Some 30 years after the release of the classic 'Live' LP, Live II follows, and Foghat are a very different beast.

Down to one original member in drummer Roger Earl, there are two new guitarists in Bryan Bassett (lead/slide, ex MollyHatchet), and Charlie Hunn (guitar and vocals), replacing the sadly departed Rod 'The Bottle' Price and Lonesome Dave respectively. Finally there's bassist Craig MacGregor, who originally replaced Tony Stevens in time for the Night Shift album and again more recently, and he does an excellent job too.

Foghat always were one of the best blues'n'b oogie rock bands around. From the garage r'n'b sound of the their first album (that's Rhythm And Blues for you Urban misfits) to stadium rock, it's blues rock all the way.

The essence of Foghat and their classics are still there, but replacing two such brilliant guitarists will always be hard in any set up.

Disc one opens with 'Night Shift', and 70s classics include 'Stone Blue' (a personal favourite), 'Drivin' Wheel', 'Terraplane Blues' and 'Fool For The City'. Throw in a guitar and drum solo, and a couple of newer numbers and it's a classic if slightly retro feel.

Four tracks on Disc 2 complete the set, recorded in 2005 in California. It's great to get a live album that is a complete concert rather than a live compilation.

A welcome number is 'Chateau Lafitte '59 Boogie', and no Foghat concert would be complete without 'I Just Want To Make Love To you' and 'Slow Ride'.

There are then several bonus live cuts recorded 2005 and 2007. A rare outing for 'Trouble Trouble' and 'Chevrolet' complete a great set. Keep rocking.

****½

Review by Joe Geesin