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MOONSTONE PROJECT Time To Take A Stand
Majestic Rock MAJCD080 (2006)
by Richard V.: Are you looking for:
- A new Rainbow album in the style of 'Down To Earth'.
- A new album by the classic Mark III line-up of Deep Purple.
- A hard rock album that combines ingredients of nostalgic rock acts like Free, Bad Company and Led Zeppelin with a taste of American influences from bands like Blue Oyster Cult and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In that case you can't stop searching and immediately order the debut cd of the Moonstone Project. This project by the Italian guitar player Matt Filippini is the best classic hard rock album in years. Strong and well balanced compositions, great and subtle guitar playing, an excellent rhythm section, a bunch of vocal talents and a powerful production. This album convinces on every level. Time will learn, but I dare to say that 'Time To Make A Stand' is an instant classic.

A few years ago Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice was stunned by the class of the songs and said he would like to participate in the recording. Singer Glenn Hughes followed and set an example for people like Graham Bonnet, Carmine Appice, Steve Walsh, Eric Bloom, Paul Shortino and Kelly Keeling. Since 2000 many similar well-crafted projects have seen the light of day, but 'Moonstone Project' is far beyond the competition. The main reason is the creative genius of Filippini, just like Blackmore and Schenker in their heyday he combines power with subtlety. He took the blues influences of the classic rock bands, worked years on the song material and wasn't satisfied with just powerful riffs and excellent solos. He worked harder. The result is simply amazing. Filippini won't prizes for originality, but fans of classic hard rock (and there still are many) will lick their fingers with this stuff.

Even the biggest pessimists who claim that there haven't been great hard rock releases for years, should listen to songs like 'Not Dead Yet' in which Graham Bonnet takes you back to the glorious Rainbow days or to 'Rose In Hell', a song many would swear was taken from the legendary 'Burn' or 'Stormbringer' sessions (Deep Purple). After hearing those songs they will dance through the fields with joy. 'Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got' is also a song that will touch the soul of every rock fan. 'City Of Lites' sung by Steve Walsh (Kansas), reminds us again of the heyday of classic hard rock. Closing song 'On The Way To Moonstone' has a monster riff and will definitely become a live anthem.

In the last few years I have rarely been so surprised by the constant high level of a debut album. The musicianship and vocal class of 'Time To Make A Stand' is all round, the maturity of the songs, the variety and balance. To me it's almost miraculous that such great music is still being made today.
Rating: 94/100
from http://www.lordsofmetal.nl/showreview.php?id=7647&lang=en
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MOONSTONE PROJECT Time To Take A Stand
Majestic Rock MAJCD080 (2006)
The maestro behind this project is Italian guitarist Matt Filippini, and with his own bassist and drummer, has compiled an excellent bluesy metal album with a series of guest vocalists.
Opener 'Slave Of Time' starts off acoustically before all hell kicks in, and an excellent opener it is too, with Kelly Keeling handling the vocals. 'Not Dead Yet' is a heavy almost southern number with Graham Bonnet leading the screams, a track not to be missed.
Equally soulful and bluesy are 'Where Do You Hide The Blues You’ve Got' and 'Rose In Hell', with vocalist Glenn Hughes and drummer Ian Paice in appearance. The Hammond Organ fits in well too.
Overall it’s a great hard rock album, with some decent guitar touches that don’t verge on unnecessary shred. And well worth anyone’s money.
Other guests include Steve Walsh (Kansas), Eric Bloom and legendary drummer Carmine Appice.
Naturally sounding, there’s no showing off anywhere. Top rock throughout.
*****
Review by Joe Geesin from www.getreadytorock.com
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MOONSTONE PROJECT 'Time To Take A Stand' Majestic Rock (2006) www.majesticrock.com
The brainchild of guitarist Matt Filippini he has created an album full of classic rock tunes with a very Rainbow/Dio sound. There is also a host of well known guests including Glenn Hughes, Kelly Keeling and Graham Bonnet. Pick of the tunes has to be Glenn Hughes on 'Rose In Hell' and BOC's Eric Bloom on 'On The Way To Moonstone' - this track could easily grace a BOC album. Not so keen on Steve Walsh (Kansas) on the track 'City of Lites' - sadly the song never seems to get going properly.
An album certainly worth tracking down if you enjoy well played rock with a 70's flavour. Glenn Hughes and Paul Shortino (ex-Quiet Riot) in particular sing up a storm.
****
Jason Ritchie from www.getreadytorock.com
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Moonstone Project: Time to Take a Stand
You might think that getting together this lot (Kelly Keeling, Glenn Hughes, Carmine Appice, Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, James Christian, Paul Shortino, Eric Bloom and several others with a shit-hot Italian guitarist, in the form of Matt Fillipinni) is a formula for a trite music wank-fest. In fact they have produced a damn good album; much like Stuart Smith's Heaven & Earth.
He uses a variety of voices and styles to full effect from the funk of Glenn Hughes to driving rock of Graham Bonnet's vocal-styling on "City of Lites." For an album like this to get it right; you have to really want to see the musicians perform it live and this is no exception. Quite frankly there ain't a turkey on this CD. This might have something to do with the fact you get nine tracks and no 16 track fluff extravaganza. This is an album of sheer class. I hope this is not a one-off and we hear more from Mr Fillipinni and his gang of mates.
Marty Dodge from blogcritics.org
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Today is Saturday May 20th 2006. I finally received my Moonstone Project "Time to take a stand" cd today. Here is what I think about this CD. 1-) This is a hard rock masterpiece infested with the spirit of hard rock music from the 1970's especially Deep Purple and Rainbow. 2-) This CD actually out-preforms all the hype leading up to the release of this cd. A very rare acheivment if you ask me! 3-) I'm a 48 year old rock n roll fan with about 2000 Cd's and 1500 albums in my personal collection. My first album? Deep Purple 'Machine Head'. I still remember how I first felt when I heard Deep Purple in 1971. And I am convinced I will long remember how I felt when I first heard this Moonstone Project cd. I was thrilled! If I had to live on a desert island and could only take 5 of my favorite cd/albums, this moonstone project cd would be one of those cd/albums! Yes it's that good. It's damn good!! It's a seminal piece of rock music and Matt Filippini needs to be encouraged to produce/play many, many more cd's in the future. This cd is what hard rock is all about. Thank You Matt Filippini for putting your talents, energy and creative force into this project. I haven't listened to a hard rock cd this good in a very, very long time. Long live rock n roll. Long live Matt Filippini!!
A huge new fan
Brent J. Lewis USA
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Eine unglaubliche Rock-Promi-Parade bietet der italienische Flitzefinger Matt Filippini bei seinem „Moonstone Project“ auf. Auf dem Debütalbum assistieren ihm unter anderem „Deep Purple”-Taktgeber Ian Paice, dessen Ex-Gesangskollege Glenn Hughes, Ex- „Rainbow“-Röhre Graham Bonnet und „Kansas”-Recke Steve Walsh. Aber damit nicht genug. Auch Tony Franklin und Carmine Appice (u.a. „Vanilla Fudge”), Paul Shortino (ex–„Quiet Riot”) und James Christian (House Of Lords) sind noch mit von der Partie. Obwohl die „Solid Groove Studios“ im italienischen Bergamo angesichts dieser Besetzungsliste wie ein Taubenschlag gewesen sein müssen, fehlt es bei den neun Songs nicht an musikalischer Linie. Modern gemachter, klassischer (Hard)Rock britischer Prägung wird gegeben. Dass Matt ein großer Anhänger von „Deep Purple“ sein dürfte, ist nach dieser Platte kein Geheimnis.
Interessant ist, dass es gelegentlich so klingt, als sei er ein großer Freund von „Deep Purple“-Kurzzeit Gitarrist Tommy Bolin. Nicht nur sein Gitarrensound bei der Eröffnungsnummer „Slave of time“, sondern auch Stücke wie „Rose in hell“ erinnern deutlich an „Come Taste the Band“, die einzige „Purple“-Platte mit Bolin. Auf diesem Album spielten 1976 auch Glenn Hughes und Ian Paice letztmalig zusammen. Filippini sorgt bei zwei seiner Songs für eine Wiedervereinigung der beiden. Bonnet schreibt er mit „Not dead yet” einen Song auf den Leib, der unüberhörbar an „Rainbow“ erinnert.
Auch einen starken Auftritt hat auch Kelly Keeling bei der Eröffnungsnummer. Ein wenig wie ein Fremdkörper wirkt dagegen „Fire & Water“, die einzige Covernummer des Albums.
Die Plattenfirma trägt ausnahmsweise nicht zu dick auf, wenn sie über die Platte schreibt: „Das Ergebnis ist ein wunderbar melodisches Hard Rock Album allererster Güte, das jeden wahren Rockfan absolut begeistern wird!“
Frech ist allerdings, dass die Europa-Fassung der CD mit 49 Minuten Spielzeit daherkommt, während die Japan-Version drei Bonussongs hat. Solche Mätzchen sollte man sich künftig sparen.
Review by Alfred Diethardt from www.musicalobserver.mu.ohost.de
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MOONSTONE PROJECT
Time To Make A Stand
Majestic Rock
Friends reunited… and much more besides
As a member of Ian Paice’s solo group, Italian guitarist Matt Filippini has managed to engineer a reunion of Deep Purple’s drummer with that band’s former bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes – their first collaboration since 1975’s Come Taste The Band album. This historic collaboration on the song Rose In Hell dynamited down the door for other special guests, including Steve Walsh from Kansas, Joe Lynn Turner and Graham Bonnet, House Of Lords singer James Christian and Blue Öyster Cult’s Eric Bloom. So no surprise that Time To Make A Stand is a bluesy, Hammond organ-charged hard rock set that’s cut shamelessly from the timeless fabric of many of the above acts. It has its flaws, though not as many as you’d think.
[7/10]
Dave Ling - CLASSIC ROCK magazine UK
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Matt Filippini's Moonstone Project: Here I Stand

