Jeff Scott Soto - One Night In Madrid

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On both DCD and DVD format, this is the latest live release by the charismatic Jeff "let-me-entertain-you" Scott Soto. The man who has sung virtually everything from Funk and Pop to Hard Rock and Power Metal, counting more than 25 years of illustrious career, stopped with his band in Madrid, Spain in the midst of booked dates in promotion for his latest "Beautiful Mess" solo CD and the result was captured on both audio and video that April 2009 evening.

Jeff has – in a weird way – separated his solo works from his various band participation in the Rock/Metal fans’ ears. I have the impression most people attending a JSS show prefer to shake to the grooves of e.g. TALISMAN or Y. Malmsteen tracks rather than enough of his own solo works. That’s fair enough: Jeff has built an impressive career as a singer in these albums plus his solo efforts could easily be judged as somehow unbalanced (featuring AOR, Rock, Pop, Funk elements from time to time) for the average hardrockin’ fan, right? Having seen JSS some years ago it’s true the guy can set your ass on fire with his performance/entertainment skills but – strictly talking ’bout setlist choices – the average fan possibly expects a more career-expanded set of songs (e.g. TAKARA, Axel Rudi Pell, JOURNEY…even KUNI?) since this variety seems to be the crucial factor for the Puerto-Rican-descent artist’s trademark value. In any case, the fact and only that Jeff still manages to achieve a thriving voice offering sensational moments cannot go unnoticed.

On Spanish ground, then, Jeff Scott Soto and his band – with Spanish guitarist Jorge Salan handling the lead guitars – film their gig carrying a good mood in front of some semi-dead audience. Their performance is quite vivid, Jeff’s voice is blistering and I was quite satisfied by the particular playing of Jorge Salan (Spanish shredder, ex-member of MAGO DE OZ) and Edu Cominato (is he as young as he looks?). The sound is alright, the cameras do a good job and – up to an extend – you can capture the live feeling watching the DVD at home.

But the setlist seems to be somehow of a misadventure if you’re not a core JSS fan. Hence, this present DVD – or the double CD also released – seems to be destined for the singer’s aficionados with not much of good news for fans of the bands Jeff has provided services for. That’s not a bad thing, anyway, it just has to be pointed out to avoid pleasure conflicts. The usual piano and funky medleys are here, plus a good doze of adrenaline is served to the hearing of "Stand Up And Shout" (from the "Rock Star" OST). Again said, Jeff’s vocal performance is just a little bit less than majestic.

Bonus goodies include promo videos for songs off his latest "Beautiful Mess" CD and older stuff plus a touching Marcel Jacob tribute video and some hilarious road tour footage. The menu effects are quite elementary, but that’s last page news for fans willing to share some of the heat delivered by Jeff Scott Soto that April 2009 evening. Since there’s not much live footage to choose from Jeff Scott Soto I guess "Live In Madrid" can prove to be some good companion. You could live with out it, though.