RANDY HANSEN

RANDY HANSEN DOING HIS JIMI HENDRIX SHOW AT STATELINE, IDAHO IN 1978. PHOTO BY BEN UPHAM.

RANDY HANSEN
“ALBUM REVIEW” (“Randy Hansen”- Capitol T-12119)
BY BILL MISSETT
THE LOGANSPORT PHAROS -TRIBUNE
LOGANSPORT, INDIANA
NOVEMBER 23, 1980

A lot of people who think their guitar hero is invincible are going to be shocked by the power of Randy Hansen’s debut album.

Hansen, who is no stranger to west coast rock and rollers, has a strong reputation preceding him, built upon the memory of the power guitarist of all time, Jimi Hendrix. Hansen was a member of a band which featured various imitative spots, during which the band members mimicked other musicians styles. Hansen did Hendrix, and he did Hendrix so well it became a show-stopper.

In time, Hansen left the group and went on the road with his Hendrix Tribute, a worthy, inspiring performance that even the most jaded critics agreed Randy Hansen did an uncanny impersonation of Hendrix, and they were impressed by his playing.

He has taken that power, and infused it in his own music, which is pouring out of him in power chords of blistering guitar work. He is backed by only bass (Scott Rosburg) and drums (Charles Tapp), and the trio commands your respect.

Hansen is hot, a genuine guitar virtuoso whose talent is bigger than he is. All he has to do is strap it on and let himself go, and the chords come flowing from his fingers. His vocals are good, but more often than not, the entire group harmonizes the vocals, making up for any deficiencies. There is a strong unity here which commands you to listen.

With openers like “Champagne and Cocaine” and closers like “Don’t Pretend,” Randy Hansen has himself one of the hottest albums of the year.

RANDY HANSEN DISCOGRAPHY:
1980 Randy Hansen
1983 Astral Projection
1992 “A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix”
1993 Hendrix by Hansen
1997 Old Dogs New Tricks
2000 Tower of Love
2003 Good Intentions
2004 Alter Ego
2005 Live in Berlin (DVD)
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO SEE RANDY HANSEN PHOTOS:
RANDY HANSEN PHOTOS BY BEN UPHAM