arrived in the mail yesterday and was first on the CD player late this AM.

In short...a good solid effort and, if his intention was apparent, a very good counter-point to

Stuart Smith's Heaven and Earth effort some years back.

Where H&E was pretty much considered a "Rainbow" album, along with the fact that many of the same artists on on the Moonstone Project CD, I would have to say that MP: Here I Stand is pretty much a bluesier, less hard effort...somewhat odd considering the musical talent gathered together.

Having said that though, it is a very good CD and almost all the songs are a treat...not a bad one on there, which is pretty much guaranteed when you look at the stable M. Filippini had to work with.

Of course though, the highlight of the CD were the two songs performed by our Glenn...AND Ian Paice.

(As an aside, the advance promo continued to say that this was the first CD that GH and IP had appeared on since their Purple days...which meant to me that they played on different songs for all I knew and never even met...).

Anyway, the two songs Glenn performed on were not unlike the ones he did on the Brazen Abbot album a few years back...the musical track was (relatively) hard and fast (with Ian really showing his old magic), while Glenn sung the lyrics in a very soulful and bluesy manner...but as before, it worked...indeed it more than worked, it was damn good stuff!

While I am probably the most appreciative GHCP of the fact that Glenn has gotten over his late-90's crisis in regards to just exactly what he wanted to do and finally decided to travel the harder edged rocky road...I honestly appreciate his talents in all forms and I really like when he goes this route while guesting on other CD's. It gives him a chance to do what he wants and makes us appreciate his vast vocal range and skills.

I also like the fact that while the song is pretty much banging along, he can make this type of singing fit like a glove.

As a matter of fact, not having listened to any samples, I have a sneaky feeling that this may very well be a bit of a taste of what is yet to come with M4tD and if so, I'm really looking forward to it.

In closing, Phenomena IV (Psycho-Fantasy) blew a lot more wind up my skirt overall, but Moonstone Project is a very good album and will have a lot of early AM airplay on my CD player while I'm warming up to the harder stuff.

A great addition to any GHCP's collection!

