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MANTRA
Just one note: If Marc could have given this disc an 11 out of 5, he would have...but the site doesn't like it when we try to do crap like that...so umm... we'll just say that here.
Truth be told, Balducci is one of the most bad ass guitarists around today. Unfortunately, this stuff doesn't sell too well in the U.S...but that's because we're all slapped about the head and neck with bubble-gum-Britney-Christina-Boy-Band-y-shit all the time.
OK, hold on....wait a minute.....This is some serious shit here. An 11 out
of 10. How could that be!!! Easy folks. This is THE guitar CD to buy if
you want some of the best playing, songs, production in instrumental guitar
since Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. Rob is a true gem of player and if you
don't see the true beauty in his music, compositions, or emotional playing,
then you are tone def.
I have the distinct pleasure of being good friends with Rob and worked on
this CD with him, so that will probably give me a somewhat biased opinion.
You know what...GOOD!!! It's about time someone decided to give this guy the
props he deserves. A long time mainstay in the New York City music
scene, Rob has won the coveted 'Best Guitarist in NYC' award and played with
some of the industries top musicians. To make it all even better, Mr.
Vai himself decided to release this disc on his Favored Nations label, and
why you ask? Because you simply won't find a better instrumental disc
for the money.
Tone, Feel, Melody, Composition and superior guitar playing are but only the
beginning for this disc. It's the SONGS that really stay with you. Each
track is melodic, accessible and downright terrific. I have yet to hear
something as enjoyable as this disc. Opening with 'The Crimson King' ,
with it's heavy, brutal beginning before exploding into a cascade of
beautiful exotic melodies, possesses some of the finer points of Rob's
signature music.
The song is king and Rob simply weaves a web of intricate passeges and
terrific lines that simply grab you and don't let go. Continuing with the
terrific 'Amadeo', and the highly melodic title track 'Mantra', Rob displays
why he holds the respect he does. His playing at times is remenicent of
older Satriani, Gary Moore, John Sykes and a dash of Steve Vai as well, yet
Rob possesses a voice and style all his own. The album sounds terrific,
boasting top notch production, and the musicianship provided by drummer Mark
Karmatz and bassist Mike Gukasi is stellar. This is a powerhouse band
who play of each others strengths and deliver one terrific song after the
next. Rob's shining moment is on the poignent ballad "Eve", which showcases
the
deep passion Rob's playing delivers.
Where has this guy been hiding you ask? Well, it's a hard road for
instrumental guitarists these days, and this level of musicianship is simply
not envogue right now, but that doesn't stop Balducci from simply playing
his heart out and creating one of the finest guitar CD's of the new
millenium. I simply cannot give this man enough praise and I can only hope
that the rest of you reading this will take the time and discover a
brilliant guitarist who has been here all along, right under our noses.
Simply a MUST HAVE CD if your a fan of any genre related to hard
rock/metal/instrumental.
If you live in the NYC area, go check out his superb live performances. You
will NOT be disapointed and you WILL become a fan.
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