Volume Six – The Chris White Experience (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Not every artist receives a level of recognition or achieves enough commercial success to release a collaboration of their best work. Few have a body of work so vibrant and well-known that it warrants a second collection. Enter Chris White, folks, a man on his sixth album, proudly showcasing the cream of his storied career. This, my friends, places him in the hallowed halls of the musical elite, the upper echelons of the pantheon of greats. Need I remind you that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame opened its arms to this chap back in 2019? Yeah, that’s the caliber we’re talking about.

Now, most folks know him as a crucial cog in the legendary Zombies machine, but Mr. White is so much more than that. A producer, writer, musician, and all-around collaborator, his musical dossier reads like a who’s who of contemporary music royalty. We’re talking about the likes of Argent, Colin Blunstone, Doris Troy, Dire Straits, and Charlie Dore, just to scrape the tip of the iceberg. His musical gems have been celebrated by the crème de la crème, from HAIM to the Foo Fighters. ‘Volume Six’ continues this epic odyssey, diving headfirst into his vast reservoir of musical wonders. And who’s to say this is where the tale ends? There might just be another chapter waiting in the wings.

Take a gander at the opening number, ‘Hellhound,’ a forgotten 1970 single featuring Duffy Power, a timely nudge reminding us that while the Black Crows were busy name-dropping The Faces, there were other just as significant players laying down such groundwork for later rock and rollers and prowling the raw-soul-blues-rock alley. Why this tune didn’t soar to the heavens back then remains a mystery. Perhaps its rightful retribution lies in its inclusion here.

Sure, you’ll stumble upon a handful of recent compositions in the mix. Notably, the smooth power-pop ballad ‘The Circle Closes’ is laced with the assured, honeyed tones of Bianca Kinane. It’s Chris White doing what he’s always done best – moving with the times and sonic tides. But at its core, this compilation serves as a retrospective, unearthing rare and previously unreleased jewels from his musical memoir.

‘A Star Is Nearly Born,’ featuring Juice, oozes with groovy, gritty vibes, soulful and brimming with dynamic twists and turns. ‘One More Try’ delicately unfolds, a spacious showcase for the enchanting vocal hues of Marti Caine, while ‘Heart to Heart’ pulsates with all the swagger and rhythmic charm of its early-eighties origins.

Of course, his musical comrades-in-arms also make an appearance. ‘High Windows’ sees The Zombies weaving a tale of high drama and expansive musical landscapes, a gentle tug at the heartstrings amid the slow-burning energies. And let’s not forget Argent, strutting their stuff with the infectiously upbeat ‘Walkin’, a concoction where rock muscle cozies up to the allure of melody. Now, that’s what I call a perfect sonic fusion, folks.

Chris White’s sonic tapestry spans the entire history of modern pop and rock music. Usually, this is the part where I’d be screaming at you to run out and snag every piece of his musical legacy you can get your paws on. But here’s the kicker, my friends: unless you’ve been around the block a few times, you might not have the luxury to fully grasp the weight of his contributions to the pop culture juggernaut.

So here’s the game plan – you immerse yourself in this album till the grooves wear thin. Then, you do the same for the previous five volumes. And when you find yourself craving for more, and trust me, you will, at least you’ll have a roadmap guiding you through the twists and turns of his multifaceted and marvelous musical escapade. Remember, even the grandest of feasts is devoured one delectable morsel at a time.