Andrew Preziosi from Glenn Hughes Message Board
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Band: Moonstone Project
Title: Time To Take A Stand
Label: Majestic Rock
The Moonstone Project is the ambitious creation by Matt Filippini an Italian guitarist who has performed with Deep Purple’s Ian Paice’s European club band for quite some time. It was during this time that Matt played some songs he had written to Paice, who was so impressed with what he heard, said he would love to be part of the project.
Next to join was former Deep Purple vocalist and the voice of rock Glenn Hughes who set the ball rolling for the likes of Eric Bloom, Graham Bonnet, James Christian, Kerry Keeling, Paul Shortino, and Steve Walsh to join in on the Moonstone Project. Even Carmine Appice makes a guest appearance on one track with Matts ‘core’ band of musicians Nik Mazzucconi on bass, Gianluca Tagliavini on keys and Alex Mori on drums.
With the combined talents of some of the biggest names and best-known vocalist in rock, would the album live up to its reputation? The answer is an emphatic yes.
The album opens up with ‘Slave Of Time’ with Kerry Keeling doing the honours on vocals and what a job he does, and the quality of Filippini guitars is there for all to hear. Next is the mighty vocal talent of Graham Bonnet that lends itself to the rockier ‘Not Dead Yet’, another quality tune from Filippini.
‘Fire & Water’ sees the Italians take over on this song with the vocals being sung by Enrico Madideni, who gives this cover of the Free song new life and clarity.
The voice of rock Glenn Hughes takes the lead on ‘Rose In Hell’, a song that was written with Hughes’s vocals in mind and with Ian Paice laying down the drums on this one, the rest just fits into place with Filippini’s bluesy guitars riffs shining through and a quite nostalgic bit of Hammond organ bringing that Deep Purple feel to the whole track.
Now its time for one of my all time favourite vocalists Mr James Christian to make his mark on the album, with the bluesy theme continuing with ‘Beggar Of Love’.
Hughes makes a second appearance on the album with his considerable vocal talent laying waste to ‘Where Do You Hide The Blues You’ve Got’. With the vast array of vocal talent at his disposal, it takes a class act to top what has been before and that is what you get on ‘City Limits’ with the unmistakable tones of Steve Walsh, a track that wouldn’t go amiss on any Kansas album, great stuff.
Things get a little rocky with another of my favourite vocalists Paul Shortino lending his intense tones to ‘Pictures Of My Lonely Days’, another stylish piece of classic rock with the Hammond organ making another appearance and with Carmine Appice doing what he does best on the drums this is a monster track.
The album closes with ‘On The Way To Moonstone’ which see Eric Bloom lay down the vocals to this down trodden blues track, complete with orchestral backing and some wicked guitars from Filippini, and ends a quite excellent piece of blues ridden classic rock, an album that all of the artists appearing on it should be proud of.
From http://www.themayfairmallzine.com/cdrev/moonstoneproject.html
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Eine etwas ungewöhnliche Scheibe landete hier auf meinem Schreibtisch. Was sich anfänglich als „nur so ein musikalisches Projekt“ des italienischen Gitarristen Matt Filippini liest, entpuppt sich bei genauerem Studium der Musikerliste als ein „Who is Who“ der Altrockerriege. So konnte Matt Filippini eine ganze Reihe hochkarätiger Musiker ins Studio locken, um ihnen einen entsprechenden Beitrag zu entlocken. Alle Deep Purple- oder Rainbow-Fans sollten also nun mal die Ohren aufsperren und sich dieses Scheibchen unbedingt nach Hause holen. Während sich auf dem Opener ‚Slave Of Time’ ein gewisser Kelly Keeling durch die Zeilen singt, bekommen alle Rainbow-Fans mit dem folgenden ‚Not Dead Yet’ ihre stimmliche Portion „Graham Bonnet“ serviert. Wer dann seine Verzückung über den durchaus groovenden ‚Fire & Water’-Track hinüberrettet, der wird mit dem coolen ‚Rose In Hell’ entlohnt, einem Song, der durch das unverkennbare Organ von Glenn Hughes und dessen stimmliche Phrasierung geprägt wird. Hier nimmt auch ein Herr Ian Paice an den Drums Platz, um sich auf seine typische Art und Weise an den Sticks auszutoben. Aber auch ein Carmine Appice tobt sich bei ‚Pictures Of My Lonely Days’ an den Fellen aus und leistet damit ebenfalls einen musikalischen Höchstbeitrag. Zu den weiteren hochkarätigen Gästen gehören u.a. auch Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt rules!), James Christian, Tony Franklin und Steve Walsh. Der langsame Blueshammer ‚Where Do You Hide The Blues You’ve Got’, der von Glenn Hughes hervorragend in Szene gesetzt wird, erweist sich als mein absoluter Lieblingstrack dieses ungewöhnlichen musikalischen Projektes. Aber auch ein gelungenes ‚City Of Lites’ trägt einen dicken Brocken an purem Rock in sich. Die beiden superben Schlusstracks ‚Pictures Of My Lonelydays’ – mit dem überragenden Paul Shortino am Mikro – und ‚On My Way To Moonstone’ – mit Eric Bloom von The Blüe Öyster Cult als Sänger – runden dieses außergewöhnliche Album gekonnt ab. Alle Rockfans, die es erdig, griffig und ehrlich mögen, sollten Mark Filippinis hochkarätiger Altherrenriege ihr Ohr leihen! Es lohnt sich definitiv! Wie schrieb unser Redaktionskollege Bernd doch mal so schön: „Let The Good Old Times Rock And Live Again!“
12 von 13 Augen
Tom Klaner from http://www.brighteyes.de
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Das wäre doch vor 20 Jahren ein kühner Traum von Hardrock-Fans gewesen: Grandiose Leadsänger wie Graham Bonnet, Glenn Hughes, Steve Walsh, Eric Bloom und Paul Shortino auf einem Album vereint! Dazu mit Carmine Appice und Ian Paice weitere Rocklegenden im Hintergrund. Möglich gemacht hat das Matt Filippini. Der hatte nämlich einen Traum, der mit dem Album "Time To Take A Stand" wahr geworden ist.

Unter dem Namen "Moonstone Project" hat Filippini mit Stars und Sternchen des Genres ein Set von angenehm klassischen Rocksongs eingespielt. Zu den Highlights zählen, allein wegen der Stimme, das von Ex-Rainbow-Mann Bonnet geschmetterte "Not Dead Yet" und "City Of Lites" mit Kansas-Röhre Steve Walsh am Mikro. Der "unglückliche" Bonnet hat's immer noch drauf, und wer Kansas auf der letzten Tour live gesehen hat, weiß, dass Walsh nie besser sang.

Die Coverversion des legendären Free-Titels "Fire & Water" darf man uneingeschränkt als gelungen bezeichnen. Gitarrist Filippini singt sie übrigens selbst. "The Voice Of Rock" Glenn Hughes hingegen "funkt" sich wie üblich durch seine beiden Nummern, ohne mit Falsettos zu geizen. Besonders schön ist "Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got", das mit Blackmore'schen Soli begeistert. Es ist die erste Zusammenarbeit von Paice und Hughes seit ihrer gemeinsamen Deep Purple-Zeit.

Der bombastische Schlusstrack "On The Way To Moonstone" rundet ein erfolgreiches Projekt ab. Filippinis Traum kann sich hören lassen. "Time To Take A Stand" ist ein grundsolides Hardrock-Album ohne lästige Lückenfüller, dafür mit einigen herausragenden Songs. Und wer mit den Namen Bonnet, Shortino und Walsh etwas anzufangen weiß, der darf prinzipiell bedenkenlos zugreifen. Hoffentlich beginnt dann irgendwann ein zweites Projekt.
Love Gun from http://www.whiskey-soda.de/review.php?id=14353
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Moonstone Project - Time To Take A Stand
Ez a project arra nagyszeru példa, hogy vannak csodák. Vegyünk egy nagyszeru Olasz hard rock gitárost, Matt Filippini-t, aki szervezoként sem kutya. Vegyünk néhány klub koncertet, amire sikerült beszervezni a Deep Purple dobos Ian Paice-t, amibol aztán kinotte magát egy lemez, amin a hetvenes évek nagy hard rock sztárjai teszik tiszteletüket: Kelly Keeling, Carmine Appice, Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, James Christian, Paul Shortino, Eric Bloom és még sokan mások... A Blue Oyster Cult, a Kansas a Trapeze a Deep Purple sztárjai...
A blues alapú hard rock zseniális képviseloi jöttek össze egy lemezre. Ráadásul két dalra sikerült Glenn Hughes és Ian Paice-t is összehozni, ami önmagában zseniális húzás, hiszen a két Deep Purple nagyság a hetvenes évek óta nem zenélt egy dalban.

A lemez a Slave of Time-nal indul, benne Kelly Keeling (Michael Shenker Group, John Norum, Dokken, Stuarth Smith, Erik Norlander, George Lynch, Carmine Appice, stb.) reszelosebb hangjával. A Not Dead Yet Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Impellitteri, Alcatrazz, Michael Shenker Group) és Howie Simon közös vendégeskedésével telik, lendületesebb darabként. A Free feldolgozás Fire & Water után érkezik a legnagyobb öröme a lemeznek: Rose in Hell Glenn Hughes és Ian Paice közös lassabb és funkosabb darabként. Zseniális nóta!

A Beggar of Love James Christian-nal, a House Of Lords-ból. Igazi csemege a nóta, blues énekkel és pattogós hetvenes évekkel. A Where do You Hide the Blues You've Got a másik Glenn Hughes - Ian Paice együttmuködés. Lassú dal, Glenn tökéletes énekével.

A Kansasbol Steve Walsh a City of Listes-ben keményebb kezdetet kapott, aztán persze csillapodik a dolog. APictures of My Lonely Days Paul Shortino és Carimine Appice vendégségében rock and rollosabb dallamaival telik. Paul a Rough Cutt, Quiet Riot és a The Cutt-ból, Carmine Appice pedig a Vanilla Fudge, Blue Murder, King Cobra és Rod Stewart mellol is ismeros lehet... A záró nóta a On the Way to Moonstone a Blue Oyster Cult-ból Eric Bloommal és Chris Catena-val... slágeresebb a nóta.

