The Collins / Wardingham Project

The Collins / Wardingham Project - Interactive - 2006 - Enigmatic Records

"Truly one of the best fusion albums I have ever heard. 10/10" - dprp.net

"First class stuff all the way" - prognosis.com

"Planet X finally has some competition" - seaoftranquility.org

This is one CD I think a lot of people probably wouldn't be aware of and especially if your a fan of prog-fusion you are missing out on some great music. I picked up a copy a while ago and was thinking that our readers here at Sea Of Tranquility should really be aware of it as it really is that good. If Planet X and On The Virg are your thing this is sure to impress. Like Virgil Donati, Grant Collins, who is also Australian, is an accomplished drummer whose high level of independence and skill behind the drums has to be seen to be believed. On this release he has teamed up with Paul Wardingham who handles both guitar and keyboard duties like a true master. There is a complex mix of prog-fusion on Interactive with touches of jazz and world music. There are also quite a lot of heavier moments on here like the tracks "Attack Of The Necromongers" and "Bionic Zit Xpander"... what cool song titles! I love the one of many impressive moments on this CD when Grant plays along at the 6.18 minute mark virtually soloing over the top on the opening and title track "Interactive". Though we all hear many albums where musicians are highly skilled at their craft, but it's so complex the songs gets lost so what's the point?. That isn't the case here on Interactive and there is plenty of diversity and surprises to hold you attention while being amazed at Grant and Paul's ability. Planet X finally has has some competition with the Collins/Wardingham Project. Review by & © Scott Jessup ****1/2 August 15th 2008 © 2004 Sea Of Tranquility http://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=6679

As an enthusiastic fusion fan, I have diligently followed the artists that have not only helped define the genre, but also have tried to stay on top of some of the hotter players on the modern scene as well, and while the golden era was where some of the very best was born, certainly some very impressive music has been developed by modern era musicians that were hugely inspired by the pioneers of jazz/rock. I have become a big fan of the band Planet X, and before them, drummer Virgil Donati released a most excellent fusion cd called On The Virg - Serious Young Insects, he featured some of Australia's premier music talent on that cd, I have always hoped that we would get another chance to hear an additional OTV cd, but with Donati now a full time PX member, well, it's just as good. 2006 was the year we anxiously expected to hear a new PX, but issues with the recording process have delayed it, yet, here I am listening to this band, also from Australia, The Collins/Wardingham Project, and I am astounded at what I am hearing, in fact, take all my commentaries about PX and OTV and simply add this disc right along next to them. I have honestly never heard of either of Dave Collins the drummer or Paul Wardingham the gutiarist. Yet both are seriously skilled musicians that have taken the time to create a cd that offers up some of the finest modern fusion I have had the pleasure of hearing since, well, the last Planet X cd. Simply put, this cd is just that good, and these guys are equal to the task, both have world class chops, and prove that they can go beyond pure riff based music to create complexity and intricate music at the same level as both OTV or PX. There have been a lot of artists taking a try at mixing the elements of jazzrock and metal, and the results seem to favor the combining of skill level and composing, we have heard the LTE cds, OTV, PX, and other artists such as Counter World Experience, 7 for 4 both from Germany, all are great bands for this small genre, and while it's a small handful of bands that are able to do this music with the necessary ingredients, count The Collins/Wardingham Project as one that fits the company of these artists perfectly as a welcome addition. Dave Collings is the bands drummer, he has that kind of inventive flare that feeds this music, able to utilize odd time signatures, mutated polyrhythms, and creative fills, this music requires a monster player to make it work, and he serves the role to perfection, no doubt he is a drummer who is on the verge of being discovered with his performance on this recording, no pun intended. Guitarist Paul Wardingham, originally from the UK, now residing in Australia, compliments Collins' drum talents with precision technique and a mastering of tones, modes and technical brilliance. Both these musicians will certainly make a solid impression on any fans of the artists mentioned in this review, and the sound of the band is not limited to guitar and drums, there is plenty of bass and keyboards, in fact, if you enjoyed the tonal elements that Derek Sherinian injects into his PX band, a similar keyboard vibe is ever present with The C/W Project. No need to attempt to expound any further, this is first class stuff all the way, if you are in any way intrigued at the description of this band, make a believer of yourself by clicking the Myspace link and hearing for yourselves, better yet, purchase the cd while your at it, you will not be disappointed. - Review by & © MJBrady © ProGGnosis 2000 - 2014 where appropriate - All rights reserved. http://www.proggnosis.com/Release_Detail.aspx?RID=21463

