The latest reviews from Kevin Bryan.

The Yardbirds, "Roger The Engineer" (Repertoire)- This fascinating CD re-issue serves up mono and stereo versions of The Yardbirds' classic 1966 album, alongside  a few interesting obscurites and five solo offerings from vocalist Keith Relf. As an exercise in musical psychedelia it's well nigh irresistible, with  the use of backward tapes and controlled feedback  underpinning   demon guitarist Jeff Beck's  sparkling exploits on  stand-out tracks such as  "Over Under Sideways Down," "Jeff's Boogie" and "Hot House.."

Christina McMaster, "Un Hommage a Erik" (Words & Music)- Composer Richard Fowles penned this charming collection of keyboard miniatures to mark the 150th birthday of French composer Erik Satie, who despite being a relatively unsung hero during his own lifetime is now rightly recognised  as one of the most distinctive and influential musical figures of his generation. Fowles'  affectionate tributes to the unique  legacy of this master of melancholy  minimalism are delivered with poise and precision  by pianist Christina McMaster, with "A Walk To The Chat Noir on a  Snowy Day" and " Sylvie"  emerging as  musical highlights.

Marty Balin, "The Greatest Love" (MVD Audio)- Cincinnati born Balin may have  been pursuing a solo career for more than three decades now  but  this highly distinctive  songwriter and vocalist is still best known for his trailblazing exploits with  counter cultural icons Jefferson Airplane during the late sixties and early seventies. Balin's latest offering  was recorded in collaboration with upright bassist Lloyd Goldstein  and guitarist  Chuck Morrongiello and mines a familiar vein of mildly overwrought romanticism, although lyrically it doesn't really reveal  any real progression from the material that he was creating almost half a century ago.

Robert Rex Waller, Jr. "Fancy Free" (Western Seeds)- This multi-talented character somehow manages to accomodate  the demands of  life as a university professor whilst maintaining   parallel careers as playwright   and prime practitioner of the finest Americana.  Rob's latest recording project finds him applying his warm baritone vocals to an eclectic collection of covers which run the gamut from The Doors' "Crystal Ship" to Willie Nelson's "Me And Paul" via a glorious piano led re-vamp of Ray Davies'  timeless "Waterloo Sunset."