Ugyan Filippini nem ír igazán kimagasló dalokat, de szívvel-lélekkel nyomja ezt a blues-hard rockot. A vendégeknek pedig olyan dalokat írt, amik többé-kevésbé az o hangjukra készült... vagyis ez egy jónak mondható lemez, néhány tökéletes emlék-pillanattal... Elso lemeznek nemsemmi: 10 / 8.5
from http://www.passzio.hu/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=8476
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:: Moonstone Project :: 18 June 2006 / 9 Trk CD By JR
Steel guitars, porch blues and the sound of the deep south give way to big riffs and the true sound of classic British rock. Italian guitarist Matt Filippini’s Moonstone Project‘s first album, ‘Time To Take A Stand’ also has plenty of invited rock legends along for the ride. Having performed with Ian Paice who steps up on the album alongside fellow ‘Purp Glenn Hughes, significantly it’s the first time that Paice & Hughes have appeared together on anything since Deep Purple’s ‘Come Taste The Band’ sessions over thirty years ago. Also featured are Kelly Keeling, Carmine Appice, Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, James Christian, Paul Shortino and Eric Bloom. The end result is very much akin to a modern Deep Purple – The slower, bluesy parts can be a bit tiresome, but the gnarled guitar riffs and keyboards on “City Of Lites” are pretty genuine.

MM ½
from http://www.music-dash.co.uk/releases/release.asp?item=3234
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Moonstone Project – Time To Take A Stand
‘That’s a rather interesting looking cover’, I though to myself as I thumbed through the latest pile of releases to hit my in tray for review, at the same time making a mental note to delve a little deeper into the intriguingly titled Moonstone Project before taking it for an inaugural spin. I got as far as discovering that it was the brainchild of Italian guitarist Matt Filippini (a member of Ian Paice’s European touring band), but as soon as the name Glenn Hughes popped up, it went straight into the CD player! … turns out that Paice and Hughes played together on two tracks, the first time the pair have appeared together since ‘Come Taste The Band’ back in 1976! But that’s only the half of it. Add in further guest appearances from the likes of Graham Bonnet, Steve Walsh, James Christian, Eric Bloom, Paul Shortino, Carmine Appice, and Kelly Keeling, and you have all the makings of a retro rock classic anyone over 35 would kill to get their hands on. From a style point of view, the cover of Free’s ‘Fire & Water’ says it all really … classic, grove laden, British blues rock drenched in perspiration and oozing emotion. There’ something about those bands from that early 70’s period that has a timeless quality to it, and whatever it is, Filippini has managed to capture and distil its essence perfectly. Naturally, died in the wool Hughes fans will want to check out ‘Rose In Hell’ and ‘Where Do You Hide The Blues You’ve Got’ first, but there’s far more to this album than those two tracks, with everyone involved putting real grit into their performances, not least Filippini himself. A real retro kick which will hopefully show the younger generation that, contrary to popular opinion, bluesy hard rock didn’t start with the likes of Creed …
Review by Dave Cockett (Fireworks/Powerplay) www.destinyrecords.uk.com
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The Moonstone Project CD arrived yesterday and I've been listening to it constantly since. Projects like this, involving multiple vocalists, tend to either be inconsistent or bland. Fortunately, this album is neither. It grooves along nicely and is solid with high-quality material. The performances are superb: the guitarist plays with a warm, consistent feeling and doesn't go off noodling about and there's loads of Hammond organ (my favorite) that blends with the guitars perfectly. The singers all put in spirited performances as well.

Things kick off, unexpectedly, with a little swampy acoustic guitar and the bluesy riff of "Slave of Time". Great song with Kelly Keeling on lead vocals.

Then we get "Not Dead Yet" with a riff reminiscent of Rainbow/Deep Purple. I've always liked Graham Bonnet and he doesn't disappoint here. His vocals are positively acidic and really capture the tone of the lyrics. My only complaint is the vocals on this track seem to have been mixed a little low in comparison with the other songs on the CD.

Next we get a cover of Free's Fire & Water. As a HUGE Free fan, I shudder whenever someone covers a Free song. How can one improve upon perfection? But they do a fine job on the song even though I prefer the original.

Glenn puts in 2 terrific performances (Rose in Hell and Where Do You Hide the Blues You've Got) and his velvet voice really adds a dimension of soul and passion. The 2 songs are strong on their own but Glenn's voice just kicks them up a level. Ian Paice is instantly recognizable on the drums too.

Beggar of Love is funky, bluesy and fun. Cock-rock for the new millenium?

The biggest surprise for me was hearing Steve Walsh belt out "City of Lites". Its easily my favorite song on the album. I don't think I've ever heard a song this heavy be so melodic. I think this could have been tried as a single. Big applause for the writers of this track (and Steve Walsh)

