My Many Sides by Ramos (Frontiers Music Srl)

My Many Sides by Ramos (Frontiers Music Srl)

Josh Ramos is one of the most epically underrated guitarists on the planet. His immense credits include time spent within the ranks of The Storm, Hardline and Two Fires. Ramos has released some amazing solo material as well, including the critically acclaimed Ramos/Hugo, an entire album featuring Josh’s persuasive guitar talents as well as Hugo Valenti’s (ex-Valentine) dynamically impassioned vocals. My Many Sides is the name of the latest endeavor from Josh Ramos, with not one but several guest vocalists unveiling a dozen absolutely rapturous songs! Fans of acts such as Journey and Toto are destined to be swept away by the sheer artistry found within the grooves of My Many Sides!

My Many Sides opens with the explosive reveries of Today Is The Day, the first of several selections featuring the towering vocals of Joe Retta from Heaven And Earth. Throughout the album, Retta contribute his astounding Dio-style vocals – and yes, Joe Retta is another one of those vastly underrated performers, whose work here with Josh Ramos is absolutely phenomenal.

Unbroken is a dazzling collaboration, where Ramos and XYZ vocalist Terry Ilous deliver a heartfelt work sheer sonic intensity. I’ve Been Waiting is a vibrantly absorbing power ballad featuring the stylish singing of the one and only Harry Hess from Harem Scarem. Eric Martin from Mr. Big even makes an appearance on My Many Sides, contributing his trademark vocals and the immensely moving Forefather.  Another standout on My Many Sides is Blameless Blue, featuring the always amazing Danny Vaughn of Tyketto.

And be sure to listen on until the grand finale, the remarkable I’m Only Human, featuring the final performance of the late Tony Mills of SHY and TNT.  Just knowing that Tony Mills recorded this while battling cancer gives the already superbly inspirational song a devastating sense of poignancy.  On a side note, Josh Ramos and Tony Mills worked together in a band called China Blue – which featured keyboardist Eric Ragno who does appear on My Many Sides – just not on this track.  We nearly had a China Blue reunion here!

In addition to the supremely imaginative guitar work of Josh Ramos, the topnotch musicianship found on My Many Sides includes Fabrizio Grossi on bass and Tony Morra on drums as well as the aforementioned Eric Ragno weaving his keyboard magic on a few of the songs. My Many Sides by Ramos is sure to enrapture both AOR and melodic metal fans with its absolutely timeless tapestries. Another modern day classic presented by the folks at Frontiers Music Srl!

Editor’s Note:  Interview with Josh Ramos coming soon to Highwire Daze Online!

(Review by Ken Morton)

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