Splinter Group/Destiny Road in Bloomington, MN

Splinter Group/Destiny Road
is a remarkably good value for anyone interested in the comeback of
Peter Green
. Combining the self-titled debut of
the Splinter Group
along with
Destiny Road
, this two-fer offers a good snapshot of the man's return. He's not the guitar god he once was, which is only to be expected, really. And the band never sounds as inspired as old
Fleetwood Mac
. But
Splinter Group
is very serviceable, with both
"Homework"
and
"The Stumble"
comparing favorably against the originals -- although it's not always easy to tell which guitar is
Green
and which is cohort
Nigel Watson
.
, from 1999, showcases a more cohesive unit, and a more relaxed
. His guitar work still doesn't have the sharpness, nor the unexpected turns of yore, but it's still very pleasant, especially
"Madison Blues"
"Hiding in Shadows."
In many ways the mere fact that
was back recording is reward enough. And this time he doesn't sound as tortured by the
blues
as he was in his heyday. ~ Chris Nickson