CRITICS' RAVES FOR "FREEDOM"
April 01 , 2014
Revolutionary. That was my first impression when I received and heard Richie Onori's Blues Messenger's In The Name Of Freedom. There is a message on this disc - the listener is transported to a time when people actually gave a damn about what real freedom they had. Onori is a gifted and passionate musician; There's strength in his conviction. How he delivers it on this CD demonstrates that he thought long and hard before committing to this project. An exceptionally powerful collection.
...VINTAGE ROCK
In The Name Of Freedom has a retro-type feel and sound to it, but in a refreshing kind of way. "Power To The People" is a rallying of the troops call, with a edgy hook guitar riff that pops up again and again. Love the intermittent guitar wailing and big harmony vocals throughout the album (4 out of 5). ...CHAMBERS OF ROCK
With the recent release of In The Name Of Freedom I'm reminded how good Richie Onori is at making the listener feel his emotion, and impressed anew with the fearless approach to each song on the disc. "Long Live Rock" feels like an anthem for the modern age. It's the kind of song you can imagine yourself singing to at a concert, and it's got an ability to unite all walk of life. The musicianship is stellar but for me the lyrics are what takes the apple pie. ...ROCK OVER AMERICA
On "In The Name Of Freedom," Richie Onori provides his extraordinary drumming along with vocals and some guitars. "Hey You (Better Think Again)" opens up with some of the best guitar work on the entire album. It has the rawness of Jimi Hendrix mixed with some modern-day blues of Joe Bonamassa. Whether you agree with him or not, Richie Onori isn't afraid to tell you how he feels. .... NATIONAL ROCK REVIEW
Driving, straight-ahead rock fuels "Power To The People," and Phil Woodward's screaming guitar kicks the song. Even if one doesn't agree with Richie Onori's political leanings, the music, musicianship, and production on In The Name Of Freedom make it a highly listenable - and enjoyable - record.
... SCREAMER MAGAZINE
Richie Onori’s offering of old-school rock and roll rhythms and gut- busting guitar riffs blended with an “All American” salute to this great country is a rare treat today. When most artists try to find something wrong with the USA, he has found a place in our hearts where a fire and passion for old glory still burns strong. The musical component is strong in composition and has an 80’s rock feel, but is not old and dusty, it is modern, rich and vibrant. The Great American Anthem Album of 2014! XOMBIEWOOF MAGAZINE
Richie Onori's Blues Messenger's latest release In The Name Of Freedom couldn't have been released at a better time - just hours before the U.S. Government shutdown. Onori brings the volume and the beat down by just a notch and takes his blues-driven groove to the streets, beckoning us as Americans to open our eyes to all the messed-up stuff that's going on and to take our country back from the big shots. ...ROCKWIRED RADIO/MAGAZINE
His dramatic flair on tracks such as "(Hey You) Better Think Again" and "Buffalo Nation" show that Richie
Much like the '60s and '70s, Onori has stepped upon the protest soapbox, calling the alarm to individuals and society alike, to take control of their freedoms, once again, and to hold our government and its career politicians responsible. ...BOOMEROCITY
On '"Power To The People" Onori lives what he sings with a power rock track featuring solid drumming and hot guitar riffs. "American Fighters" is a rock ballad with a message and solid hook, making it a strong candidate for airplay, as is "Long Live Rock." Memorable melodies throughout the album.
...BMANS BLUES REPORT
Onori and the group are a cohesive unit and espouse the power of rock music in terms of political activism on the track "Long Live Rock". If you're looking for an activist album with good tunes then check out In The Name Of Freedom. L.A. MUSIC EXAMINER
In The Name Of Freedom is the second solo release from Richie Onori. The songs are heavily rooted in classic rock with influences such as The Allman Brothers Band, Bob Seger, and Pat Travers. This release is not for the younger generation though I think the younger musicians ought to be forced to listen to it so they can learn how music is meant to be written and recorded. If you're a member of the older generation that remembers when artists used actual musicians to record their music then this is for you.
...BLAST MAGAZINE
REVIEW COPIES OF IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM
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