Music review: Leslie West – 鈥楿nusual Suspects鈥�
He may not be a household name, but Leslie West can play the guitar with the best of them. West began his musical journey as a member of the Vagrants during the 1960s.
He later went on to form Mountain, delivering the hard rock classic “Mississippi Queen” in 1970 before going solo in 1975.
“Unusual Suspects” features West’s blistering, bluesy guitar playing and gutsy vocals as he’s joined by a variety of special guest guitarists, whose appearances add gasoline to an already hot fire.
Toto guitarist Steve Lukather joins West on the smoldering opener “One More Drink for the Road,” followed by the boisterous guitar work of Slash on “Mudflap Momma.”
Not allowing enough time to catch your breath, West delivers the album’s finest arrangement with “To the Moon.”
This autobiographical number simmers slowly until erupting into a frenzy of heavy guitar riffs and West’s bellowing vocals reminiscent of vintage “Mississippi Queen.” Billy Gibbons adds his ZZ Top flavor by trading guitar riffs with West on “Standing on Higher Ground.”
West performs exceptional versions of Willie Dixon’s “Third Degree” with Joe Bonamassa and Willie Nelson’s “The Party’s Over” featuring Slash and Zakk Wylde. West even offers up an unusual cover of the Beatles’ “I Feel Fine.” If you don’t know West, take time to familiarize yourself with his extraordinary talents through “Unusual Suspects.” At one point on the album West sings, “Don’t call me legend.” Too late, Mr. West, you’ve already reached that level.
“Unusual Suspects” is just business as usual for this guitar legend.