Schenker Barden Acoustic Project - Gipsy Lady (Inakustik) ****

It’s great to see Michael Schenker working with Gary Barden again. Actually it’s great to see some consistency from Michael Schenker at all. The Schenker reports from the last few years, whether real or not, had not been positive. Gipsy Lady is the second collaboration of the two musicians. Gipsy Lady is much more laid back record. It’s an acoustic venture. Schenker is no stranger to playing acoustically, as you may recall the Thank You records. This is different, the songs were not meant to be instrumentals here.

Michael Schenker still has that unbelievable tone, and his playing as good as always. The great thing about Schenker playing acoustically is that he maintains his style, and does not loose any of his personality. Not every guitar can do that. Gary Barden still has that dramatic tone in his voice. His voice is as solid singing over acoustic songs as it was with the electric set. Out of all vocalists MSG worked with, and there were many fine singers, Barden complements Schenker best. He got it right the first time, but when egos and other factors get in a way, you loose the magic you have.

Gipsy Lady is a very melodic record. The songs are very catchy, and full of potential. They would actually work great transformed into electric set. The band appears to be driven. It’s pleasant to hear some intensity in Schenker’s playing. He is back to being very melodic and imaginative, and that’s what the fans love about his guitar abilities. I can’t wait to see if the momentum will be captured on the next MSG record.

Mark Kadzielawa