Ah, the Porto Rican man! Jeff Scott Soto, with a successful career, spanning over two decades, presents his latest solo effort entitled Lost In The Translation and I'm glad chief Orpheus hasn't 'pressured' us yet to attach the bands'/artists' discographies next to each of the mag's reviews, for I'd end this particular one two years later...
Not to have an album in your collection with JSS on the vocals means: a) you're definitely into the nu/extreme/female-fronted side of Metal, b) you hate multicolored open-chest shirts, c) you still abhor anything related to Y.J. Malmsteen. Omitting this cases, this is the third - I think - solo studio release of this impressive voice for hire, whose musical CV features credits for dozens of bands/artists like Talisman, Y.J. Malmsteen, Kuni, Panther, Axel Rudi Pell, Takara, Human Clay, Skrapp Mettle, Driver and Impellitteri. In the so-called melodic guitar-driven side of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, Soto's fame grew up to an exciting level; you don't have the chance every day to work along with Journey legend Neal Schon...
His appearance at 2002's Gods festival in the UK, supported by guitarists Howie Simon and Gary Shutt, along with drummer Alex Papa, was credited as the set of the day and I can notice why from the audio proof released in next year's March. 1995's Love Parade was more Soul-influenced (Glenn Hughes, do you read me?) while Prism in 2002 (through Frontiers, weird?) followed the safe pattern of a Hard & Heavy amalgam of more than nice cuts. Listening to Lost In The Translation for quite a few times I'm glad to see that the same approach has been followed again. This album is a little bit more heavy - clear your mind out of any double-bass drumming... - and a little bit less love and affection shaped. I can see a better up-tempo Rock mood but I had difficulties in finding the (usual) first catchy hook that sticks in the mind. Believe In Me and High Time challenged for this title...
Jeff also plays the bass and the keyboards, while long-term comrades Howie Simon and Gary Schutt share the guitar duties with Glen Sobel behind the kit. The irresistible Neal Schon contributes songwriting and plays along in a great ballad called If This Is The End - yes, it reminded me of Journey and Bad English - and as I hear the album for the xth time I can come to the secured conclusion that this may be Jeff's best studio album to date. I know the man's got only three studio releases, but with hundred's of others for others floating around, each personal effort counts as - at least - double.
The great thing is that Jeff Scott Soto is alive 'n' kickin', and you can trust Lost In The Translation with shut eyes. Then get - if you don't yet have it - Prism, leave Love Parade aside - unless you like Glenn Hughes' solo releases - and, just before diving to his session discogrsphy (good luck!), prey for the time this brilliant hard working man will come to perform live in your town.