Grand Union is Firebird’s first album since 2006’s excellent Hot Wings and opening song “Blue Flame” picks up right where they left off. There’s a bluesy guitar riff, plenty of cowbell and a double time jam at the end. What more could you want? The production on this album is great. Smok Smoczkiewicz’s bass has some of the best Ampeg SVT filth since Dusty Hill and Mel Schacher spanked the plank. The drums of Ludwig Witt are resonant, hard hitting and deep in the pocket. Then there’s the guitar tone. Bill Steer plays a Les Paul Junior just like his hero Leslie West did in Mountain and gets a lot of variety from a simple 1 pickup guitar. Bill’s vocals explore the region between Mark Farner and Steve Marriot while keeping in mind their heroes Howard Tate and Bobby Bland. (therippleeffect) (Black vinyl)