The Ken Hensley Story- Blood on the Highway
(Membran Music 231688)
The Ken Hensley Story- Blood on the Highway
(Membran Music 231688)
From Aural Innovations #37 (Sep 2007)
This new CD tells the story of what it was like to be in a very successful rock
band (Uriah Heep) in the 70’s.. The ups, downs, highs and lows are all
put into songs and music. The CD packaging is one of the nicest you are going
to see these days with a fantastic fold out digipack design and beautiful booklet
telling the whole story. He is joined by several guest vocalists, including
Glenn Hughes, Jørn Lande, John Lawton, and Eve Gallagher. I actually
prefer Ken’s voice the best. So what is the music like?? I wish I could
tell you that it was like classic 70’s Uriah Heep but sadly it is not.
IT is rock and roll for the older generation, who have softened with time. Melodic,
radio friendly, rock music, mostly ballads. Don’t get me wrong, the playing
is great and the songs are strong but it is just a little too predictable and
routine. The opening track (This is) Just the Beginning and the next 4 feature
Jørn’s very soulful voice and all the elements I just spoke of.
It won’t Last features John Lawton, another very bluesy vocalist. Think
Twice is a ballad and features the vocals of Eve Gallagher. These two interlude
parts are quite interesting to have thrown in. Each is called Doom Scene 1 and
2 and is just short sentences. Fans of Ken will dig this stuff and if he could
get on the American radio classic rock, there are half a dozen hits here and
it tells a nice story as well. Okay, is a real Uriah Heep like rock song but
it is the only one on the record that really rocks out! What you gonna do is
another ballad and features Glenn Hughes. I did it all, another ballad, that
had to be sung by Ken, of course.. The Last Dance is the longest track at 8½
minutes and features Glenn Hughes as well as string arrangement.
For more information you can visit Ken’s web site at: http://www.ken-hensley.com
Also visit the record label web site at:
http://www.membran.net
Reviewed by Scott Heller