This guy made his own trademark BBQ sauce… if that’s not enough to call him God, then what does his career with Montrose, Van Halen, the recent Chickenfoot, and of course his solo stuff could add to that? After the mediocrity of his last solo album, the Red Rocker aged 65, recruits an impressive cast of friends for a multi flavored, but yet representative –as far as the style goes, not the quality, album. “Sammy Hagar & Friends” go round in every aspect of the singer’s interests from country, blues to hard rock. This variety is present on his guestlist as well with artists as diverse as Taj Mahal, Kid Rock, and Nancy Wilson. Hagar has nothing to prove and he knows that very well, so he is releasing an album with songs that he likes, and some new ones accompanied by some huge names, who are his buddies. Don’t expect to be amazed. Don’t expect to listen to Van Halen-style hard rock – word says that Sammy asked Eddie to play on the album, but never heard back. “Sammy Hagar & Friends” is a laid back, American made album, ideal for BBQ’s and knocking down tequilas in the backyard.
Out of the ten songs of the album those that stand out are “All We Need Is An Island”, “Winding Down”, Bob Seger ‘s “Ramblin, Gamblin Man” and the all time “Going Down” originally by Don Nix, which was made popular by Freddie King, and zillions of bands and artists have covered ever since. Apart from the singers, among the musicians who play on the album there are some big names like Satriani (obviously), Neal Schon, as well as Bil Church and Denny Carmassi both from the legendary Montrose.
