Tesla:- Five Man Acoustical Jam

Release:- 1990
Band Members:- Jeff Keith, Tommy Skeoch, Frank Hannon, Brian Wheat, Troy Luccketta,
Krillion's Rating:- 81%


One of the first and probably one of the best of a string of acoustic live albums released in the early 90's. Recorded live at the 'Trocadero' from one of five nights, where the band performed almost entirely acoustically, with little more than a chair and their respective instrument. The album has such a laid back approach, its untrue, at times it almost sounds like a jam session with the carefree attitudes and constant joking. Don't let this put you off though, the musicianship is outstanding and we get great slower tempo versions of some of the best tracks from their first two albums and a number of excellently executed covers.

Highlights for me include a country rendition of their live stable 'Comin' Atcha Live' which unfolds into the 'Grateful Dead's' 'Truckin''. Other non 'Tesla' tracks include an admirable cut of the 'Beatles' 'We can Work it Out', 'Creedence Clearwater Revival's' 'Lodi'. But my favourite is the brilliantly performed version of the 'Stones' classic 'Mother's Little Helper', 'Tesla' seem to add an infectious little groove that really makes the song, 'Jeff Keith' screws up the lyrics a bit, but hey, no one really cares. Top 'Tesla' tracks include a flowing version of 'Heaven's Trail (No Way Out)', the US chart smash 'Signs', and an emphatically emotional rendition of 'Paradise', with 'Brian Wheat' on Piano. Steadfast originals include 'The Way it is', 'Gettin' Better' and 'Modern Day Cowboy', all of which are excellently performed. The 10 minute version of 'Love Song' feels a little drawn out, and 'Tommy's Down Home' and 'Down Fo' Boogie' wander, but overall this album is a real pleasant surprise.

Ok, I'll be honest I'm not really a fan of acoustic sets, but I've got to admire the way these guys put on a show, the workmanlike quality is just commendable and fans of 'Tesla' will certainly want to check out this one-off.


Track Listing:- Comin' Atcha Live / Truckin', Heaven's Trail (No Way Out), The Way it is, We can Work it Out, Signs, Gettin' Better, Before my Eyes, Paradise, Lodi, Mother's Little Helper, Modern Day Cowboy, Love Song, Tommy's Down Home, Down Fo' Boggie,