Good all instrumental album of progressive metal jazz fusion with Grant Collins on drums and Paul Wardingham on keys and guitars. The music is reminiscent of artists like Derek Sherinian, Planet X, LTE, or On the Virg. The musicianship is of the highest calibre with especially good keyboard arrangements and marvellous drumming. Paul Wardingham’s guitar playing has been compared to that of Allen Holdsworth, but what guitar fusion player has not been compared to Holdsworth? Anyway, that’s a minor point. The technical skills and compositional skills of these guys are worthy of great praise, and the album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Paul Wardingham’s great “Assimilate Regenerate” album and Grant Collins' "Dogboy" album. Read an interview with Paul @ http://www.progmetalzone.com/2012/paul-wardingham-interview/ For similar music, listen to Christian Muenzner’s ‘Timewarp’ album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 124 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Interactive 9:12
2. Attack of the Necromongers 9:05
3. Borg Code 6:03
4. Carnival on Mars 3:33
5. Bionic Prelude 1:06
6. Bionic Zit Xpander 5:48
7. Metamorphosis 4:49
8. Brain T’s 5:43
9. Plasma Vortex 9:11

All tracks composed by Wardingham / Collins

MUSICIANS

Paul Wardingham - Guitars & Synths
Grant Collins - Drums

ABOUT PAUL WARDINGHAM

Australian based guitarist and producer Paul Wardingham, released his critically acclaimed debut solo instrumental album, "Assimilate Regenerate", on February 21st 2011 through Enigmatic Records. Described as "Instrumental Cyber Metal", Wardingham’s style combines 7-string mechanical metal grooves, melodic choruses, industrial synths and other-worldly technical solos, reminicent of artists such as Steve Vai, Devin Townsend, Scar Symmetry, Fear Factory and Meshuggah. In less than a year, Wardingham has quickly gained a legion of fans from all over the world and received praise from guitar legends Dino Cazares (Fear Factory and Divine Heresy) and Jeff Loomis (Nevermore) among others, for his awe-inspiring guitar work, impressive compositions and production. Wardingham’s guitar concepts were showcased on the leading website GuitarMessenger.com in his featured video lesson, "Future Metal Shred". Wardingham also appeared on Universum's latest album "Mortuus Machina", contributing a guest solo on the track "Aeon Displacement”. The album also featured vocalists Christian Alvestam (Scar Symmetry, Solution .45), Tommy Tuovinen (myGRAIN), guitarists Tomy Laisto (Mors Principium Est), Marios Iliopoulos and Olof Morck (Nightrage). In 2006, The Collins/Wardingham Project, a collaboration with Australian drum phenomenon Grant Collins, released their progressive metal fusion album ‘Interactive’ through Enigmatic Records. Paul is currently working on a follow up album titled 'The Human Affliction', scheduled for release mid – 2013 © 2011 Enigmatic Records http://www.paulwardingham.com/bio

ABOUT GRANT COLLINS

Grant is one of the forerunners in the industry, forever pushing the limits and confines of music and leading cutting edge, creative and unconventional drumming. His approach defies stereotypical drum set methodologies with his innovative and enthralling solo drum set compositions. He uses all four limbs both individually and as a collective to present multi-timbral sound scapes, defining the drum set as a contemporary solo instrument for the world stage. Through his determination, Grant has developed powerful and modern drum set solo performances, which have captivated audiences not only in Australia, but around the world. Grant’s vivacious and dynamic one man show is a reflection of his infatuation with the drums, which has seen him tour and perform as an international artist at many concert halls across the globe. Not only does Grant attack the boundaries of a solo performer, he also pushes the restrictions of his instrument to create ground-breaking ingenious works. Grant’s sell out performances have also been trumped with feature presentations on countless radio stations and television programmes. These high accolades have also been received for Grant’s DVD Live @ The Tivoli – The Official Bootleg and his CD’s Primal Instinct and Dogboy, for which he has received exceptional reviews from around the world. © Grant Collins: 2011 http://www.grantcollins.com/Bio.html

Devils Slingshot

Devils Slingshot - Clinophobia - 2007 - Mascot Records

What happens when you have three of the most successful and technique-based musicians in the same studio? Just like that, they can create wonderful music from nothing. Tony McAlpine (Steve Vai, PLANET X, RING OF FIRE, Vinnie Moore), Bill Sheehan (MR. BIG, RING OF FIRE, David Lee Roth, TALAS) and Virgil Donati (PLANET X, RING OF FIRE, SOUL SIRKUS) joined forces and DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT came to existence. Maybe Clinophobia is SLINGSHOT's first instrumental album but this 'trio' worked together again in a number of deferent projects, mostly on stage. Maybe to some ears instrumental rock music is boring, but these guys really know how to attract the listener's interest. From the first song Nederlands the guitar intro and the alternate rhythm changes it seems like we have a progressive album to our hands. But as the music flows McAlpine drops in a melodic guitar riff, just like the ones that JOE SATRIANI creates. Then the 80's clean, delayed guitar gives him the chance to star a shredding solo and this is were the song passes to jazz fusion for a little while so that it can return on the melodic riff to close. This is the way DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT produced this album. With no particular style: because of their unbelievable skills they can pass from progressive metal to melodic hard rock and then to jazz improvisations. Ballade De Bastille has again the main melodic guitar line with an excellent bass solo in the middle from virtuoso Bill Sheehan. Def Bitch Blues steps in with a thunderous drum break, Virgil Donati produces a great steady rhythm for McAlpine and Sheehan and sets the solid foundation for each song to build on. In this song Bill Sheehan has a great tapping bass moment (that is why they call him the 4-string Eddie Van Halen). Every song has the melodic riff that characterizes SLINGSHOT's music direction. JOE SATRIANI with Surfing With The Alien opened the doors for a bigger audience on instrumental hard rock music and McAlpine produces some very similar melodies and sound. But DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT use a variety of ingredients to make their music more palatable. On the song Hourglass that McAlpine and Donati co-wrote, Bunny Brunel (C.A.B., Chick Corea) comes in for a special guest appearance to give an even more that jazz/fusion style with his incredible improvisation solo in the middle of the song. I must say, the first time I heard Clinophobia didn't realized how soon time passed by, because the music flows smoothly. I know it is hard to hear great musicians soloing one after the other throughout an album but there is a great deal of ideas musically unique. DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT just finished touring Europe. Let us hope that after their individual projects these three amigos will join forces again for a second DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT album. I know that I'll be waiting. - By & © Yiannis Zervos at 20 November 2007, 2:58 PM 8/10 excellent © Metal Temple © 2000-2014 Yiannis Mitsakos http://www.metal-temple.com/site/catalogues/entry/reviews/cd_3/d_2/devils_slingshot.htm

