Tony Loeffler & The Blue Angels - Rooftop Series 5: Passaic County Jam (re-issue)
STYLE: Rock RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 123637-18978 LABEL: Lord & Associates FORMAT: DVD-Data Album
Reviewed by Lins Honeyman
Five volumes into this series of download-only reissues of early '90s prison recordings and, despite several songs having appeared previously, proceedings are kept relatively fresh by Loeffler and his band's ability to experiment with different musical styles. Prime example of this is a reggae adaptation of Loeffler's signature tune "Finish Line" as well as a bluesier version of Dylan's "Are You Ready" which sees other members of the Blue Angels take on vocal duties. Elsewhere, Loeffler's poetry reading of the chilling "Hellbound Train" is particularly effective in communicating the consequences of not accepting Christ's offer of salvation whilst speaker Marc Tirondola presses the point home as ever with compassion and conviction. A severely under-rehearsed version of the old Edwin Hawkins number "Oh Happy Day" in which hardly anyone knows the words lets the side down somewhat although another lengthy jam session at the end showcases the stunning individual talents of each band member.
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