It is difficult to realise that Bonnet was 74 when he recorded his latest album, as he still has the power and presence of someone much younger. For the latest version of his band he has again utilised founder members Beth-Ami Heavenstone (bass) and guitarist Conrado Pesinato (both of whom have also played with Bonnet in Alcatrazz) alongside keyboard player Alessandro Bertoni and drummer Shane Gaalaas (Michael Schenker, B’z). ‘Day Out In Nowhere’ also sees guest appearances from Jeff Loomis (Arch Enemy, Nevermore), John Tempesta (The Cult, White Zombie), Mike Tempesta (Powerman 5000), Roy Z (Halford, Bruce Dickinson), and Graham’s former bandmate, legendary keyboard player Don Airey (Deep Purple, Rainbow).

Bonnet’s musical outlook changed remarkably when he met Ritchie Blackmore, since when he has been recognised as one of the best hard rock singers around in Rainbow, MSG and Alcatrazz, and this album finds him taking everything he has learned over the last 40+ years of working in that genre to produce an album which is commercial, packed full of great guitars, plenty of bite, a solid foundation and then of course his vocals over the top. Put Bonnet of 2022 against the same singer on ‘Down To Earth’ and one can hear virtually no difference in terms of his capabilities. Gone are the days when rock singers did not look after their voices, and here we have someone who had his first major chart success as a member of The Marbles all the way back in 1968! If this was a brand new band then I am sure it would be gaining a great deal of praise, something I am not sure a singer in his 76th year will necessarily obtain, but there is no doubt this is a really enjoyable melodic hard rock album which will gain a lot of fans, and rightfully so.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/grahambonnetmusic/
https://www.frontiers.it/