Devil's Slingshot are truly a supergroup, featuring renowned instrumentalists Tony MacAlpine (guitar), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Virgil Donati (drums). MacAlpine made his name in the '80s as a neo-classical shredder. In recent years, he's explored jazz fusion, particularly in Planet X alongside Donati. Sheehan's cameo on Planet X's MoonBabies probably helped spawn this trio. For all its firepower, it's surprisingly restrained. Most songs feature a perfunctory rock intro that leads to more limber fusion workouts. The rock riffs are heavy and bland, but the fusion parts are tasty. MacAlpine soars up and down the fretboard with ease, evoking a less flashy Steve Vai. Sheehan provides a supple, supportive low end, though he uncorks a blinding two-handed tapping break in "Def Bitch Blues." Donati contributes his trademark tasty, precise grooves. The lack of ego here is admirable, but the players could stand to let loose more. When they try to rock, they sound leaden. Funk and fusion, however, fit them quite naturally. MacAlpine, in particular, excels at laying lyrical lines over glistening, abstract chords. This debut feels like stretching before a workout. Hopefully the next outing will run with the devil, so to speak. © Cosmo Lee © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/clinophobia-mw0000795414

This album has received many more negative than positive reviews. Many critics have used the terms “weak, unimaginative”, “run of the mill”, “mundane”, “nothing new”, “going through the motions”, “not letting go”, “not realising their true potential”. All music says, “This debut feels like stretching before a workout. Hopefully the next outing will run with the devil, so to speak”. The facts are that this album was recorded by four legends of fusion/jazz fusion and rock, guitarist Tony MacAlpine, bassists Billy Sheehan and Bunny Brunel, and drummer extraordinaire Virgil Donati. These guys don’t go out of their way to deliberately record a weak or bad album. It is rare that a band can record a “Revolver” followed by a “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band”. This is not a great album, but it most definitely is a very good album recorded by four giants of the music world. Check out any of the work that these four musicians have been involved in. You will find many music gems. Never let critics put you off listening to an album. Who said that “Those who can...do. Those who can’t...criticise”.? And this snippet of wisdom does not exclusively relate to this album. I’m not setting myself up as a great musicologist or expert on music, but I do know the kind of music I like and what many followers of this blog like. To reiterate, not a classic rock or fusion album, but one that I have listened to again and again, and admired the brilliant musicianship and skill of world class musicians.There is no rubbish posted on this blog! LOL. Give it a spin! [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 95 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1 Nederland - Virgil Donati 6:13
2 Ballade De Bastille - Tony MacAlpine 4:05
3 Def Bitch Blues - Tony MacAlpine 4:27
4 Lay Off - Virgil Donati 4:24
5 Injustice Line - Virgil Donati 4:24
6 Ocean - Tony MacAlpine 3:24
7 Flamed - Virgil Donati 4:11
8 Hourglass - MacAlpine, Donati 4:46
9 Aerial Perspective - Tony MacAlpine 4:13

MUSICIANS

Tony MacAlpine - Guitar
Billy Sheehan - Bass
Bunny Brunel - Bass on "Hourglass"
Virgil Donati - Drums