Brian
from ghpg.net
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About five years ago, The White Stripes made the blues cool again, by basically wrestling it away from the empty, bombastic, arena posturing of Bon Jovi and their giant ilk.
Well, guess what? Italian guitar 'maestro' (not our words) Matt Filippini and his ludicrously-titled Moonstone Project - basically a bunch of folks from bands you forgot ever existed - have got together to make Time To Make A Stand, an album that comprehensively walks up to The White Stripes, punches them in the mouth, steals the blues back from them and goes "Widdly widdly widdly widdly widdly" all over it. And we'd wager that your Dad would bloody well love it.
You know how your Dad always goes on about how modern music is all bang bang bang, and that you can't even tell if the singers are boys or girls, and that it's all done on computers, and how things were generally so much better in his day? Play him Time To Make A Stand by Moonstone Project and he won't be able to fall back on all these arguments because he'll involuntarily start spazzing around the living room doing the ridiculous air guitar thing that he usually reserves for wedding receptions.
Because Time To Make A Stand by Moonstone Project is, quite frankly, a guitar album. It's so crammed with all varieties of guitar - noodley blues guitar, crunching riffery guitar, widdly heavy metal guitar like you used to see on Saturday afternoon ITV shows about speedboats - that at times you fear Time To Make A Stand will burst open so that all the guitar will gush out of the sides like a lanced boil. In a good way, naturally.
It's hard to even place Time To Make A Stand on the 2006 cultural spectrum - everything just seems so overdone. Songs last for upwards of five minutes, contain two, three, sometimes even four guitar solos and heavily feature the sort of testicle-clamp spandexed vocals that we didn't know people even unironically any more. One Moonstone Project tune - Rose In Hell - lasts for seven minutes and 26 seconds. And roughly seven minutes and 24 seconds of that is a drum solo.
So far so Dad. But somehow, Time To Make A Stand by Moonstone Project inexplicably works. Maybe it's because Kashmir rip-offs like On The Way To Moonstone will never, ever be as finger-chewingly awful as the Kashmir rip-off that Puff Daddy did a few years ago. Maybe it's because the bluesy, Armed Forces Network radio-style Americana of Slave Of Time isn't as bad as the last time it was attempted by some Europeans - Fade In/Out by Oasis.
Maybe it's because, for the most part, Time To Make A Stand by Moonstone Project does faithfully recreate the spirit - if not the soul - of classic bluesy 1970s hard rock. Who knows? But this we know - play Time To Make A Stand by Moonstone Project to Jeremy Clarkson and he'd probably stop talking such wank for 49 minutes and 20 seconds, and that's an opportunity that nobody could resist.
[story by Stuart Heritage] From http://www.hecklerspray.com/cd-review-moonstone-project-time-to-make-a-stand/#more-3461
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It seems that there’s never a day gone by without somebody deciding to release an all-star mega-collaboration album in recent months. Certain all-stars, such as Glenn Hughes, who features on “Time to Take a Stand”, just can’t stop themselves from appearing on the damn things, which begs the question: do Glenn’s friends and family ever actually see the man? Of course for fans of the Voice of Rock this is all good news, and certainly it is his two entries on this record that are amongst the album’s highpoints.
On this particular collaboratory effort, each song is based around a lesser known guitar maestro – the undeniably talented Matt Filippini. However as with all albums of this type, the downfall of the record is identical to its appeal – the fact that the musicians change from song to song. It may seem like a trite point, but the ever-rotating line-up across the record inevitably means that consistency is an ingredient all but absent throughout this bluesy hard rock album.
Whilst “Rose in Hell” and “Where Do You Hide the Blues You’ve Got” both hit the spot (not least due to the reunited Deep Purple duo of Glenn Hughes and drummer Ian Paice), other tracks such as the plodding “Not Dead Yet” are frustrating stopgaps that even the powerful vocals of ex-Rainbow man Graham Bonnet can’t redeem. The cover of Free’s “Fire and Water” and the appearance of Kansas’ Steve Walsh on the driving “City of Lites” are worth a listen, but they still fail to make the album in any way essential.
Die hard collectors of all things Hughes related (who are probably poverty-stricken due to their obsession) will doubtlessly want to get their hands on “Time to Take a Stand”, but for an average rock fan this is nothing more than an average album by admittedly a well-above average group of musicians.
Reviewed by Adam Harrold from http://www.rocksomething.com/reviews/reviewMoonstone.html
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Moonstone Project – Time To Take a Stand
Majestic Rock(Bertus Distributie) – Mei 2006
Heel grote namen uit de klassieke hardrock hebben zich rond gitarist Matt Fillipini geschaard en zich verenigd in het Moonstone Project. Dat leidde er toe dat het debuutalbum van deze club Time to make a stand nu al een klassieker genoemd mag worden. Voorwaar een hele prestatie voor een debuut! Ik ben dan ook zwaar onder de indruk.
Meng de bluessound van b.v. Brainbox (met Akkerman en Lux) met de kracht van Deep Purple, de kwaliteit van Led Zeppelin en het sfeertje van Blue Oyster Cult en Free. Voeg daar eigen elementen en originaliteit aan toe en produceer het helder en duidelijk. Haal er een heleboel geweldige musici bij en je hebt een cd met zo’n vijftig minuten muziek van buitengewone kwaliteit bijelkaar.
Dat Matt Fillipini een behoorlijk stuk gitaar kon spelen was al in redelijk grote kring bekend. Dat hij ook begenadigd songwriter is, blijkt uit deze debuut-cd. Heel veel beroemde musici vinden het bovendien leuk om eens met hem mee te spelen, dat betekent nog niet dat er automatisch een meesterwerk ontstaat, maar helpen doet het zeker. Opgebouwd rond heerlijk gitaarspel is een verzameling songs ontstaan die muzikaal en technisch gezien ver boven de middelmaat uitsteken. Een nieuw album vol klassieke hardrock, zonder dat dit tot copieer gedrag leidt. Nergens vraag je je af waar je dat eerder gehoord hebt, ook al zijn invloeden en stijlen wel duidelijk te horen. Hier is wat mij betreft echt sprake van een nieuwe klassieker
Score: 90/100
from http://www.zwaremetalen.com/recensie/6410/Moonstone-ProjectTime-To-Take-a-Stand.html
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Warum, darüber grübelt man, warum nur haben die alle "Ja" zu ihm gesagt? "Ihm", das ist ein Musiker namens Matt Filippini, ein italienischer Gitarrist, der uns im Booklet zu "Time To Take A Stand" mit zugekniffenen Augen unsympathisch entgegenschaut.
Warum, darüber grübelt man, warum nur haben die alle "Ja" zu ihm gesagt? "Ihm", das ist ein Musiker namens Matt Filippini, ein italienischer Gitarrist, der uns im Booklet zu "Time To Take A Stand" mit zugekniffenen Augen unsympathisch entgegenschaut. Und "die", das sind viele Musiker, in Auszügen: Ian Paice, aktueller, und Glenn Hughes, ehemaliger Purple-Mann. Steve Walsh, aha, Kansas. Graham Bonnet, soso, ehemals Rainbow und MSG. James Christian aus dem House Of Lords. Der also auch. Die Liste der am Moonstone Project beteiligten Persönlichkeiten ist noch nicht zu Ende. Aber es soll reichen. Denn keine neue Erkenntnis ist es, dass bei solchen Geschichten die Musik weit unaufregender als die Besetzungsliste ausfällt.

Es ist nicht das erste Projekt dieser Art, und sicher nicht das letzte - aber in einem entscheidenden Punkt anders als viele dieser enttäuschenden "All-Star"-Klamotten, die sich als reif für die Altkleidersammlung erweisen: Die Kernband funktioniert. Weil Filippini geschickt voltigiert, Saiten- und Songwriterpferd gleichermaßen zu reiten weiß. So wie es einst schick war. Da schwingt viel Rainbow mit, ein bisschen Whitesnake, ab und an Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple sowieso. Free sind durch die Coverversion von "Fire & Water" ebenfalls mit im Ring. Glenn Hughes dürfte sich bei "Rose In Hell" ebenso heimisch gefühlt haben wie Graham Bonnet bei "Not Dead Yet". Weit aus dem Fenster lehnen mussten sich die eingeladenen Herren nicht, bis auf James Christian vielleicht, der dem Funk-Rocker "Beggar Of Love" sein unvergleichliches Organ lieh.

