RAGS TO RICHES With their debut release, “Picking Up The Pieces,” it is obvious that Rags To Riches is more than a Jimi Hendrix tribute band (which was their main focus early on). The band, originally called themselves “Black Pearl”-reformed with two new members to create Rags To Riches and they quickly realized there is a magic to their music. A review of their debut CD reveals their influences, Uriah Heep, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd and of course Jimi Hendrix, among others. Their melodic and fantastic mix of 70's rock/synth is new and refreshing, as they weave the progressive sounds of today’s music with the classic rock sound of yesteryear without sounding dated. The cut, “Diamond On A Ring” flows effortlessly, with a splendid mix of dreamy pop and mellow psychedelia, then explodes into a hard-rocker with Deep Purple-like guitars and a short guitar solo that is among rock’s best; one that you listen to, close your eyes and play along with. “Seize The Moment” sounds a bit like Steve Miller in his prime, then adeptly switches to an old Asia-like sound, all the while flowing with originality, flawless harmonies and a determined cohesiveness. There is more splendid rock with the song, “Guardian Of The Light” with ZZ Top-like riffs, more brilliant harmonies and dynamic guitar work. Another tune “Fire In The Sky,” captures the pure sound of Ritchie Blackmore and vintage Deep Purple and could have been a popular FM hit in the 70's with it’s stalwart drumming, blistering guitar and intoxicating keyboards. The boys from Skien, Norway have invited us to share and listen to their unique blend of rock, alt-rock and progressive rock and are burning up Internet radio and are finding the world’s audience is very accepting and thanking them for sharing their musicianship, all the while anticipating the great things to come. Author Robert Benson writes about rock/pop music, vinyl record collecting and operates www.collectingvinylrecords.com, where you can secure your copy of his ebook called "The Fascinating Hobby Of Vinyl Record Collecting." Robert can be contacted at robert@collectingvinylrecords.com.