BIO

DEVIL'S SLINGSHOT is a progressive-instrumental metal band from the United States. The band is formed by three legendary musicians: Tony Macalpine (guitar, keys), Billy Sheehan (bass), and Virgil Donati (drums). Tony MacAlpine is an outstanding musical virtuoso. "Whether performing as a solo artist, band member, session player, touring hired-gun, or as a producer, he continues to prove that he truly is one of rock's most amazing and versatile musicians." His style incorporates classical and jazz influences within the hard rock forum on both guitar and keyboards. In addition to his brilliant solo career which spans 20 years, from which these selections have been culled, MacAlpine is also known for his collaborations with progressive artists CAB, Planet X and Steve Vai. Billy Sheehan is one of the most respected bass players. "Rising to cult status in the 80's with his Buffalo, NY based band Talas, Billy was recruited by David Lee Roth when Roth left Van Halen in '85. He recorded two platinum selling albums with the former Van Halen front man before setting out on his own. Forming Mr. Big in 1989, the band achieved a Billboard 1 single in the US and 14 other countries with "To Be With You". While developing his trademark style of playing he has performed over 4000 live gigs on every continent except Africa and Antarctica. Voted the "Best Rock Bass Player" 5 times in Guitar Player magazines Readers Poll, an honor which placed him in their "Gallery of Greats" (alongside Jimi Hendrix, Paul McCartney, Geddy Lee and Eddie Van Halen to name but a few), he has also won readers polls in Germany, Japan, Korea, Italy, and many other countries. Virgil Donati has raised the bar in drum playing with his faster chops, innovative use of the instrument, more complex rhythms, more creative phrasing, and in general, his influence on a new generation of drummers. Recording and touring with the likes of Planet X, Steve Vai, CAB, Scott Henderson, Steve Walsh, Tribal Tech, Frank Gambale, Derek Sherinian, Mark Boals, Dave Stewart, Mick Jagger, Josh Stone, and many others, he continues to push the limits of the instrument to astonishing new levels. - (Partially taken from the band's website) © Prog Archives, All rights reserved http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=3683

Joe Satriani

Joe Satriani - Joe Satriani - 1995 - Relativity

Joe Satriani is the self-titled sixth studio album by guitarist Joe Satriani, released in October 1995 through Relativity Records. The album reached No. 51 on the U.S. Billboard 200 and remained on that chart for seven weeks, as well as reaching the top 100 in four other countries. "(You're) My World" was released as a single, reaching No. 30 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart and later receiving a nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 1997 Grammys; this being Satriani's seventh such nomination. The album is a slight departure from Satriani's previous instrumental rock stylings, instead showcasing a more laid back, blues-laden sound with less reliance on effects and overdubs. Recorded in the space of a few weeks, Satriani also relinquished his usual production duties to Glyn Johns - Wiki

A guitar virtuoso and genius of instrumental composition, Joe Satriani explores deeper waters with a haunting yet richly entailed work of stripped-down blues-rock and improvisational jazz. This record, self-titled as Joe Satriani, puts the guitar wizard into a streaming new light of musical impression, as his efforts point toward a sincere evolutionary progression in composition and arrangement. With a collective of the most witty, crafty, and enticing musicians in jazz and blues, Satriani blends soaring, scintillating scale passages with pulsating, engaging melodic lines. With the help of his main group during these sessions -- Andy Fairweather Low on rhythm guitar, Nathan East on bass, and Manu Katche on drums -- Satriani reaches further into his musical self to bring out soulful grooves and mesmerizing yet catchy riffs, creating a relaxed, yet gripping intensity to these jams. Spontaneous in meter, rhythm, and melody, Satriani never fails to let the listener in on his enchanting and seemingly overabundant sense of creativity. Perhaps the only weakness throughout the majority of the album's 12 tracks is his intention to strip down and use only the effects of his Marshall amps, therefore, sadly diminishing his trademark flair for the highly alluring sonic territory he covered on his critically acclaimed Surfing With the Alien, Flying in a Blue Dream, and Time Machine. Still, with all due respect, his plethora of extremely gifted backup musicians sincerely adds a diverse range of textures and colors, bringing out a much-needed live feel to an otherwise bland album of blues-oriented jazz-rock. Perhaps the highlight of the record in the punch and volume of the progressive-oriented blues jam, "Killer Bee Bop" is a tune drenched with well-placed percussion and racing guitar lines. Because he is not afraid to seek the darker and once-unapproachable territories of guitar rock to find vibrant and refreshingly new sounds, Satriani puts forth once again a successful album, painting a mixture of blues and jazz in a variety of meters and keys. The single "(You're) My World," released over the airwaves as radio-friendly material in early 1995, is a misleading example of Joe Satriani's real development during the production of this record. A slow listen to the material on this release will captivate the listener's spirit for this guitar hero and reveal Joe Satriani's true nature, in that he and his Ibanez instrument are one and the same. © Shawn M. Haney © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/joe-satriani-mw0000645748

An album that was a commercial success, but arguably not one of Joe Satriani’s most popular albums (at least, with many of his fans). The album is not full of explosive, dynamic shredwork, but is a more relaxed, blues jazz based album rather than a mind numbing jazz fusion album. Nevertheless, Joe Satriani is a legendary figure in the guitar world, and this album from the mid – nineties has more than enough quality to make it a great album, and HR by A.O.O.F.C. The incredibly underrated Andy Fairweather Low plays rhythm guitar on ten tracks. If you want to hear more fusion based guitar wizardry from Joe, listen to his brilliant “Time Machine” album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 137 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Cool #9 6:00
2 If 4:49
3 Down, Down, Down 6:13
4 Luminous Flesh Giants 5:56
5 S.M.F. 6:44
6 Look My Way 4:01
7 Home 3:28
8 Moroccan Sunset 4:23
9 Killer Bee Bop 3:49
10 Slow Down Blues 7:25
11 (You're) My World 3:56
12 Sittin' 'Round 3:37

