The year was 1987. I was watching Much Music and a band I’ve never heard of before came on the TV and blew me away with the track “Wait”. Didn’t take me long to pick up the album Pride and find out this was not their first. Fight to Survive came out two years earlier in 1985. After Pride, the lead singer Mike Tramp was posted in every rock magazine. The young girls had posters up on their walls and lockers at school adding to their collection of all their rock hotties. In 1989 White Lion released Big Game, and I finally got to see them live in Toronto with Tangier as both opened for Cinderella. With the release of 1991’s Mane Attraction, White Lion as we knew would no longer grace the stage as a band.
Mike Tramp was not going to stop what he loved to do – write music and entertain his fans. With a complete change of style in music than his previous band, he created Freak Of Nature and released 2 amazing hard rock albums then a 3rd in 1998, Outcasts, which is rare material.
Before the Outcasts album, Tramp in 1997 started out his solo career with the release of Capricorn.
Following his career since 1987, Tramp has had 3 releases in the last 3 years. Next up is Maybe Tomorrow which will be released February 24th, 2017.
Since 2013 he has played many shows all over Europe, USA, Canada and Monsters Of Rock Cruises.
Maybe Tomorrow is the 6th album in a row together with Soren Anderson. Also similar to the Nomad album the same band was used: Morten Hellborn – drums, Jesper Haugaard – Bass and Morten Buchholz on Hammond Organ & Piano.
If you are new to Mike Tramps‘ solo music, take a step back and don’t even think you are going to hear a style like White Lion. Think about the incredible voice that you knew of White Lion and get ready to hear how Tramp improved vocally through the years. If you are a fan of his solo music, then this is a must CD to have. Let me explain.
The album starts off with “Coming Home”. Right away, a great start to the CD. I love his acoustic material and with the full band playing, this rocks but still mellow in Tramp style. “It’s Not How We Do It” keeps the same pace. Tramps‘ unique voice is remarkable. His passion and songwriting are what you need when you need to slow the pace down from our busy lives. My usual listen is going to be some heavier bands, but it is nice to bring that level down listening to this relaxing, inspiring music that still has a rock feel to it.
“Spring” is a nice flowing classic Tramp song. “Would I Lie To You” is a little slower with a great story.
“Rust And Dust” is a little more rocking with different textures from the acoustic guitar, keys, and a satisfying electric guitar solo.
“Leaving One Day” starts a little heavier on the guitar and a darker feel throughout the song.
“Time And Place” slows things down with the beautiful piano playing of Buchholz complimenting Tramps‘ vocals that would be appreciated by many musical fans from many genres of music.
“What More Can I Say” is an uplifting funky tune that gives a different feel, but fits well with the rest of the album.
“Why Even Worry At All” says it all with a “just enjoy and don’t worry” vibe. Great upbeat song. It’s hard to pick a favorite as they all go well together, but this is one that stands out on the album.
The title track is the last track on the album. “Maybe Tomorrow” is a wonderfully written slow song which shows us who Mike Tramp is today, and the direction he is heading.
For Mike, I believe he has written his best material to date and this album shows what he stands for. Fans will not be disappointed with the new album as every track is equally outstanding. I know fans always want to hear the music from a singers’ early music career, but it is time for a change. We can only hope for another big tour so we can now hear more of the Tramp of today and less of the past.
Mike Tramp explains:
“When people ask me, why I have made a new album and what it’s about, I find myself dumbfounded or even lost for words. Cause to me, what I do is who I am. It might have taken me quite a while to reach this place where I feel so at home, and also where I belong. A place where my music is simply an extension of who I am. It might not sound that interesting or mysterious! But in what other way can I express that my songwriting and music is the truthful life of Mike Tramp”.
“I don’t want to be anything else or try anything new. I am a torchbearer of my heroes and an offspring of my inspirations. I have not only moved away from the past, but I have grown and I have made my stand. When I listen to Maybe Tomorrow, I don’t just see myself, I now also see my faithful audience that have grown with me, and that is the best feeling of them all.”
Mike will be touring Europe extensively in support of Maybe Tomorrow – without a doubt still one of the most hard-working men in the rock’n’roll industry!
Maybe Tomorrow was recorded at Medley Studio, Copenhagen. Once again with his trusted partner Soren Andersen behind the knobs and on guitar.
Maybe Tomorrow will be released worldwide on limited edition blue color LP (500 copies), black LP, CD and digital on February 24th, 2017.
Shawn “Animalize” Irwin
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