FIRST LOOK: Robert Plant's Band Of Joy

Robert Plant was in London last night at the launch of his latest venture, ‘Band of Joy’. Attendees were treated to a full playback of the new album at Il Bottacio in Belgravia, which had been specially decked out with ramshackle farm and Americana memorabilia.

Planet Rock was there for the event and can confirm the album’s an absolute blinder. Picking up the stripped back blues/country vibe of 2007’s ‘Raising Sand’, there’s an infectious groove from the start with opener ‘Angel Dance’. Plant gives the blues a full-on golden god workout as only he can with ‘Silver Rider’ and his rockier side emerges triumphant on standout tracks such as ‘Monkey’.

Looking tanned and relaxed, Plant told the select gathering all about his latest project. He also mentioned, with a wry smile, that in between the original Band of Joy which he fronted in the mid 60’s (featuring John Bonham on drums) and the 2010 Band of Joy, "some other stuff” happened....

For this new album, Plant is the only original member but he’s joined by Patty Griffin on vocals, Darrell Scott, multi instrumentalist/vocals, Byron House, Bass/Vocals, Marco Giovino on drums and percussion/vocals, and co-producer Buddy Miller, guitar/vocals.

Robert Plant tours the US in July with the Band of Joy. The album is set for release in September.

Tracklisting:

Angel Dance
House of Cards
Central Two-O-Nine
Silver Rider
You Can’t Buy my Love
I’m Falling In Love Again
The Only Sound That Matters
Monkey
Cindy, I’ll Marry You One Day
Harms Swift Way
Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down
Even This Shall Pass Away

_Liz Barnes

_For alll the latest news and info about Robert Plant and his brand new album keep your eyes glued to www.robertplant.com