Im Vordergrund von "Time To Take A Stand" jedoch stehen konvenable Gitarrensoli, wummernde Hammondorgeln, bluesige End-70-er-Kompositionen mit Schmackes und Feingespür. Alles Dinge, bei denen die prominente Schützenhilfe eine untergeordnete Rolle spielt. Alles Dinge, die oft gehört wurden und die noch oft gehört werden wollen. Das zumindest lassen die momentanen Erfolge von Leuten wie Glenn Hughes, aber auch dem hier fehlenden Joe Lynn Turner oder Newcomern vom Schlage der etwas härteren Astral Doors vermuten. Das Moonstone Project ist so falsch nicht, und wir verfallen wieder ins Grübeln: Warum, warum nur kann nicht jedes klassische Hardrock-Projekt so ausfallen wie dieses?
CD Titel Time To Take A Stand
Vertrieb Rough Trade
EAN Code 8 42051 00802
Bandname Moonstone Project
Veröffentlichungsdatum 02.06.2006
Genre Hard&Heavy
© teleschau - der mediendienst
: Alexander Diehl
from http://www.news.tele2internet.de/index.phtml/article/2274268?1151005112
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Das Moonstone Project, ins Leben gerufen von der italienischen Gitarrenlegende Matt Filippini, veröffentlicht mit „Time To Take A Stand“ sein Debütalbum.
Die Liste der Musiker, die Filippini für dieses Album gewinnen konnte, liest sich wie das Who Is Who der Hard-Rock-Größen der vergangen 30 Jahre: Ian Paice (Deep Purple, Whitesnake), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Sabbath), Tony Franklin (Whitesnake), Kelly Keeling (Alice Cooper) und Carmine Appice (Rod Stewart). . . Wer viele große Namen mit ins Boot holt, versucht oft auf diese Weise ein nicht so gelungenes Produkt zu vermarkten. Doch weit gefehlt. Fillipinis Debüt muss sich nicht hinter großen Namen verstecken. Der Opener „Slave Of Time“ glänzt mit genialen Gitarren-Soli. „Not Dead Yet“ erinnert an Iron-Maiden-Hymnen.
Filippini kreierte ein melodisches Hard-Rock-Album mit abwechslungsreichen Songs. Die Stücke schrecken weder durch ihre Agressivität, noch durch ihre Lethargie ab. Kaufen!
from http://www.ostsee-zeitung.de/archiv.phtml?Param=DB-Artikel&ID=2346302
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If you said to me the word ‘Moonstone’, I would instantly think of the classic 1980’s computer game of the same name. However, this is 2006 and ‘Moonstone’ is the name of the new project created by talented Italian guitarist Matt Filippini, the first work of which is about to see the light of day on debut album ‘Time to Take a Stand’. The album features a wealth of rock heroes including Ian Paice and Glenn Hughes of DEEP PURPLE fame amongst many others.The music is bluesy classic hard rock with more grooves than a McCoys crisp. Filippini’s song writing is high calibre and listening to the album, it’s easy to see how his talents attracted so many stars to make a contribution.
It’s always hard to pick out highlights on albums like this, but the Steve Walsh (KANSAS) fronted ‘City of Lies’ particularly impresses with it’s classy chorus, whereas the high paced DEEP PURPLE style rocker ‘Not Dead Yet’ features an fine vocal effort from Graham Bonnett (ex RAINBOW).
Although there’s only 9 tracks in total, there is room for a cover, and the version of FREE’s ‘Fire and Water’ is an enjoyable one, performed by Fillipini and his core band of Italian colleagues, who provide a solid backbone to the record.
Overall, ‘Time to Take a Stand’ is a highly impressive release, and for fans of any of the guest performers on show, this will certainly be a worthwhile purchase to hear your star in action. However, first and foremost, this is a wonderful showcase for the first class talents of Matt Filippini, and on this evidence you can expect to hear a lot more of his name in the future.
Rating 3.7/5.0
James Allman
from http://www.baconmusic.co.uk/reviews/moonstone-project-time-to-take-a-stand-majestic-rock-records
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Moonstone Project - Time To Take A Stand (Majestic Rock) Review by Steve Green
I've no idea who Matt Filippini is. But the Italian guitarist is either a big cheese I've yet to come across, or an ambitious man who's writing skills have brought together an enviable line-up of greats from the Hard Rock and Metal Worlds. I mean, Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet, Ian Paice & Carmine Appice. And not forgetting the likes of Eric Bloom, Steve Walsh, Kelly Keeling and even Therion bassist Johan Niemann. This is one hell of a band.
I've kind of given a clue to the quality of the songs too. There's no way a group of musicians and vocalists of this magnitude would play on substandard songs either. Matt Filippini and his writing partners have captured perfectly, the feel of the past 30 years and merged it with a fresh and contemporary edge that befits this millennium.
Mr Filippini's guitar paves the wave for the "dripped in emotion" vocals of Kelly Keeling for the opener Slave of Time. And it's apparent from the off that this album is influenced by the UK Hard Rock scene of the 70s and 80s. Think Deep Purple with Blackmore up to and including Burn, early Whitesnake, latter day Rainbow (the Graham Bonnet and Joe Lynn Turner era's) and a cover of Free's Fire and Water speaks for itself as another influence.
Considering this is a project put together by a guitarist, it's refreshing to note this is not a six string wankfest. This is an album based upon quality musicianship and quality songs. Not Dead Yet sees Graham Bonnet take over the mic and it's surreal to hear him sing on a song that would fit perfectly into the Straight Between The Eyes/Bent Out Of Shape era of Rainbow. Indeed the riffs and leads are stamped with Blackmore's trademark sound and Gianluca Tagliavini's Hammond organ is a dead ringer for Jon Lords. Incestuous it may be, but it sounds mighty fine to me.
The cover of Free's Fire And Water is a very brave thing to do, especially when you know you'll never match the original. The groove is ok, but no-one can hit the skins like Simon Kirke and I'm not even going to mention trying to match Paul Kossof and consequently the song suffers from this. On the plus side Enrico Madidini does a fine job on the vocals and manages to meticulously capture the feel of Paul Rodgers. Which I gotta say is no mean feat.
Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice feature on both Rose In Hell & Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got and I'm sure it's the 1st time they've played together for about 30 years. And the magic is still there from both parties. Hughes especially, still amazes me with his voice. Squeezed in between the two is the funked up Beggar of Love, which perversely sounds like it could have been written for Glenn Hughes, but features James Christian on vocals instead.
Depending on my mood, I do seem to favour the first half of the album. And this was definitely the case on my first couple of spins. Then again, Graham Bonnet and Glenn Hughes are tough cookies to beat. The Steve Walsh led City of Lights has an extremely cool and catchy chorus. Same goes for Pictures of My Lonely Days, but it doesn't quite hit the mark, despite another cool vibe. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it maybe because Carmine Appice's flawless performance is too high in the mix and tends to dominate the song.
Last, and unfortunately the weakest track on the album, is On The Way To Moonstone. Again, great chorus, but overall the song just doesn't quite hit home. And although I'm ending the review in a slightly negative way, the song would enhance most albums of this ilk. It's just that the quality on this album is so high.
Whilst writing this review I had the notion that this is the Hard Rock equivalent to the Ayreon Prog collaborations. If this is the case, I hope this is the first of many as Matt Filippini & Co have produced a superb album that all fans of this style of music should own. Good shit.
from http://www.live4metal.com/reviews-431.htm
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Time To Take a Stand - Moonstone Project
Por Rafael Bolsoni
O Moonstone Project trata-se de um projeto liderado pelo guitarrista italiano Matt Filippini, que faz um hard rock competente com aquela pegada mais "clássica" nos remetendo a grandes nomes da década de 70 principalmente.
Este disco tem um formato muito similar a discos como o "Stuart Smith's Heaven and Earth", trazendo muitos convidados ilustres com o claro objetivo de alavancar a divulgação do cara em esfera global.
A lista de convidados é numerosa e bastante respeitável: Ian Paice & Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Steve Walsh (Kansas), Graham Bonett (Rainbow), Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge), James Christian (House of Lords), Tony Franklin (Whitesnake), Kelly Keeling (Michael Schenker), Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult), Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt) e Howie Simon (Talisman).
O disco pode até carecer de uma identidade, mas considero um verdadeiro "colírio auditivo" algo que resgate a sonoridade de bandas como Rainbow, Deep Purple, Free, Montrose, Whitesnake e Blue Oyster Cult dos tempos aureos do Hard Setentista.
Vale a pena ser conferido pelos fãs do estilo, porém não esperem por algo "grandioso". Trata-se apenas de "hard rock retrô" competente e sem frescuras.
Rating 8/10
From http://whiplash.net/materias/cds/042001-moonstoneproject.html
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Who the hell is Matt Filippini? Somehow the little known Italian guitar whiz has cornered a who's who of classic rock to add their talents to this, his debut personal project. Deep Purple men Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice (recording together for the first time in 30 years), Blue Oyster Cult singer Eric Bloom and ex-Rainbow vocalist Graham Bonnet line up alongside names from Whitesnake, Dokken, Quiet Riot, House Of Lords and Kansas all contribute to the running of Time To Take a Stand. And despite what sounds like a recipe for some sort of chest-puffing bore-fest it's actually rather good.
For a start there are only nine tracks here, each economical with tone and style and mostly fluff-free. These might be tunes might pushing six or seven minutes in length but the switching line up and Filippini's impressive if extravagant style keep things interesting. Opener 'Slave Of Time' could eat anything off the last Audioslave album for breakfast, Glenn Hughes sounding the angriest of old men. 'Not Dead Yet' confidently walks the line between showy thrills and genuine heart and, in between verses of overblown fret-wankery, 'Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got' hides a melodic and emotional gem of a chorus. This is a song capable of reminding people why they listened to Deep Purple in the first place. However, where the orchestral touches of 'On The Way...' work well, the vintage licks in 'Fire &Water', 'Pictures Of My Lonely Days' and 'Beggar Of Love' should have stayed in the 70's where they died.
While not exactly enough to revitalise the wheezing dinosaur that classic rock remains this is still a very nice surprise and well capable of putting Filippini's name in a few more households. Air guitars at the ready.
Rating: 3/5 by Simon T Diplock from http://www.rockmidgets.com/releases.php?&id=1182
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MOONSTONE PROJECT - Time To Take A Stand
MAJESTIC ROCK RECORDS/ROUGH TRADE
Nachrichten über ein Projekt mit Namen MOONSTONE, bei dem allerlei prominente Musiker mitwirken sollen, geistern bereits seit Jahren durch die Szene. Doch nun ist das MOONSTONE PROJECT - wie der Name letztendlich lautet - Wirklichkeit geworden und der Mann hinter dem Projekt, der italienische Gitarrist Matt Filippini, hat das versprochene All-Star-Konzept tatsächlich wahrgemacht: Er und seine italienischen Kollegen werden auf »Time To Take A Stand« von Muckern wie Ian Paice, Steve Walsh, Tony Franklin, Eric Bloom, James Christian, Kelly Keeling, Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet oder Carmine Appice unterstützt.
Das Resultat kann man als die Wiedergeburt des bluesgetränkten Siebziger-Hardrocks bezeichnen, denn »Time To Take A Stand« ist ein Klassealbum, bei dem die Substanz des Songmaterial stimmt und nicht bekannte Namen herhalten müssen, um offensichtliche Schwächen beim Songwriting zu kaschieren. Im Gegenteil: Hier können sich diese Routiniers nach Lust und Laune austoben, so daß das MOONSTONE PROJECT ein Hörerlebnis ist, dem sich hoffentlich schon bald ein zweites Kapitel anschließt.
from http://www.underground-empire.com
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Moonstone Project
TIME TO TAKE A STAND
Majestic Rock

