluesy touch), the fiery tempos and excellent harmonies of “Seven Riders”, and the strong weight of “Mas Rapido Que La Luz” (that is sung in Spanish, showing good vocals and fine musical arrangements on the keyboards parts).

This is another fine album from Avi, but I truly hope that, in some moment, he could work with well-known musicians in Metal and Rock, just to satisfy our curiosity how guys like Doogie White and some others would fit in his work. For now, listen to “Very Heepy Very Purple VIII” at the loudest volume possible.