Jeff Scott Soto-Damage Control

Frontiers
2012

Some times the term journeyman in the music brings about a bit of a negative attachment. Like s player hasn't really established themselves, but instead bounce around performers with various acts. However another way to look at it is they are staying busy doing music when and wherever they can. Jeff Scott Soto is definitely a journeyman singer who has played with Yngwie, Journey, Talisman and others over the years. Yet he also been one of the most consistant vocalists of the last several decades. No matter what he sings or who he sings with it's normally golden. His latest solo outing is no exception. He stays within his comfort zone performing melodic hard rock and AOR songs with a mix of rockers and ballads. So nothing new, but his voice is smooth and so on that it could be 1986 or 1996 or well you get the picture. We know a JSS album will focus on his voice as the lead instrument and well it should because he still has the edge and knows how to use it. I am not sure what all he has done to keep his voice in tip top shape, but he has. It's always pleasing to hear a professional just belt it out make it sound all too easy, but that's what JSS does here once again.

JSS-One night in Madrid

DVD
Frontiers
2010

This show was recorded on April 18th, 2009 towards the end of the band's world tour. Having played with Yngwie Malmsteen, Journey, Talisman and many other projects it's safe to say that vocalist Jeff Scott Soto has been a very man over the last two and a half decades and he shows no signs of slowing down. If this particular show is any indication of his shows in Europe then it would be obvious that Soto has a loyal fan base perhaps more so on that side of Atlantic. Soto and his band knock out twenty tracks with more entries leaning towards his lighter material. His backing back is superb and extremely tight. The overall sound of the DVD is very sharp and consistent. The camerawork is steady and focuses on the action. I always enjoy a DVD that shows the audience because a large of the live show is seeing the reactions of the audience. The is particular audience was very into the show. Jeff Scott Soto has the kind of voice that never seems to quit. He sounds every bit as good today as he did over twenty years. I don't know what he does to keep his vocal chords in tip top shape, but whatever it is it sure works. It does matter if it's a rocker or a ballad Soto hits everything perfectly. I can't say I was totally thrilled by his choice to do a funky medley as his closer and several audience members looked like they would have preferred a heavier selection too. However Soto hits every note and there are some very high notes to hit on these selections so he was impressive in that respect. For fans this is a must show because JSS are right on all through a fairly long and varied set.