All tracks composed by Joe Satriani

MUSICIANS

Joe Satriani - Guitar: Lap Steel Guitar on Track 12: Guitar [Dobro], Guitar [Slide] on Track 10: Bass on Tracks 4, 11: Harmonica [Harp] on Track 10
Andy Fairweather Low - Guitar on Tracks 1 to 5, 7 to 10, 12
Nathan East - Bass on Tracks 1 to 3, 5, 7 to 10, 12
Eric Valentine - Bass, Keyboards, Percussion on Track 4: Piano on Track 1
Matt Bissonette - Bass on Track 6
Manu Katche - Drums on Tracks 1 to 3, 5, 7 to 10, 12
Ethan Johns - Drums on Track 4
Jeff Campitelli - Drums on Track 11
Greg Bissonette - Percussion on Track 6

BIO

Along with teaching some of the top rock guitar players of the '80s and '90s, Joe Satriani is one of the most technically accomplished and widely respected guitarists to emerge in recent times. Born on July 15, 1956, in Westbury, New York, and raised in the nearby town of Carle Place, Satriani -- inspired by guitar legend Jimi Hendrix -- picked up the guitar at the age of 14 (although he was initially more interested in the drums). Quickly learning the instrument, Satriani began teaching guitar to others and found a kindred spirit in one of his students, Steve Vai. By the late '70s, however, Satriani had relocated to Berkeley, California. With his sights set on his own musical career, "Satch" kept teaching others, including such future rock notables as Kirk Hammett (Metallica), Larry LaLonde (Primus), David Bryson (Counting Crows), and jazz fusion player Charlie Hunter. In the early '80s, Satriani got a gig playing guitar with power popster Greg Kihn, doing some session work and touring with the group (an archival release recorded around this time, King Biscuit Flower Hour, was later issued in 1996), and issuing his own solo self-titled EP in 1984, financing and releasing the project entirely on his own. But when Vai hit the big time as the guitarist of David Lee Roth's solo band in 1986, he offered praise for his good friend and former teacher in several major guitar publications, leading to widespread interest in Satriani's playing. The timing couldn't have been more perfect for Satch, as he'd just issued his first full-length solo album, Not of This Earth, which automatically made ripples in the rock guitar community. But the best was still to come, in the form of his sophomore release, 1987's Surfing with the Alien. Almost overnight, Satriani was widely regarded as one of rock's top guitarists, as the album earned gold certification and the guitarist would finish at the top of guitar magazine's polls for years afterward. He was even handpicked by Mick Jagger to accompany the famous singer on a tour of Australia and Japan around this time. A stopgap EP, Dreaming #11, combined both studio and live tracks and was issued a year later, and in 1989, Satriani issued his third solo full-length, Flying in a Blue Dream. Another sizeable hit, the album also marked Satch's debut as a vocalist on several tracks. His career received another big push the same year when his song "One Big Rush" was included on the soundtrack to Cameron Crowe's hit movie Say Anything. The '90s began with Satriani creating his own line of guitars for the Ibanez company (the JS Joe Satriani model), but it wasn't until 1992 that he would issue his next solo release, The Extremist. The double-disc set Time Machine followed a year later (a combination of new tracks, live material, and the long out of print Joe Satriani EP from 1984), and in 1994, Satch filled in on tour for the departed Ritchie Blackmore for heavy metal pioneers Deep Purple. Although he was asked to become a full-time member, Satriani turned down the offer to return to his solo career. Satriani issued two more solo albums during the '90s - 1995's self-titled release and 1998's Crystal Planet - and also started the G3 guitar showcase tour with Vai in 1996, which became an annual event; Satriani issued a live document of the tour's initial run, G3: Live in Concert, a year later. 2000 saw Satriani issue his most musically daring release yet, the electronic-based Engines of Creation, and a year later, Live in San Francisco. Engines was nominated for a Grammy the next year, and after a successful tour he stepped back into the studio. The result, Strange Beautiful Music, was released in 2002. Electric Joe Satriani: An Anthology arrived in 2003, followed by Is There Love in Space? in 2004, Super Colossal in 2005, and Satriani Live! in 2006. In addition to his own albums, Satriani has guested on several other artists' albums over the years, including Blue Öyster Cult's Imaginos, Alice Cooper's Hey Stoopid, Stuart Hamm's Radio Free Albemuth, Pat Martino's All Sides Now, and Spinal Tap's Break Like the Wind. Satriani's thirst for collaboration extended to him joining forces with ex-Van Halen members Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony for the 2009 supergroup Chickenfoot. The next year, Satriani returned to his guitar pyrotechnics with Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards. For that album, he recorded the 3-D special Satchurated: Live in Montreal, which was released on Blu-Ray and double-CD in 2012. Satriani returned to solo duty in 2013 with the new studio album Unstoppable Momentum. © Greg Prato © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved

