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SQUADROPHENIA
Oh WOW....That's pretty much all I have to say for this disc. Probably one
of the better instrumental discs to hit the streets in some time. I know
allot of folks can't handle the "instrumental" thing, because for the most
part, those discs are wank fests. But such is not the case with this CD.
>From the get go, these guys are onto something. Something BIG!! Comprised of
guitarist Jeff Kollman (UFO, Mogg-Way) and the slamming rhythm section of
Shane Gaalaas on drums and Barry Sparks on bass, both former members of the
Michael Shenker Band and Vinnie Moore. Each musician struts their stuff but
with the utmost attention to detail, nuance and feel. Kollman's tone is
simply burning and so full, that it would make Eddie Van Halen jealous. The
songs are what really stand out on this disc. There simply isn't a weak
track in the bunch and each track displays a keen sense of arrangement,
thought, and musicality that is so absent in this genre. I was floored by
"Road to Tanzania/Tribal Trance", "Cauldron of Evil", "Chinese Eyes" and the
slamming "Jam for Jason" (dedicated to ALS stricken guitarist Jason Becker)
which features contributions from Vinnie Moore and Chris Poland (original
guitarist for Megadeth, who is simply amazing). The production of this disc
is top notch as well and sounds incredibly rich and full on any system. I
highly recommend this project to fans of the instrumental idiom and for
musicians who are looking for some serious inspiration and insight to
intense ensemble playing.
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