Identity crisis?
D. Hartley | Seattle, WA USA | 04/08/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Better known to Mott The Hoople and Widowmaker fans by the non de plume "Ariel Bender", Luther Grosvenor (who had used his "real name" during his earlier stint with Spooky Tooth) released this solo effort in the mid-70's. The album has a loose, "home studio" feel overall (although it should be noted that Edsel does a nice job with the remaster.) Guitar fans will likely find "Under Open Skies" more collectable than casual listeners, as the fretwork is excellent, while the songs (and vocals) remain somewhat lackluster. Grosvenor holds his own alongside contemporaries like Chris Spedding and Mick Ronson, who also excelled as sidemen but tended to deliver more workmanlike product as solo artists."
LUTHER GOES SOLO
larrythehead | Anaheim, California United States | 09/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album always satisfied my mellow moods in the day. It
reminded me of a lost Wings album without the silliness. His
voice is smooth and easy to listen to. The acoustic layered guitars and beatles style melodies make for a winning disc."
From the Guy About to Become Ariel Bender
Alan Rockman | Upland, California | 05/21/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Granted, this album derives more from The Band than either Spooky Tooth or Mott, and that there's no real moments of guitar flash that would be witnessed later in Mott and also in Widowmaker. Still, its a pleasant, rustic, Countrified Grosvenor here. Also the album proved he could hold his own in the vocals department. Outstanding cuts are "Here Comes The Queen" - which was later spotlighted in Mott the Hoople concerts, and "When I Met You".
It was largely on the strength of this album, which ironically featured Bender's soon-to-be-predecessor and good friend Mick Ralphs on rhythm guitar on the opening track, that Grosvenor landed a brief job in Stealers Wheel, recording the original (and best by far) version of "Everything is Going to Turn Out Fine". It was but a short leap from "Stuck in the Middle with Rafferty and Egan" to "All the Way from Bradford with Ian, Buffin, and Overend." And much acclaimed recognition by his peers - including Jeff Beck.
But for a quieter, less maniac Grosvenor vis a vis Bender, this is one fine album."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1