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RHETT FORRESTER/ROB ROBBINS
The Complete Dr. Dirty Sessions BraveWords Records

As one of the identifiable voices of NYC hard rock legends RIOT, Rhett Forrester was a frontman with a swagger and style of his own. Inspired by a wide range of equally powerful-sounding vocalists such as Paul Rodgers and Steven Tyler, the Tucker, Georgia native gave RIOT some of their most groove-laden and powerhouse albums in the form of 1982's Restless Breed and 1983's Born In America. His tenure with the band would be brief but he would embark on an active solo career afterwards comprised of three solo albums and a couple of ambitious side projects, including his work with former VIRGIN STEELE guitarist Jack Starron his 1984 effort Out Of The Darkness.

Yet, for as much productive studio time that Rhett Forrester has allocated throughout his short career, few of these efforts have really materialized towards a proper mainstream release - that is, until now thanks to the music-fueled minds of Brian Adams, Giles Lavery, Tim Henderson and Michael Brandvold, who are behind the fledgling BraveWords Records label and have taken the great stride towards bringing The Complete Dr. Dirty Sessions featuring the vocal talents of the Good Old Boy during the early 90's to life. Recorded during most of 1993 during Rhett Forrester's Canadian tenure in Calgary, Alberta, the album was initially part of the catalogue of a local band known as DR. DIRTY from 1992-1993.The songs herein had been written by core members Scot Gaines and Rob Robbins before Forrester joined to complete the then new band and provide the songs with the right voice. Produced by Robbins, this album features Forrester's distinct vocals accompanied by a talented ensemble of musicians including the aforementioned Robbins on guitar, keys, and vocals, Rod Albon on bass, Brent Gattoni on drums, and Matt Whale contributing keys on the track "Hold On".

A collaborative effort on all fronts, the album embodies Rhett Forrester's powerful voice and stage presence and takes his talents to the center stage. Opening number "Coming Home" is a fine notable proof of Forrester's delivery as well as his undervalued talent as a relatable storyteller, the song telling the story of a rock star returning back to his woman after a long grueling tour. With his influences firmly rooted in blues-based hard rock, Forrester effortlessly channels his inspirations throughout the album, particularly on numbers such as the electric-sounding "Redbone Rock", the larger-than-life grandiose-sounding "Love Song" complete with acoustic guitar and orchestral strings, the rootsy Southern stomp of "Smokin' Gun" and the buoyant vibes of "Rescue Me". A couple of tracks just missing the final cut gain some new life as bonus tracks on the album: "It's A Little Too Much" further encompasses an ongoing theme of lovelorn yearning with a decent groove which could've benefitted from a bit of R&B finessing alongside Forrester's blues rock style, and a bootleg cover of "Amazing Grace" which, despite Rhett's powerful vocal delivery, is unfortunately hindered by the muddy-sounding recording. And, finally rounding out the album are some working renditions of much of its strongest numbers including "Love Song", "Hold On" and "Rescue Me", all showcasing the songs' potential just within reach of perfection.

Even at the height of grunge/alt-rock up in the Great White North when Rhett Forrester's Southern sway was being contested up against the rising dominance of Maida, Downie and Edwin on the CanCon charts, his work on The Complete Dr. Dirty Sessions was just as raw and emotive as anything that both his contemporaries and adversaries were releasing at the time. His tragic passing at age 37 a year later following a carjacking attempt on the streets of Atlanta almost seems like the culmination of a deal done dirty given his struggle in the music industry. Thankfully, BraveWords Records have given Rhett Forrester's own brave words one last voice from his work on The Complete Dr. Dirty Sessions.

4.5 Out Of 5.0

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