Scott Henderson

Scott Henderson - Live - 2005 - Mascot

This double-CD features consistently ferocious electric guitar from Scott Henderson. Recorded live at La Ve Lee (a small club near Los Angeles), the extended program has Henderson mostly in the spotlight with electric bassist John Humphrey offering strong support and drummer Kirk Covington sometimes contributing rockish vocals that are as much shouting as they are singing. Henderson plays some jazz on Wayne Shorter's "Fee Fi Fo Fum," digs into blues now and then, and displays some country roots on "Hillbilly in the Band" but mostly plays high-intensity fusion, tearing into the pieces and showing that he could hold his own with any rock/fusion guitarist. Invigorating playing. © Scott Yanow © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/release/live%21-mr0003568919

Live! is a 2005 double CD album by fusion / jazz guitarist Scott Henderson recorded at the La Vee club in Los Angeles. The album features live-versions of songs from some of Scott's previous solo work and also tracks by his fusion band Tribal Tech Tribal Tech, one of the most highly-regarded fusion bands of the 1990s. In 1991 Scott was named '#1 Jazz Guitarist' by Guitar World magazine, and in January 1992 he was voted best jazz guitarist by Guitar Player magazine's Annual Reader's Poll. Brilliant jazz fusion from a legendary guitarist. This album was produced by the great Michael Landau and is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Scott has released a lot of stuff, both solo and with Tribal Tech, but check out Rob Whitlock's great "Sketchin'" and "Sketchin' 2" albums featuring Scott engaging in some amazing guitar wizardry. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: CD 1 & CD 2 are on one rar file: File size = 220 Mb]

CD ONE

Slidin' 7:27
Well To The Bone 4:08
Sultan's Boogie 7:26
Xanax 6:25
Lady P 7:55
Jakarta 7:26
Tacos Are Good 5:38

CD TWO

Dog Party 9:20
Fee Fi Fo Fum 8:58
Meter Maid 4:52
Nairobe Express 12:27
Devil Boy 7:51
Hillbilly In The Band 6:17

All tracks composed by Scott Henderson except "Fee Fi Fo Fum" by Wayne Shorter, and "Nairobe Express" by Scott Henderson & Victor Wooten

MUSICIANS

Scott Henderson - Guitars
John Humphrey - Bass
Kirk Covington - Drums, Vocals

SHORT BIO

One of the finest fusion (as opposed to crossover) guitarists of the 1980s and '90s, Scott Henderson's explosive playing is often teamed up with electric bassist Gary Willis in their group Tribal Tech. Originally most influenced by rock, Henderson (who grew up in West Palm Beach, FL) played in local funk and rock bands. In 1980, he moved to Los Angeles to attend the Guitar Institute of Technology, studying with Joe Diorio. After graduating, he became a teacher himself at GIT. Henderson played with Jeff Berlin and Jean-Luc Ponty, and in 1985 toured with the original version of Chick Corea's Elektric Band. During 1987-1989, he worked on and off with Joe Zawinul's Syndicate, later focusing on Tribal Tech as his main band. As a leader, Scott Henderson has recorded for Passport, Relativity, Bluemoon, Atlantic, and Zebra. Starting with 1994's Dog Party, the guitarist made a transition from the world of jazz to the blues world, where his blues-rock fusion became the primary focus of his music career. But unlike many of his blues-rock contemporaries, his music was filled with the sort of odd time signatures and unique touches that are cornerstones of his jazz work. © Scott Yanow © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/scott-henderson-mn0000254833/biography

Eric Johnson

Eric Johnson - Bloom - 2005 - Favored Nations

Bloom is Eric Johnson's fifth studio release, released in June 2005. It was the first studio release since his 1996 album Venus Isle almost nine years prior. However in these nine years he had released a live album by his side-project Alien Love Child entitled Live and Beyond in 2000 as well as an album of previously unreleased material titled Souvenir in 2002. The album is split into three sections, 'Prelude' (tracks 1-6), 'Courante' (tracks 7-12) and 'Allemande' (tracks 13-16). The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2006 under the category of Best Pop Instrumental Album. - Wiki

It's no secret that the time gap between albums by guitarist Eric Johnson is on par with such notorious 'hibernators' as Boston. And the arrival of his fourth all-new studio release, Bloom, was no different, as it appeared nearly nine years after the release of 1996's Venus Isle. Whereas most guitar heroes of the late '80s and early '90s were all about reeling off a zillion notes per second, Johnson was the exception, as he penned songs that saw his guitar supplying the melody where a voice could have been. This 16-track release (his second for Steve Vai's Favored Nations label) is split into three separate sections -- 'Prelude,' 'Courante,' and 'Allemande' -- which are supposedly "grouped together in terms of vibe and style." Highlights include "Summer Jam" (which does a splendid job of showcasing his guitar tone), the chicken'-pickin' ditty "Tribute to Jerry Reed," and the almost Steely Dan-esque "Magnetized." If you like your sounds raw and gritty and music off-the-cuff, Bloom isn't the place for you. But for die-hard fans, Johnson delivers once more, as all his trademarks are well represented -- chops, tone, and extremely fluid playing. © Greg Prato © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/bloom-mw0000343771

