Heaven & Earth
The Making Of Heaven & Earth DVD
Review by Larry Toering
Stuart Smith put together this band some time ago and made an album, then later put out this amazing DVD that showcases many of the proceedings in the studio while working on the project. This is an extensive video with a lot of humor and descriptive charm. It features Smith along with drummer Richie Onori for the main presentation, but everyone from Keith Emerson to Richie Sambora are involved at one point or another. That includes Kelly Hansen (Foreigner), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow) Glenn Hughes, Bobby Kimball and Carmine Appice. There is a lot of studio footage of the recording of the album, all kinds of stories from the players, and plenty of unreleased concert footage to keep any AOR / prog fan happy. It also comes with bonus features and an unreleased track download called “When the Stars Collide.” This is a must for anyone into Smith and all of his band mates. Smith himself also a member of Sweet and considered a Ritchie Blackmore protege (and one of Blackmore’s good friends) all of which is basically covered in the film. The whole thing was done very professionally with a quality crew. Tons of laughs and excellent music dominate the screen for over three hours. It all started when Smith / Onori and Emerson started a band called “Aliens Of Extraordinary Ability,” and things went from there. All gets explained by Emerson, Hansen and others in a most humorous way. Kick back and enjoy, as there is a lot to take in on this great piece of rock history.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2012 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.
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