Snowy White and The White Flames, ‘The Situation’
Unexpectedly rediscovering a long lost friend. That’s how I would describe coming across Snowy White’s new album, ‘The Situation’.
Catching up on what Snowy has been up to since 1983, when so many of us could not get his debut single ‘bird of paradise’ out of our heads, has proved to be quite a revelation.
Snowy (bottom-right) Thin Lizzy
Terence Charles ‘Snowy’ White, self taught guitarist, and sometime vocalist, was born 71 years ago, on the Isle of Wight.
His musical career has taken a number of twists and turns.
He joined Thin Lizzy in 1980, playing and recording with them until 1982. He left, reportedly in search of less limelight.
He had been invited to join Thin Lizzy earlier, but deferred his acceptance as he was busy playing backup guitar with Pink Floyd. He played with them in the recording studio and in live performances, touring to promote their albums, Animals and The Wall.
With Roger Waters on The Wall
Since the early 1980s Snowy has played lead guitar for ex Pink Floyd Member, Roger Waters and his band.
Released in 1995, his album ‘Goldtop: Groups and Sessions ‘74 – ‘94’ showcases his collaborations with several notable musicians. The album includes his guitar solo, which links the two ‘Pigs in the Wing’ songs on Pink Floyds ‘Aniumals’. This soaring solo was released by Pink Floyd, but only on the 8-track version of the album. Snowy played this solo in Pink Floyd live performances. Unfortunately, this album has become a rarity.
Snowy also played on Pink Floyd Member, Rick Wright’s first solo album ‘Wet Dream’. Others with whom he has played include: Chris Rea, Al Stewart, David Gilmour, Gary Moore and Peter Green.
Which, at long last, brings me to Snowy’s newly released album.
’The Situation’ is not an excuse for Snowy to show off his guitar skills – as guitarists’ albums so often are. In part, it is an instrumental album with tracks reminiscent of Classic Santana, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler. The tracks are largely laid back, non formulaic, bluesy rock. They invite repeated listening, to fully savour their multilayered offerings.
The White Flames’ collaboration with Snowy White spans several decades and led Snowy and the band to reunite in 2017. This is not an album by a soloist accompanied by a band. The Members of The White Flames are themselves excellent musicians. They create the sounds, mood and the rhythms that complement Snowy’s vocals and guitar. Snowy’s vocals are Clapton-like but softer, while the song lyrics are contemporary and sometimes political.
Something that I found particularly pleasing was that Snowy varied his guitar contribution and did not insist on playing a Birds of Paradise parody guitar solo on the tracks. Having said that, Snowy does play his guitar superbly, in styles ranging from, country blues to blues rock to almost jazz/rock fusion.
‘The Situation’ may have a sound reminiscent of music dating back at least a couple of decades, but it is not a regurgitation of a musical past.
It is a collection of fresh and varied music by seasoned and accomplished musicians.
That Snowy chose to stay out of the spotlight may explain why he sounds so much younger than he should.