The American AOR outfit Fortune made a name for themselves back in the mid-80s when they launched their self-titled debut album via Camel/MCA Records, and the band’s vocalist, Larry Greene, later appeared on the entertaining "Top Gun" soundtrack to which he contributed the tune entitled “Through the Fire”. The whole thing fell apart relatively quickly when their label went bankrupt and these guys pretty much disappeared from people’s music radar. Fast forward to 2019 and a new constellation of Fortune took shape as did a new studio offering simply titled “II”, and later on that year they appeared at the Frontiers Rock Festival where this CD/DVD combo was captured on tape and recorded for posterity.  
 

What exactly does “The Gun’s Still Smokin’ Live” offer? Well, these skilled veterans plow through ten compositions with a certain sense of gusto, but the mix does leave something to be desired in that it lacks spark and crunch. Certain parts sound strangely subdued and tame, which is a shame as Fortune’s performance is pretty convincing and focused albeit it not overwhelmingly energetic. Many of these songs still sound good all these years later, which especially goes for the heartfelt “Dearborn Station” and the melancholy “The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” but I would wager that this live package will probably appeal more to those of you who were actually there to witness the gig that night and wish to have a souvenir of sorts. The DVD is decently shot but offers nothing out of the ordinary as such, but it does take you somewhat close to the stage.  
 

In short, “The Gun’s Still Smokin’ Live” has its moments, but it is not the thrilling or all-out exciting assault on the senses that it could have been. Somewhat entertaining and catchy but neither a mandatory listen nor an essential purchase. Still, it is a worthy addition to the Fortune discography and fans of the group or those out there who attended last year’s rendition of the aforementioned festival in Italy ought to check it out.

 

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