Frank Marino Albums (14)
What The Critics Say
When headbanger historians look back on the important heavy metal and hard rock bands that were active during the '70s, Mahogany Rush's name doesn't come up nearly as often as Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Kiss, Van Halen, Judas Priest, Blue Öyster Cult or Aerosmith -- and that is regrettable because Frank Marino led one of the '70s' most exciting hard rock/metal outfits. Mahogany Rush is, without question, underrated. Walk past a Hard Rock Café, and it isn't uncommon to hear Zep's "Whole Lotta Love" or Deep Purple's "Smoke on the Water" being blasted -- but how often will a Hard Rock Café expose pedestrians to something by Mahogany Rush? Regardless, Marino still has his share of die-hard followers who will be happy to know that Mahogany Rush is in fine form on Real Live. Recorded live at Club Soda in Montreal, Canada on September 8, 2001 (only three days before the 9/11 terrorist attacks), this two-CD set doesn't break any new ground for Marino -- who sticks with the sort of Jimi Hendrix-influenced hard rock, heavy metal, blues-rock and psychedelic rock he was providing 30 years earlier. Marino's refusal to change with the times is just as well -- he is great at what he does, and the singer/guitarist is as inspired on original material as he is on performances of the Zombies' "She's Not There" and two Hendrix classics: "Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)" and "Red House." Clearly, time hasn't robbed Marino (who was 46 in 2001) of either his chops or his enthusiasm. Casual listeners would be better off starting out with some of Mahogany Rush's old-'70s recordings, but longtime fans will be happy to know how nicely his vocals and guitar playing are holding up on these Montreal performances. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
They just don't make them like this anymore. In fact, even in the day they may have made albums similar to this, but they made few live albums of the genre that were this good. Frank Marino always seemed more real and more accessible than many of his contemporary guitar heroes. He had a sense of melody and taste that most of them never really got down in the same way he did. That is what makes this live album as good as it is. It is no wonder after listening to this one that many think he is the true rock guitar hero -- despite what Ted Nugent and his supporters might say. From the opening notes of "The Answer," it is obvious that the band came to rock, and they know how to do it right. There really are no weak cuts on this one, as it is truly one of the quintessential live albums of the '70s. It is also a fine showcase for Marino's style of bluesy rock jams. It's really a shame that this band never got the credit they deserved, because they were one of the greats. Marino even shows his courage by covering "Purple Haze" (amongst a few other covers), despite all the negative press he received as being a Hendrix wannabe. Truth be told, Frank Marino was the guitar man of the 1970s, and this album really bears witness to that fact. ~ Gary Hill, All Music Guide
'Eye of the Storm'
Release Date 8/14/2001
Tracks 9
Label Max Productions
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What The Critics Say
There were two predominant views of Frank Marino in the '70s. The first was that he fit into the guitar hero group of such people as Pat Travers, Ted Nugent, and Robin Trower. The second was that he was a bit of a Jimi Hendrix clone. Well, 2001 sees Marino releasing Into the Storm with his longtime group Mahogany Rush. It also shows that the guitar hero title still fits, although perhaps the guitar heroes of today differ from those of the '70s. Marino's sound certainly fits into his era more than the 2000s, but that does not stop him from producing a killer album. His guitar textures are not too flashy, but very tasteful. As to the Hendrix reference, those influences can be heard on occasion, but really Marino has his own sound. This release is a very strong rock album that even touches on sounds as far away from Hendrix as ELP and Tomita. In fact, the first cut on the piece, an instrumental introduction sort of number, really seems to blend the sound of both of those groups in an arrangement that feels a bit like a take on Mars, from Holtz' The Planets. Marino is back, and back in style. ~ Gary Hill, All Music Guide
'World Anthem'
Release Date 6/1/1998
Tracks 8
Label Sony Music Distribution
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'Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush Live'
Release Date 5/9/1989
Tracks 12
Label Sony Music Distribution
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This is a live offering from the last days of Frank Marino's Mahogany Rush issued by Sony as a super budget reissue. Marino made the most of his career by playing a hybrid of psychedelic and hard rock. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Juggernaut was Frank Marino's second solo release for CBS since the dissolution of Mahogany Rush, and would prove to be his final release for a major, subsequently recording for Maze Records and others. Happily for CBS it was the most successful release of his tenure on the label, with the lead-off track "Strange Dreams" garnering enough airplay to qualify as a hit; even stranger for fans of maestro Marino, "Strange Dreams" doesn't have a guitar solo, but is propelled by rhythmic interplay with a synthesizer! Marino's guitar work throughout his career has been outstanding; channelling the spirit of Jimi Hendrix through his Gibson SG with his own stylistic flourishes, he constantly manages to display speed, precision, and feel through a considerable range of tempos and styles. Juggernaut could easily be a Mahogany Rush album, as Marino fluidly struts his stuff in front of a rocking rhythm section, effortlessly moving through psychedelia, hard rock, and blues metal. Headbanger highlights include the eight-minute still-topical troop tribute "Stories of a Hero," and the incendiary title track blazes to an explosive crescendo. All in all, a consistently strong release by an underappreciated artist. ~ Laurie Mercer, All Music Guide
