THE HENSLEY | LAWTON BAND - THE RETURN

This is quite a moving live album that allows to meet some old Heep acquaintances (John Lawton as well as Paul Newton) and that's very fine indeed. It was recorded during a Heep convention in the UK. It is only necessary to listen to the long speech from Ken to hear how much emotion he felt during that peculiar night.

In terms of music, there are some solo songs from Ken, but I won't be revolutionary here and I'm just telling that the best ones are by far the Heep tunes.

From Ken's repertoire, I would like to mention the excellent "It's Up To You" featured on the "Glimpse Of Glory" album. It is a good and heavy rock tune like we all love to listen to while reminding this great musician. Slightly pop and melodic as well. "The Return" was also featured on this album (as well as "Guard Your Heart"). But the latter two are on the mellowish side.

Now from the Heep one: some appetizers with "The Wizard", "Stealin" (pretty convincing here) and "Lady In Black". But the absolute highlight is the HUGE "July Morning" (would you figure!). One of my all time favorite from the band.

It is also combined here with another two of my faves (but there are soooooo many out there?). Ken's word to introduce the mighty, the magical "Easy Livin": "You know this one: sing it!". The same wildness as in the early seventies. Even if David is not there any longer, it remains an ENORMOUS song.

This album is not a masterpiece but the feeling it conveys, the passion which can be felt, and for the great appreciation I have for the man (even if his solo career was not on par with the expectations), I rate this album with four stars. Seven out of ten actually. Thanks Ken for these moments.