Review: Julian Sas – Miles And Memories
Julian Sas – Miles And Memories
Format: CD – Vinyl LP – Digital / Label: Cavalier Records
Release: 2025
Text: Bert van Kessel
Talking about Dutch blues-rock, the name Julian Sas will immediately pop up. The singer /guitarist/songwiter has been an icon of the genre for 30 thirty years now, with 17 albums under his belt.
After their previous album ‘Electracoustic’ keyboard player Roland Bakker left the band. This new album features a stark, raw sound taking us back to the classic blues-rock power-trio line-up. There is little blues however, this is a guitar rock album. The extended songs give Julian plenty of space to excel in immersive solos. Lars -Erik van Elzakker (drums/percussion) and Edwin van Huik (bass) are a really inspired rhythm section and they drive the lead guitarist to great heights.
This smashing anniversary album opens with the title track and single Miles And Memories. In it Julian Sas looks back on thirty years on the road with plenty of highs and lows.
In Midst Of Madness he fiercely addresses the powers that be; are you listening Donald?, In it he ably demonstrates his inimitable guitar prowess. Actually that is what he does in all eight dazzling tracks.There’s for example the wonderful, melodic solo in Light Finds a Way. It is less Rock and Roll with Julian adding more nuance.
After opening ominously One Step Closer To Hell gets a happy ending in a passionate love ballad. Hiding Places, which very topically adresses the refugee problem, again has a truly compelling , partly acoustic, solo.
The very highlight of this engaging album is Kindred Spirits. Julian is extraordinarily inspired in various solos. He grabs you by the throat with his first solo and never lets go but just keeps on pushing.
The up-tempo closing track Ain’t Coming Back features very convincing vocals and a fiery solo emphasizes his point: he is definitely not coming back! What an incredible way to close this really amazing guitar rock album.
Tracks:
01. Miles And Memories
02. Midst Of Madness
03. Light Finds A Way
04. One Step Closer To Hell
05. Hiding Place
06. Getting Tougher Every Day
07. Kindred Spirits
08. Ain’t Comin’ Back
Website: https://www.juliansas.com/