Eric Johnson is known as a great guitar virtuoso and also he is known as a perfectionist, who constantly rewrites his songs when something doesn't make him pleased.That's one of the reasons why it took him more than 4 years to finish recording the album.He also changed his record label.This album was written on "Favored Nations", which was founded by his friend and a guitar-god Steve Vai. Eric said that while working on the Capitol records he felt constant pressure because of the bosses.On Favored Nations he felt free and released a great album. Eric is the guitarist who sings and he does it quite good, in my opinion even better than Steve Vai. Also Eric is a good composer. All of his albums are full of songs of different styles,you can hear him play jazz or rock, or blues or even country. So he's the man whose albums are full of songs of different genres. As for his guitar playing... I think the fact that he played on G3 with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai speaks for itself. But his guitar playing changed a bit. His tone is recognizeable as  always. He just doesn't shred so much on the album like in the previous ones. His solos became even more melodic than they were.He just knows where to shred and where not. As for the album,it's really good, but it has got some weak points.And I suppose fans who liked "Zap" and "Cliffs of Dover" will be a little disappointed, because they won't find songs like those on the album. However, the album has got its highlights. The album is divided into three parts: Prelude, Courante, & Allemande.The first part is a "rock part", the second -a "blues part", the third- a "jazz part". 1.Bloom. An instrumental song. Quite a good one, starts with a good riff. It's a good mid- tempo song with good solos and a very beautiful bridge. Sometimes you may hear Eric's voice in the background. In the end of the song Eric starts to shred. On the whole I think this song is a very good start to the album. 4/5: 2.Summer Jam. Well, I've read one review about this album and the author of the review called this song the highlight of the album. As for me, I don't find this neither a highlight nor even a good one. It's just an average song of Eric. He's written a lot of such stuff though, I have to admit that Eric's guitar work is good on the track. By the way, it's also an instrumental track. 2,5/5: 3.My Back Pages.This song was originally written by Bob Dylan. Eric did a great cover. His singing is good here. The guitar work is also great, and the solos he plays are really good. And, of course, the lyrics written by Bob Dylan are definitely great. Eric did his best. I like his version of the song even more than the original. 5/5: 4.Good to Me.An instrumental track.This song reminded me of some stuff of Jeff Beck. It has some electronic voices.The riffs are great. So are the solos,very melodic ones. Good song. 4/5: 5.Columbia. It is also an instrumental song. Eric shows his beautiful tone in this song, a very nice piece. Nothing to add.4/5: 6.12 to 12 Vibe. I find this song somehow similar to Summer Jam. Also an instrumental piece, and also an average Eric's piece. Nothing special. Though the guitar work is really good, it doesn't save the situation. 2/5: Courante: 7.Sea Secret. Here Eric plays an acoustic guitar.The guitar playing is really beautiful on this track. It has got a relaxing atmosphere. You can hear the sound of the sea. I wish it was a bit longer, but still a nice piece. 4/5: 8.Sad Legacy. Eric sings on this track. I really like the lyrics of the track. It's about peace and love. He says he'd like he'd like to throw the screams, guns and pain away.The song is beautiful and so are the solos. Eric also plays the piano and does it quite good. 4.5/5: 9.From my heart. I was a little bit bored with the track, maybe because it's also a ballad as "Sad Legacy",and it's also the longest track on the album.This track is not that bad. It's just a little bit boring. Though the arrangement is as good as Eric's singing and everything else, it just doesn't make me feel anything. 3/5. 10.Cruise the Nile. Eric plays electric sitar here. It's also an instrumental track. It has some eastern feel, and it's something I haven't heard from Eric before.There's also something like a dialogue of an electric guitar and a sitar.Great track 5/5: 11.Tribute to Jerry Reed.An instrumental country song. Eric doesn't solo in this. Adrian Legg, a guest guitarist, solos here. I'm not a fan of country but this song is definitely good.4,5/5: 12.Your Sweet Eyes. It's a song about love and reminds me of some stuff of Richard Marx. It starts off with an acoustic guitar, then the drums begin to play, and Eric starts singing.This song also features Grammy-Award winner Shawn Colvin, who sings in the background.The solo in the middle and in the end are great, and the song itself is great. 5/5 13.Hesitant. A jazz instrumental song. Here Eric's playing with octaves just like Wes Montgomery, the guitarist who influenced Eric's guitar playing. Eric often shows his admiration for Wes Montgomery, as he did in "Manhattan"and "East Wes". Eric doesnt even sound here like he usually does, but anyway a good track. 3,5/5 14.Sonnaround you. Eric sings here about love, but it's a little bit similar to the previous track. I really like Eric's piano playing in the song. The diminished chords he plays are really beautiful.3/5: 15.Magnetized. An instrumental track and one of the highlights of the album. Everything is just great on the track.Nothing to add.5/5: 16.Ciel.The last track of the album, a relaxing one. For the most part of the song Eric plays an acoustic guitar,and in the end he accompanies it with sitar and piano.A good end of the good album: What I really liked is: 1.Eric's guitar work.He's just proved that he's one of the great guitarists ever. 2.The variety of musical genres on the album. 3.His lyrics are also good. What i disliked is that some songs are really repetitive and sometimes it becomes really boring to listen to the album: The Highlights are: My Back Pages, Sad Legacy, Cruise the Nile,Your sweet Eyes, and Magnetized. In conclusion, I'd like to say that Eric released a record which is very easy to listen to. Also, it isn't worse than his previous albums, "Ah Via Musicom" or "Venus Isle". I really recommend it to anyone, because everybody will find something to his liking on this album. - Review by & © CoverHit September 4th, 2005 [4.0 excellent] © 2005-2013 Sputnikmusic.com http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/3440/Eric-Johnson-Bloom/

