A triple CD set paying tribute to Frankie Miller, who suffered a brain haemorrhage in 1994 and has been recovering since. Two CD’s feature artists covering his work and songs he covered during his career, with the third CD made-up of new Scottish bands covering Frankie Miller’s tunes. Artists appearing include Rod Stewart, Fish, Lulu, the Proclaimers, Nazareth, Brian Robertson, Bonnie Tyler, the Eagles’ Joe Walsh, Jackie Leven and many more. Ex-Genesis vocalist Ray Wilson puts in a smokey blues performance on ‘Good Time Love’, again another underrated vocal talent.

Highlights? There are many but on disc one Fish with the Sensational Alex Harvey Band and a pipe band tackling the rousing ‘Caledonia’, is one of the best vocal performances from Fish I’ve heard for awhile. Edwyn Collins, a very underrated singer, plays all the instruments on ‘After All I Live My Life’, a very melancholy tune. The Proclaimers have a bit of fun with the ‘Doodle Song’, great vocal interplay as usual. ‘Danger Danger’ by Nazareth suits the band down to the ground, with Dan McCafferty’s gravel vocals filling your speakers and the band pumping out some powerful backing.

On disc two ex-Free bass player Andy Fraser shines on ‘Standing At Your Window’, the BMX Bandits provide a 60’s tinged ‘Mailbox’ and Mary Kiani provides a heartfelt vocal on ‘After All I Live My Life’. Frankie Miller duets with Bonnie Tyler on ‘Tears’.

Third and finla disc has the unsigned Scottish bands on it. Pick of the bunch are the rip roaring blues rock of the Stunts ‘Down At The Honky Tonk’, ‘Money talks by Independence and ‘One More Heartbreak’ by the Radiotones. Full marks to Eagle for adding this extra CD as it gives unsigned bands a much wider audience, especially when you see the more established names on the other tow discs.

A well-packaged collection, with extensive linear notes but it’s a shame there is not more info on the bands featured on the third disc. Even if you’re not familiar with his work you can’t fault the quality on here and everyone will find a tune or two to their liking.

Website

****

Review by Jason Ritchie