Joe Perry - Have Guitar Will Travel
Roman Records
www.joeperry.com

Rating: B

Joe Perry began recording his latest solo effort before the craziness that became the latest Aerosmith tour.   So, we don't need any rumors that this is Joe's future or that he won't be back in the 'Smith, for as long as things can be put back together with Steve-o, Joe will have a future with his New England born compadres.  That said, his latest effort, Have Guitar Will Travel, allows Joe to forget his problems and get his rock and rolls out all over again.

The album features Perry singing songs on several cuts while a guy Perry discovered online, known only as "Hagan," delivers vocals on the others. Hagan sounds more than a little bit like Steven, giving this album a hint of what could have been a new Aerosmith album.  Originally this release was going to be dubbed as The Joe Perry Project but somewhere down the line it
ended up being attributed to the main man, himself, which is a shame as the album has the feel of the classic Joe Perry Project from the 80's. 

The opening track, "We've Got a Long Way to Go" is a winner.  The song mixes old rock with new and has a tasty little riff that can't be ignored. "Slingshot" is Joe singing and playing the blues as only he can.  The rhythm cooks while Joe, in his oh so mellow demeanor sings and adds riffs, slides and harmonics throughout.  "Wooden Ships" is an instrumental track that
showcases Perry's guitar skills (duh).  The man has a unique way of phrasing his lead lines that separates him from other players. 

Guitar players will be excited to hear Perry play lead guitar throughout all of the songs on the album.  Perhaps Joe needs this outlet to satisfy his inner rock star, as Aerosmith seems to be becoming more of a pop band with every album.  What the hell... their stuff is still good and now we get a little something extra on the side.  Have Guitar Will Travel is a good guitar oriented album and while there are no obvious hit singles to be found, there is plenty of good ol' fashioned plugged in and cranked up electric geeeetar, which is a good thing. 

By Jeb Wright