Man these little projects are just sprouting like weeds over the last few years. You know the ones I mean, where some semi obscure European guitarist writes a bunch of songs and then enlists some big name singers to help him cut an album. We have had them cut across all genres from the symphonic power metal of AVANTASIA to the melodic rock of BRAZEN ABBOT. This time around the obscure guitarist is Italy’s Matteo Filippini and he is taking the hard rock approach. This is exactly the kind of project that I would have expected to see Joe Lynn Turner and Jorn Lande making appearances on. While their names don’t show up here, the list of who does is pretty impressive. Names like Glenn Hughes, Graham Bonnet, James Christian, Steve Walsh, Paul Shortino, Ian Paice, Tony Franklin, Eric Bloom and Kelly Keeling need few introductions to anyone with a modicum of rock ‘n roll knowledge.

As I said before, this is strictly a hard rockin’ bluesy affair that caters to the voices involved. A song like “Not Dead Yet” is cut straight out of the RAINBOW mold and thus is a natural fit for the amazing pipes of Graham Bonnet. It allows Graham to change speeds come chorus time and show us he still has one of the most amazing hard rock voices ever. Coming off the most excellent IOMMI/HUGHES album I was ecstatic to see that Glenn Hughes gets two songs on the album. While I don’t think either “Rose In Hell” or “Where Do You Hide the Blues You Got” elevate him to the level of anything on Fused, listening to him pour his heart into these tracks can’t help but make you feel good. James Christian continues a run a good fortune on “Beggar of Love”, one of the better written tunes on the album. The fact is I like all of these singers to some degree, so there really isn’t bad song on the album in regards to performances. The problem lies in that the song writing doesn’t always match the talent level. Also, with just 9 tracks total I was disappointed to see the inclusion of a cover song in the mix. Not that FREE’s “Fire and Water” is a bad choice, just maybe a little too obvious.

PITRIFF RATING – 7/10 - In the end these projects wear thin on me. I find more and more I check them out almost exclusively because of the vocal talent involved. If I hadn’t seen names like Hughes, Christian, Walsh and especially Bonnet attached to this my guess is I would have skipped it as well. Par for the course it is the vocal presence of these singers that makes this marginally worth the time.

Added: Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Reviewer: Shawn Gould
from http://pitriff.com/
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Moonstone Project is the brain child of Italian guitarist Matt Filippini and he's gathered together quite an impressive list of musicians to accompany him on 'Time To Take A Stand'; Deep Purple drummer Ian Paice and former Purple and Sabbath vocalist Glenn Hughes line up alongside Steve Walsh, Graham Bonnet, Kelly Keeling, James Christian, Eric Bloom, Paul Shortino and Vanilla Fudge drummer Carmine Appice. Something of a supergroup in the making that suggests this could be a pretty special album!

What you get is a blues tinged hard rock album that is just crammed full of impressive musicianship at every turn. The overall sound is reminiscent of much of the earlier work of many of the assembled guest artists, very much in the vein of Deep Purple, early Whitesnake with the odd Rainbow style chorus. Opening track 'Slave of time' kicks off with some slide guitar before breaking into a classic hard rock riff over which ex-Michael Schenker and Dokken vocalist Kelly Keeling delivers powerful vocals. As you'd expect it's heavy and melodic with a good rolling riff, catchy chorus and impressive guitar. The guitar work however is totally eclipsed by the solos on 'Not Dead Yet', which mid way through the song just explode into life!

With so many guest musicians with differing styles and qualities there is always the danger that the finished product will not blend together but Filippini appears to have got it just right. The change of vocalist is certainly noticeable but none of them are too removed in style from the preceding contributor for it to make a real difference. Some of the songs are a little weak and disappointingly Glenn Hughes first appearance on 'Rose In Hell' is one of them, it just doesn't flow as well as the earlier tracks despite the fact that it's the first time Hughes and Paice have recorded together for over thirty years!

