Peace Within, The

This is Irish blues-rock guitarist Barry McCabe's debut album for his group, the BMC Band. Like his earlier recordings with Albatross, the emphasis on The Peace Within is revisiting early-'70s blues-rock based on the classic Chicago style. McCabe also acknowledges fellow Irish guitar great Rory Gallagher as a major influence. On this album, however, McCabe has added a unique twist in the name of Davy Spillane, the hired gun of Irish pipes. Because of the mournful nature of the Uilleann pipes (and low whistle), Spillane's playing actually complements the guitarist's quite nicely. This "unholy marriage" is best exemplified on the McCabe original "One of These Days" and the surprising inclusion of Giorgio Moroder's "Istanbul Blues." In addition, Peter Green's "Oh Well" is given new life courtesy of the Spillane/McCabe treatment. But this album isn't solely comprised of gutsy, in your face blues-rock; a gentler, more introspective side of McCabe is unveiled on several acoustic tracks. ~ Dave Sleger|