Digitally remastered edition. Includes booklet with 3,500 word essay, enhanced artwork with previously unseen photos and new interviews. St. Paradise were, it must now be said, an overlooked supergroup. A power trio that barely registered on the radar, despite the members' impressive musical accomplishments, that were very much in keeping with the late '70s hard rock zeitgeist. It was, in all fairness, a strange state of affairs that belied the quality of the music and drew attention to the fast shifting sands and volatile nature of the music business. They were formed by two former members of Ted Nugent's band; singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes and bassist Rob Grange. Nugent, of course, was one of the biggest names on the hard rock scene during the second half of the decade, but it remained largely unknown that the vocals on Ted's records were mostly supplied by St. Holmes, a man that had lived in the shadow of Ted's enormous presence. Joining them on drums was Denny Carmassi whose accomplishments already included a four album stint with Montrose, one of the era's most revered acts. He was also a member of Sammy Hagar's solo band, appearing on two of his albums. Enlisting the help of producer Mike Flicker (Heart, Trooper) the band recorded their sole album in Seattle, for the Warner Brothers label, establishing a sound very much informed by their previous outfits, yet keeping a keen eye on the future. Issued in 1979, sadly the record underperformed despite it's impressive content and potential to impress.
T**R
Brings back good memories
I waited for digital downloads of this album for years before eventually accepting the reality that it was never going to make it to iTunes. Searching for CDs also proved fruitless. Recently, however, on a musicians forum someone mentioned getting it on CD so I searched for it here and was pleasantly surprised to find it. I remember radio stations wearing Miami Slide out when it was released. The musicianship and songwriting on the rest of the album is also excellent. I didn't fully appreciate Derek St. Holmes' musicianship and contribution to the Motor City Madman's success until I heard this album. In my opinion, Ted was better with St. Holmes. The other members of this band are no slouches either. They're all world class musicians and made a fine band. It's a pity they couldn't keep it going but that's just the music business. It was great while it lasted. I'm happy to be able to hear this music again after wearing out the LP long ago.
D**S
Lost Classic
So glad to finally find this on CD. Everyone here has attested to how great this album is...my takeaway is the great cover! The original cover was not the best choice for a debut....I think this simple photo of the band is more appetizing and representative of the music on the album. Great choice. If you haven't heard it, also pick up Whitford St Holmes REUNION. It's the best rock record of 2016!!!!
A**R
Lost but found
A friend of mine had this album on vinyl back in the 70’s and at the time although I liked it, i was more into Kiss than anything. Later in life I my taste in music began to expand and I began the desire to hear this album again and truely take it in. However I had moved and didn’t have access to my friend or his album collection so I began the long search. I recently found this album on Amazon and I am delighted to have purchased it and am now enjoying the greatness of this album
S**N
An overlooked band that did not get it’s due.
I owned the original vinyl album and almost wore it out. Imagine my surprise when I found this reissue on amazon. It even popped up as a recommendation, so yes Amazon knows everything. But, the mastering and sound quality is great, and a bonus is the booklet that describes the trials and tribulations of the band. Great insight that I did not know at the time. The mix of the instruments is great and I love the bass lines and rhythm that back the vocals and guitar. Good to be able to go back in time, at least musically.
L**O
Took them long enuff!!!!
I grabbed the original vinyl upon its release...way back when.....and found a boot cd several years back that was burned from a LP in so-so shape (no ticks and pops...but you could tell it came from vinyl....but what are you to do, right??)......I didn't think I'd ever see a legit release of this gem...At least, not in my lifetime....Am familiar with Wounded Bird and for the most part, they do a good job....I think they did a fine job on this particular item.....Their source was pretty clean and does the band their due justice. I think even Ted would be pleased with "Livin' It Up"....I think he blew it when he lost Derek and Rob....and it's a real shame that this was the last we'd ever hear from Derek and Rob as a teamHere's a thought......Maybe Ted would consider a deja vu with Derek, Rob and Denny Carmassi on drums......Denny would be an excellent replacement for Cliff Davies....My advice.....YOU'D BETTER GRAB THIS BEFORE THEY DISAPPEAR!!!!
T**D
St. Paradise, a must have rock album!
Like many Derek St. Holmes Fans finally St. Paradise is out on CD! This record is one of the best rock blues records to have come out.Derek St. Holmes on Guitar and Vocals, denny Carmassi on drums, Rob Grange on Bass, A truly great power trio band. fromed from Ted Nugent and Montrose!Rock City. This record has some of the best songs on it Jackie, Straight to you, Gamblin Man, Miami Slide, Jesse James, all excellent songs performed with a solid rythem section from Rob and Denny and great guitar playing and unmistable vocals of derek St. Holmes.This is your change to get your hands on one of the best records of that time and of today! I understand that there is a 2nd. St. Paradise record already recorded but was never released. I hope with the release of this wonderful record St. Paradise fans and music fans will get the change to have the 2nd St. paradise reocrd released as well. When you get this record just sit back and enjoy it because it will please your rocking ears!
T**S
Love this record
Love this record! Have been waiting years for it to appear on CD! It sounds great and the booklet is a nice touch. A relatively unknown band that sound like they were onto something--sadly this is all we get. DSH is a killer guitar player. I guess hanging around Ted Nugent for years has its benefits!
R**O
Finally this has been released!
Had the album when it was released..... Read about it in Circus Magazine couldn’t wait for release was a big Derek St Holmes fan from Nugent days... loved every track, it is a shock and a shame they didn’t make it. Have been waiting for this release on CD for years. Great packaging and booklet is a treat usually you get a cover that’s folded over with nothing in it..... for me Derek St Holmes is up there with Paul Rodgers. This is a great band pick up this disc.
M**S
The Power Of Three
I picked this up on vinyl many years ago and am a bit suprised that it's taken this long to get an official cd release. Originally coming out in 1979 this was the one and only album from Derek ST Holmes and Rob Grange, formally as i am sure you all know of Ted Nugents band and former Montrose drummer Denny Carmassi. Released on Warner Brothers and produced by Mike Flicker who was also producing Poco and Heart around this time the latter with whom Carmassi would go on to play with, this album has a nice melodic slightly Blusey hard rock feel to it and in my opinion is much more consistant than the lacklustre material our resident 'Motor City Nut job' was turning out at this time,the dip in quality indicating what significant contributions both ST Holmes and Grange had probably made to his earlier solo work. They happen to throw in a track from 'Cat Scratch Fever' a co-write with the 'Nuge' the Bo Diddley chug of 'Live It Up' Why they didn't make any more albums together i do not know as there is enough on show here to indicate that they could have gone further as a band.
A**A
paradise cd
I bought this on vinyl in 1979 . it was a good album back then. my so called friend borrowed it and kept the thing forever. I noticed it had been released on cd and thought "go on then" must say I am glad I did it is still a great bit of rock music. if you like the Montrose or Sammy hagar style you should like this.
A**R
Four Stars
Good service. I saw this band in 79 supporting the mighty Van Halen. Nice to have on CD.
S**N
Brilliant, an overlooked classic.
Wanted this album on CD for ages and never thought it would be released, brilliant songs and a great sound.One of the hidden gems of AOR.
T**N
Awesome underrated CD
Awesome CD, very underrated, played this to death when first came out, can't believe there are rockers out there that haven't even heard this band, all I can say is go get it, well worth it.