There is a decent mix of tempos that provide welcome variety but whilst the material is strong there are no real stand out tracks, which is disappointing and prevents the album progressing from good to great status. Final track 'On the Way to Moonstone' comes close though with the chorus and instrumental parts combining well to provide a fitting ending to the album. That said, in a time where many bands are striving to explore the extremities of any given genre (often to the detriment of the music), it's refreshing to get back to hard rock basics that give everyone involved the chance to really shine and prove that they are masters of their craft. Admittedly the lyrics are rather throwaway standard rock fare but when the tunes are this solid they really are an after thought and don't detract from the overall impression
9 out of 13
Andrew Latham
from http://www.roomthirteen.com/cgi-bin/cd_view.cgi?CDID=3823
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MOONSTONE PROJECT - Time to Take a Stand (Majestic Rock) 2006
An alert trading friend sent an email urging me to check out this project, suggesting that this would be (another) example of the "Santana" concept done well. [An album featuring numerous "guest" singers backed by the same musicians... look at the Liberty N' Justice commentary for a fuller description.] Though the selling point for me was the involvement of Glenn Hughes and Graham Bonnet.
It was smart, because I really caught on to Hughes' track, "Where Do You Hide the Blues You've Got?" which is bluesy hard rock with a pure soul vocal. The only improvement I could make on this would be if you could have gotten a mid-70's Stevie Wonder to participate on hi-hat, harmonica, or background harmonies.
Listening to this recent album, I'm taken aback by how modern and how old it sounds at the same time. Modern touches include particular distortion sounds on the guitar, as well as downtuned guitars on a few of the tracks. However, Matt Filippini gives a great '70's hard rock vibe to much of the album. The cover of Free's "Fire and Water" owes more to Nazareth's "Miss Misery" and its execution is fairly faithful and strong. Bonnet's track, "Not Dead Yet" features a very Blackmore-sounding riff on the intro, though it hints at it throughout the track rather than apes it. Also of note is "Beggar of Love" which has a modern feel but still fits the tone of the record.
Though the ultimate nod to '70's hard rock is the contribution of Blue Oyster Cult's Eric Bloom which sounds like it 'just' missed the cut on AGENTS OF FORTUNE. I'm not that big an B.O.C. fan, but just conjuring up their older or majestic side is nothing short of miraculous these days.
The issue of consistency appears, though there is nothing egregious here. It is like tuning into a Classic (Hard) Rock Radio Station in a parallel universe, except these songs haven't been played to death (yet).
from http://jameswayman.tripod.com/id13.html
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Moonstone Project :: Time To Take A Stand
Majestic Rock Records
CD Review
By The Atomic Chaser
One thing that I truly love, is when a great guitar player surrounds him or herself with a group of talented musicians. Then to record an album that will have rock music fans fall in love with it once they hit play. That is what Italian guitarist Matt Fillipinni has done here with his MOONSTONE PROJECT and it's debut release, 'Time To Take A Stand'. Right off the bat it is obvious that Fillipinni is a big fan who is influenced by Deep Purple and Rainbow. His playing has that Blackmore flavor to it, tone and all. This was my first time hearing his playing and I have to say, I was very impressed. Matt Fillipinni uses a variety of voices and styles to the maximum effect, from the groove laden funk rock and soul of Glenn Hughes on, "Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got" with Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice to the hard driving rock assault of Graham Bonnet's vocal styling on "City of Lites." It was really cool to hear Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice playing together again, thanks Matt for making it happen. "Slave of Time" with Kelly Keeling is an emotion filled mover that will have your undivided attention. There is also a killer cover of the FREE classic, "Fire and Water", that is a must hear. Other guest appearances on 'Time To Take A Stand', include Eric Bloom (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT), Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder), John Lawton (ex-URIAH HEEP), and Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT, HEAVEN & EARTH). For an album like this to get it right, the chemistry had to be dead on and this chemistry on this album is like white on rice! There are no fillers here. This is an album of sheer AOR brilliance. I for one, hope this is not a flash in the pan project and hear more from Matt Fillipinni and his Moonstone Project. A very impressive and eloquent album that should cement Matt Fillipinni as one of the finest guitarist in the world today.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
from http://www.allaccessmagazine.com/vol4/issue09/moonstone_project.html
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MOONSTONE PROJECT – TIME TO TAKE STAND / MAJESTIC ROCK RECORD 2006
Un nouveau projet est arrivé : Matt Filippini guitariste de son état nous sort un album bourré jusqu’à la gueule d’invités prestigieux. 50 minutes de voyage dans un hard des plus grands.
Prés pour le départ.
On commence l’aventure avec “Slave Of Time” une intro en acoustique qui me rappelle le ‘Sister moon’ de Gotthard, et une inspiration Led Zeppelin des plus jouissives. Kelly Keeling (Ex Michael Schenker Group) est le premier à ouvrir le bal puis dans un hard des plus purs, continue. Kelly nous sort le grand jeu dans une interprétation grandiose. La guitare de Matt sent bon le Zeppelin, en plus heavy : un vrai plaisir unique. Une entrée en matière énorme qui fleure bon le hard des 70’s.
On poursuit avec « Not Dead Yet » et un Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz, MSG, Impellitteri, Etc) exquis comme toujours. Cette fois-ci on lorgne plus vers un Ritchie Blackorme (normal) mais malgrés le fait qu’actuellement pas mal de groupes font pareil, là on sent quand même l’émotion et l’amour de cette musique. Certes l’interprétation de Graham apporte beaucoup à l’ensemble mais l’atmosphère de la musique de Matt y est aussi pour pas mal ; orgue bien présent, bonne guitare et batterie à l’ancienne : tout pour faire un bon album.
A noter: un super solo en duo avec Howie Simon (Talisman, Jeff Scott Soto) ou l’art et le manière de vibrer au son du jeu moderne et ancien.
Une petite reprise du groupe Free avec « Fire & water ». encore une autre couleur des 70’s qui fait un bien fou. Ce mid-tempo au groove certain fait plaisir. Matt s’exprime dans un de ces solos qui rappellent bien l'esprit des 70’'s , et celà fait un bien fou (et non, on n'a pas affaire à un branleur de manche interstellaire). Et quelle jolie fin en acoustique.
Là, on change d’univers pour « Rose In Hell » et l’immense Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, HTP Etc) qui, en plus d’emmener sa voix unique, retrouve son esprit funky / soul. Du grand art aidé par le groove inimitable d’un Ian Paice (Deep Purple, Whitesnake) plus que présent. Que dire de la performance de Glenn si ce n’est qu'elle est parfaite, tout y est: la classe, l’expérience, la magie : bref le summum vocal. Et ,quelle fin interprétée par Ian ,ouf !
Allez un petit « Beggar Of Love » pour continuer. Toujours dans un esprit funky avec un James Christian (House Of Lords) qui s’y colle. Loin de son hard FM, James s’en tire plus que bien sur ce titre qui remue. Encore une fois rien à rajouter, tout y est. Un petit duo guitare-clavier (Gianluca Tagliavini) bien sympathique, et on termine.
Intro calme pour « Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got » et la voix de Glenn Hughes qui prend toute son ampleur dans de telles conditions est sublime d’émotion. Un titre qui se rapproche énormément de ceux de sa carrière solo (exemplaire) et qui calme l’auditeur dans une béattitude proche de l’orgasme : agrhhh !!! un titre exemplaire de bonheur.
Vous voulez remuer votre arrière train dans un bon titre qui pulse et sent bon le hard 70’s? voici « City Of Lites » chantée comme il se doit par un Steve Walsh (Kansas) impeccable.
Pas de soucis sur la marchandise ,c’est encore du très bon.
« Pictures Of My Lonely Days” ne lachera rien et Paul Shortino non plus. On a l’impression d’être retombé il y a plus de 30 ans en arrière et le pire c’est que ça fait du bien. La voix de Paul est un modèle du genre pour ce style de musique, une façon inimitable de faire bander son auditorium. La batterie tenue par le grand Carmine Appice (Cactus, King Cobra, Blue Murder etc) est millimétrée et d’une précision édifiante.
Dernier titre avec « On The Way To Moonstone » un duo pour finir, entre Eric Bloom (Blue Oster Cult) et Chris Catena qui fonctionne à merveille sur ce mid-tempo mélodique, limite oriental et symphonique qui sonne à merveille. Alors bien sur, on pense à l’immense Kashmir de Led Zeppelin mais là serait résumé trop vite cette magnifique pièce musicale.
Conclusion : voilà un projet ambitieux rondement mené par un Matt Filippini qui délivre 9 perles qui, à coup sur, feront très plaisir aux fans de bon vieux hard. Tous les invités s’en donne à cœur joie et apportent une pierre à l’édifice qui rend cet opus plus que magique.
Ajouté: July 7th 2006
Critique: Guillaume
from http://www.seigneursdumetal.com/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=439
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MORE TO COME!