"The Last Angry Man" (SJPCD077) The songs are mainly standard bluesy rock fayre...the best track by far is 'Blackmail' a superb Lizzyesque guitar driven rocker...'The Basement Tapes' are a far better proposition despite the demo quality of some of the tracks with Steve Ellis doing very passable Steve Marriott/Rod Stewart impressions with 'Warm Love' and 'War Train' being the pick of a very good bunch of songs... Steve Ward, Wondrous Stories (March 2001)
The guy has a great voice, a gritty yet soulful style...'Rag and Bone' reminded me of listening to early Rod Stewart - classy stuff, and a real top ballad. 'Everlasting Love' needs no introduction. But what I like about this version is that it is very different from the original effort. The guitar work is superb, and I like the way he made a 60's pop song a 'bluesy heavy rocker'! The Sam and Dave cover 'Soothe Me' suits his voice really well, and I am not surprised that this was released as a single... The 'Basement Tapes' has some great tunes also...My fave tunes on here are the Rod Stewart-ish 'I Lost My Feelings' and 'War Train' which is a top reggae rocker! This is a very worthy re-release and I am glad that I have been introduced to the wonderful vocal talents of Mr.Ellis. Jilly's Rock Club, Manchester(March 2001)
Ellis clearly has a fine voice and the musicianship is first class...the sleevenotes are riveting and include detailed interviews with Ellis, as well as previously-unseen photos. Rich Wilson, Record Collector (April 2001)
...this collection of songs perfectly showcases the singer's emotion-charged vocals. Bluesy rock that features a host of talented musicians this fine release comes complete with seven bonus tracks Hartlepool Mail (April 2001)
The Last Angry Man selections here show Steve handling the type of material/vibe that would easily suit the likes of Rod Stewart, Paul Carrack, and even solo Roger Daltrey. Nothing too heavy, though it does get rollin' in spots, but rather a rock/R&B edge that is well suited to the mainstream/adult radio formats (think Bad Company chillin'). The bonus tracks are fine too but obviously done without the budget of the Angry Man sessions. Colin Bryce, Mohair Sweets (June 2001)
Now then, now then, Angel Air's lost CD sniffer has been successful...The music was way ahead of its time so even now twenty four years on it still has not dated...a magnificent album. Modern Dance (November 2001)
It's a gritty, gutsy rock album that bears comparison with the likes of Free, Bad Company or The Faces, and contains some great music...seven bonus tracks recorded in 1983 by a band Steve put together 'for fun'...are just as impressive...Steve has a fine gutsy rock voice, the material is strong, the musicians excel. Definitely recommended to all fans of 70s rock. Zabadak, No.18
…devotees of melodic rock fare should enjoy the exploits of Ellis and his music cohorts immensely. Retford Times
…a generally pleasant and inoffensive rock album…The seven bonus tracks are taken from the previously unreleased 1983 project 'The Basement Tapes' and they're a quality bunch of songs despite the demo feel to them…in this format they offer real value for money. Steve Ward, Classic Rock Society (July 2002)
The excellent 10 page sleeve notes with this CD tell his story…the second half 'bonus tracks' under the heading 'Basement Days' were recorded with a line-up that never intended to go on the road but laid down some fine tracks…some fine songs…We enjoyed listening to this much belated release, and must congratulate Angel Air and Steve 'Byron', Blues Matters (Sept 2002)
…featuring some hard pop and a hint of blues that's worth checking out if you're a fan. Joe Geesin, Record Collector (October 2002)
This fine live show revisits the glory days of 3 decades ago Preview, November 2001
…a night of Motown Music, performed superbly…It seems everyone had a fabulous night at the concert and if you buy this you too can enjoy it just when you want. Modern Dance #39 (August 2002)
…a driving set strong on 60s R&B classics, with Eliis' vocals as vibrant as they ever were. It's almost as good as being there. Jo-Ann Greene, Goldmine (May 2002)
...A gem of an album featuring an underrated talent Hartlepool Mail, (November 2002)
...Steve's blend of soul covers golden oldies such as 'Everlasting Love and 'Rainbow Valley' serves up a veritable feast of nostalgia Stirling News, (February 2003)
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