Leigh Stephens Albums (3)
'Chronic with a K'
Release Date 7/19/2006
Tracks 8
Label Leigh Stephens
See Album Tracklist and Review
'High Strung/Low Key'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 10
Label Leigh Stevens
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Leigh Stephens remains best known as the original guitarist in Blue Cheer, a credit that has earned him rankings as one of the 100 all-time greatest heavy metal guitarists in Guitar World magazine and as one of the top 100 guitarists of all time in Rolling Stone magazine. But his tenure in Blue Cheer ended in 1968, and one could hardly expect him to be repeating his licks from "Summertime Blues" 36 years later on this, his third solo album (unless, that is, the album had been recorded for a major label instead of being self-issued). Stephens isn't much interested in proto-heavy metal anymore, but he does have a distinct guitar sound, drenched in sustain and echo, and he conducts a master class in string bending on this outing, which, despite featuring vocals by Eva Caperon on six of the ten tracks, is more of an instrumental guitar album than anything else. Actually, Stephens reaches back before Blue Cheer for influences including Duane Eddy and the Ventures as he plays several familiar melodies and some originals. He can show a biting rhythmic attack to go along with the bitter tone of "You Can't Handle the Truth," with its soundbites of movie dialogue and presidential prevarication, and he can be nearly spiritual in "Dreamland." But he always has his own voice as a guitarist, one that justifies the accolades from writers who haven't heard new music from him in decades. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Red Weather was the first solo project from the lead guitarist of Blue Cheer. Originally released on the Phillips/Mercury label in 1969, the album immediately became a favorite on the underground music scene and established Stevens as a solo act. The music on Red Weather was dramatically different than that of Blue Cheer, with a well structured psychedelic sound like Quicksilver or the Grateful Dead rather than the sledgehammer hard rock sound of his former band. Recorded in England at the Trident Studios with the help of Nicky Hopkins on keyboards, drummer Mick Waller from the Jeff Beck Group, and Kevin Westlake from Blossom Toes, the album was hailed as a masterpiece by many British rock fans but was equally dismissed by Blue Cheer fans. The album contained eight songs that highlighted Stevens songwriting ability rather than his guitar prowess. After nearly 30 years the album was rereleased complete with the original psychedelic artwork cover. ~ Keith Pettipas, All Music Guide
