Track Listing

1. Can't Stop the Flood
2. Inside
3. Out on Me
4. I Just Want To Celebrate
5. Don't Let It Slip Away
6. Feels Like Home
7. Highball Shooter
8. When You Fall
9. I Will Follow
10. Beyond The Numb
11. Big Sky

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #241559 in Music
• Released on: 2001-09-25
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .22 pounds

Album Description
Since 1973, the year when Glenn Hughes was enlisted by Deep Purple as their new bassist and vocalist, he has brought out numerous solo albums, stylistically at the interface of rock, metal, funk, and soul. Fans and media have given British-born Hughes the nickname ‘The Voice of Rock’, a moniker that once again proves to be well deserved on Building the Machine, which includes a new version of the Deep Purple classic ‘High Ball Shooter’ (from his masterpiece Stormbringer).

GLASS EYE sept 2000 (Toledo,OH) 3.5 out of 5 Mark Tinta
The Voice of Rock (who now proclaims himself “Supplier of the Funk”), as expected, chalks up another winner.

About the Artist
Glenn Hughes has always crossed musical boundaries. Since 1973, the year when he was enlisted by Deep Purple as their new bassist and vocalist, catapulting him into the limelight of a hysterical rock scene practically over night, Hughes has brought out numerous solo albums, stylistically at the interface of rock, metal, funk, and soul, while making his mark as a studio guest on countless projects by other illustrious musicians. Hughes’ current album is called Building the Machine – another colourful mix of diverse styles, with Hughes’ characteristic voice standing out repeatedly. Fans and media have given British-born Hughes the well-deserved nickname ‘The Voice of Rock’, a moniker that once again proves to be well-deserved on Building the Machine.

From the powerful opener, ‘Can’t Stop the Flood’, which comes along with some thunderous riff work and a resounding organ, demonstrating that Glenn Hughes is a very contemporary musician who is not about to be outdone by the new guard of ambitious rock and metal artists, and the funk rocker, ‘Inside’, which would have suited the repertoire of Jimi Hendrix, to the mythical, experimental ‘Beyond the Numb’: Building the Machine is an arch of stylistic expression, spanning different moods, eras and genres. The new version of the Deep Purple classic ‘High Ball Shooter’ (from his masterpiece Stormbringer) underlines his undiminished penchant for straightforward rock music, while the grooving ‘I Just Want to Celebrate’ – recorded with the assistance of Pat Travers – reminds the listener of the great Rare Earth era. The riffs and rhythm of ‘Out On Me’, on the other hand, could easily have been penned by the Stones or the Black Crowes in this or a different manner, while still bearing this versatile musician’s unmistakable signature. ‘Don’t Slip’ shows Hughes as the custodian of undiluted funky tunes, while the song lives, next to the typical Fender guitar sound, mainly off its bass groove (also recorded by Hughes). ‘Feels Like Home’ and ‘Big Sky’ – both delivered with an acoustic guitar and a lot of passion – display the full sensitivity of Hughes’ vocals and guitars, just like ‘I Will Follow You’, which features some fine piano sounds courtesy of John Beasley (Miles Davis, among others) and quotes some definite blues references.

Building the Machine was recorded in Los Angeles, the current band consisting of guitarist J.J. Marsh, drummer Gary Ferguson and keyboarder Vince Di Cola. The new material was produced by Michael Scott, who made a name for himself with his work on Van Halen’s For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge. Next to the afore-mentioned John Beasley, Hughes enlisted the support of his friend, guitarist Brett Ellis, and former Toto vocalist Bobby Kimball for background vocals (‘Inside’ & ‘Don’t Let It Slip’). All those who had a chance to witness the band’s enthusiasm during their recent European tour already got a taste of Glenn Hughes’ amazing form on Building the Machine.

Customer Reviews

TRY IT!
It's not news anymore - another wonderful album from Glenn Hughes. Beautiful hard rock, funk and ballad songs are presented and preformed with a unique competence that only Glenn Hughes can provide in these days. Young rockers, try GH and you will soon forget these little bands born in the last decade that you keep listening to!

Glenn Hughes builds the machine quite well!!!
Ok, let me start saying this: It`s been a long time since I first heard this album but it stands as one of my favourite Hughes albums. I bought this album right after it came out here in Norway. I was very into Glenn Hughes and his voice from albums such as Deep Purple-Burn and Stormbringer, and Since that I have always been a hugh fan of his. Ok, I bought this album in exitement of hearing his voice in the age of 50 i suppose and was trilled about how good it was!!!! I couldn`t believe what I was hearing!!!! That voice is amazing and now i can understand that people call him: The Voice Of Rock. The music is also very good. It Rocks big time. This was a very big surprise for me, because I had never heard anything from him since his Deep Purple days. This is a must for all Glenn Hughes fans

HYPER- SOLID STUFF!!!
Building The Machine is a solid set of Hard Rock songs with a very healthy dose of funk, a Hughes' trademark. What impresses me the most is Glenn's voice still in wonderful shape as well as the great musical craft and poise of his bass playing; supported professionally by J.J. Marsh (guitar) and Gary Ferguson (drums)a pair of more than average musicians.
In a time of hyper complex guitar solos, odd atmospheres and twisted lyrical themes in Metal (which I love), Building the Machine is a very refreshing injection of joy and good vibe, recalling a clearer and simplest time.
Highlights: "Out on Me", "Don't Let It Slip Away", the fabolous Purple's revamp of "Highball Shooter" as well as Rare Earth's "I Just Want To Celebrate" featuring canadian great Pat Travers as guest axeman.
Despite certain inconstancies, specifically on the four ballads which sound somewhat generic; this CD has been spinning in my player for months non-stop. Maybe this is not a masterpiece,but is a very enjoyable and memorable musical experience.