Tom Cartwright is a 30-year veteran of the music business. His passion for music began when he attended the first Woodstock and soon Tom was working in local record stores after school. In 1980 he moved to Los Angeles and started in the mailroom at Capitol Records, eventually working his way up to the executive level.
Tom has produced hundreds of CD compilations and reissues, most famously the Harley-Davidson Road Songs series. He's worked with a diverse lineup of artists, from Al Green to George Thorogood. He is also and active member of NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences) and H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), and is currently completing his first children's book on motorcycles The Adventures of Biker Bucky.
Wheels represent ratings from 1 to 5 (best).
Chickenfoot
Redline Entertainment
Ever wish for the return of the good old days of rock? Led Zeppelin, The Who, Van Halen, et. al. all have their best work behind them. 40 years ago, Blind Faith, one of rock's many supergroups, appeared on the scene and that album became one of the summer's biggest releases. Thus it's only fitting that whenever a new contender comes along, we sit up and take notice. Well, it's the summer of '09 and Chickenfoot is this year's "supergroup." Let's hope they're around for more than one album cause we need a party band like this. Chickenfoot is Sammy Hagar (vocals, guitar) and Michael Anthony (bass) from Van Halen, Chad Smith (drums) from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and guitar whiz Joe Satriani. It's always nice to see a bunch that refuse to grow old and just wanna play and have fun, which is what this group is all about. Come to think of it, that's what many of us who ride are all about too.
Chickenfoot's music is one of those perfect soundtracks if you're the loud rock n' roll type. Got a sub woofer as part of your bike's sound system? You're in for some fun! Songs like "Avenida Revolucion", "Sexy Little Thing", "Down the Drain", and "My Kinda Girl" all prove that, contrary to widespread rumours, rock ain't dead. Joe Satriani certainly has a lot to teach the "Guitar Hero" crowd. Chad and Michael lay down a great backdrop for Sammy's vocals, proving once again that he's the poster child for the eternal party. Even the requisite power ballad, "Learning to Fall", won't embarrass you when you roll up at the light with the volume dialed up. This is all good- time stuff. Chickenfoot's music doesn't reveal the mysteries of the cosmic universe, but it will put a grin on your face and make you squeeze the throttle a little harder as you head down the highway.
5 Wheels
Pentatonic Wars and Love Songs
Otis Taylor
Telarc
Otis has been an on again off again practitioner of the blues since the '70s. Never one to shy way from sensitive subject matter, on this latest album he tackles the subject of love. But syrupy romantic ballads aren't his thing. Barry Manilow has left the building. Otis sings about the darker aspects of life and relationships. If you're lucky enough to be able to ride the back roads of the south, you're lucky indeed, cause this CD evokes many personas of long dead rural blues men, especially Muddy Waters and Mississippi John hurt. The album's lead-off track, "Looking for Some Heat" ought to be nominated "Best New Biker Blues Classic". Guest artists include Irish blues-rock guitarist Gary Moore lending choice riffs throughout the CD, Otis' daughter Cassie Taylor and jazz/hip hop pianist Jason Moran. "Lost My Guitar", "Sunday Morning", and "Talking About it Blues" are stellar tracks, best played loud if you expect to hear all the musical nuances on your bike. In all, it makes for a haunting musical backdrop if you need to discover some of your own inner and outer backroads.
4 Wheels