ALDO NOVA – Blood On The Bricks [Cherry Red / Lemon Recordings reissue] 2004

As requested, here’s the Cherry Red Records / Lemon Recordings reissue of ALDO NOVA 1991’s album “Blood On The Bricks“. During the ’80s Nova collaborated with Jon Bon Jovi with some songwriting / arrangements for Bon Jovi (the band), helping lay the foundation for the superbly crafted pop-metal sound that Bon Jovi rode to superstardom.

After a six-year absence of self-imposed exile occurred after his unhappiness with the music business, Aldo Nova released “Blood On The Bricks” in 1991, with Jon returning the favor helping with co-writing, production and backing vocals. Even more: Jon arranged the record deal for the album release.
It’s a bit ironic that Nova, whose splendid self-titled 1982 debut album and single “Fantasy” were hits, had to return with the help of Jon Bon Jovi, on Bon Jovi’s vanity label, Jambco, part of Mercury.
But well worth the wait, as “Blood On The Bricks” is a catchy, polished melodic rock affair plenty of killer tunes.

Apart of doing lead vocals, Nova plays the guitars and virtually all the keyboards and is assisted by the likes of respected bass guitarist Randy Jackson and drummer Kenny Aronoff. “Blood on the Bricks” has a relentless, catchy groove all over.
A spunky, swaying beat, a nice chorus hook, and a bluesy guitar solo make “Medicine Man” one of the best cuts. “Someday” is a typical power ballad with a lot of Bon Jovi to it. “Young Love” (co-written by Bon Jovi, Nova, and song doctor Jim Vallance) and “This Ain’t Love” are highlighted by Nova’s guitar runs — especially the tones.

There’s a burning rocker in the title track, while the bombast is kept to a minimum on “Touch of Madness” and sonically it could have fit on one of Nova’s first three albums.
Other highlight and a personal favorite is “Bright Lights” and it speaks volumes that this is the only song Nova wrote by himself. At nearly six and a half minutes, Nova is able to stretch out with some wild guitar riffing and a light-speed keyboard solo.

This Cherry Red Records / Lemon Recordings reissue of “Blood On The Bricks” has the banner “FEATURING JON BON JOVI” scrawled all over the cover artwork, obviously to capture potential buyers.
And that’s fine, because the sound & production brings to mind Bon Jovi, and Jon was really involved into this album. Aldo Nova didn’t get the recognition he deserved, so any push is welcome for new listeners to discover this very good album.

01 – Blood On The Bricks
02 – Medicine Man
03 – Bang Bang
04 – Someday
05 – Young Love
06 – Modern World
07 – This Ain’t Love
08 – Hey Ronnie (Veronica’s Song)
09 – Touch Of Madness
10 – Bright Lights

Aldo Nova: vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming
Randy Jackson: bass guitar
Kenny Aronoff: drums
Steve Segal: steel and slide guitar
Greg Mathieson: Hammond organ
Daniel Barbe: piano
Aldo Mazza: percussion
Alan Jordan, Kip Lennon, Rick Virag: backing vocals
Jon Bon Jovi: backing & harmony vocals, songwriting, producer

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