Peter Frampton’s great success in the ‘70s turned out to be the worst thing that ever happened to him. The legitimate guitar hero was suddenly seen as a pop star and teen heartthrob. This superficial impression haunted the man for years and he has never been able to regain his commercial footing as a serious hard-rock player. But his hardcore fans know the man can flat-out play and 2010’s Thank You Mr. Churchill is an album his fans will surely use as proof that Frampton is still a formidable rocker. From the opening power chords of the title track through the Stones-like shuffle of “Solution” to the purebred arena rock of “I’m Due a You,” Frampton is out to prove that he’s lost nothing with age. The Funk Brothers join him for “Invisible Man” adding their elastic rhythms, while in other spots Soundgarden/ Pearl Jam drummer Matt Cameron adds his firm crunch. “Suite Liberte” is a gentle acoustic piece that showcases Frampton’s broad powers and reminds us of his GRAMMY-winning soundtrack work on Fingerprints. Son Julian adds vocals to “Road to the Sun.”
- Steve Miller Band
- Robin Trower