RGG January 2017 - p.15
Vocalist/bass guitarist/songwriter Glenn Hughes
is a true original. No other rock musician has
carved such a distinctive style blending the finest
elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That
astonishing voice is Hughes' calling card. He's
known as a singer's singer. Stevie Wonder once
called Hughes his favourite white singer.
Hughes, a native of Cannock, absorbed all kinds
of influences, including early British hard rock,
the Beatles and, most importantly, American soul
and R&B. The sleek Motown sound from Detroit
and the gritty Stax/Volt sound from Memphis left
their mark on him.
The first important band Hughes was a member
of that achieved notable success was Trapeze.
The band's early '70s albums included Medusa,
Trapeze and You Are The Music... We're Just
The Band.
In 1973, Hughes joined Deep Purple. The
trailblazing hard-rock legends had just
weathered the departure of vocalist Ian
Gillan and bass guitarist Roger Glover,
but guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, key-
boardist Jon Lord and drummer Ian
Paice continued with the addition of
Hughes and David Coverdale.
Any scepticism was squelched
with the 1974 release of Burn
which has since been re-
r e - leased on its 30th anniversary. This
stunning album rejuvenated the band
and stands tall among Deep Purple
classics.
One of the most important collaborations in
Hughes' career occurred two decades ago when
he began working with Black Sabbath's Tony
Iommi on the legendary guitarist's first solo
album.Glenn's most current studio album, the
2008 release First Underground Nuclear Kitchen
is the latest chapter in an extraordinary musical
evolution, and is quite possibly the most
compelling and positive musical statement in a
distinguished career already abundant with
highlights and milestones.
2010 was one of the most exciting and prolific
years in Glenn's career as it saw him recording
and touring in a new super group project,
BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION with guitar
star Joe Bonamassa, keyboard player Derek
Sherinian (Dream Theatre) and drummer Jason
Bonham, son of the late Led Zeppelin legend
John Bonham.
In late 2013 he formed a new band called
CALIFORNIA BREED with drummer Jason
Bonham and guitarist Andrew Watt and in May
2014, the band released their debut self-titled
album, followed by Autumn tour dates in the
USA (w/ Alter Bridge), Russia, Europe and UK
(w/ SLASH).
So make no mistake. The Voice of Rock never
left the building.
r
gg
21
YEARS
1995-2016
GLENN
HUGHES
Plus support
Stone Broken