Guitar maestro, Eric Johnson has been called "A perfection-driven, genre-bending axe slinger from Texas with one of the most distinctive electric guitar tones in music". Guitar Player Magazine called Eric “one of the most respected guitarists on the planet”, and called his album, “Tones” a majestic debut. Eric also made the cover of Guitar Player magazine after “Tones” release. Eric has been criticized for being too much of a technical musician and not playing with his heart, but he takes great pride in his technical mastery of the guitar and sees himself fulfilling a different role in the guitar world. He says "you have to start out slowly and develop your “ear theory” before you worry about the “book theory” of playing guitar. Eric may be a perfectionist but his albums are worth waiting for. On “Bloom”, the songs' structures are mostly progressively influenced. The album has Latin, jazz, Beatlesque, and even classical influences but all these elements are embedded in beautiful bluesy fret runs and jazzy fusion grooves. A great album and HR by A.O.O.F.C. Listen to Eric's stunning "Ah Via Musicom" album. [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 143 Mb]

TRACKS

Prelude

1. Bloom 3:10
2. Summer Jam 2:11
3. My Back Pages 3:47
4. Good to Me 4:31
5. Columbia 2:22
6. 12 to 12 Vibe 2:21

Courante

7. Sea Secret 1:57
8. Sad Legacy 4:06
9. From My Heart 7:26
10. Cruise the Nile 2:13
11. Tribute to Jerry Reed 2:27
12. Your Sweet Eyes 6:08

Allemande

13. Hesitant 6:28
14. Sunnaround You 3:07
15. Magnetized 3:21
16. Ciel 3:26

All tracks composed by Eric Johnson except "My Back Pages" composed by Bob Dylan

MUSICIANS

Eric Johnson - Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Classical Guitar, Pedal Steel, Electric Sitar, Bass, Rhodes Electric Piano, Piano, Synth, Vocals
Adrian Legg - Guitar
Chris Maresh, C. Roscoe Beck - Bass
Tony Phillips - Bass, Synth, Drums
Steve Barber - Acoustic Piano, Moog Synth, Vocals
Rich Harvey - Acoustic Piano
Tal Bergman, Tom Brechtlein, Barry "Frosty" Smith - Drums
Tommy Taylor, Bill Maddox - Drums, Percussion
Tom Burrit, Brad Evilsizer, James Fenner - Percussion
Salvatore Banzai La Rocca - Harp
Shawn Colvin, Lisa Tingle, Jody Lazo - Vocals

BIO

Very few musical artists achieve a true signature style -- one that makes comparisons to other musicians impossible. But Texas guitarist Eric Johnson arguably comes as close to this echelon as any musician from the past quarter-century. Like fellow Lone Star State guitarists Johnny Winter, Billy Gibbons, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnson blends the rock style of Jimi Hendrix and the blues power of Albert King. Yet Johnson's wide array of additional influences (from the Beatles and Jeff Beck to jazz and Chet Atkins) makes for a guitar sound as unique as his fingerprints. "When I first heard Eric," Winter recalls, "he was only 16, and I remember wishing that I could have played like that at that age." Former Doobie Brothers guitarist Jeff "Skunk" Baxter says, "If Jimi Hendrix had gone on to study with Howard Roberts for about eight years, you'd have what this kid strikes me as." The Austin prodigy appeared on the cover of Guitar Player magazine while working with Texas jazz/fusion band the Electromagnets and as a session player (Cat Stevens, Carole King, Christopher Cross), and a 1984 performance on the TV show Austin City Limits set his recording career in motion. Johnson's 1986 debut album, Tones, certainly proved that the hype was warranted. Playing with the ace rhythm section of bassist Roscoe Beck and drummer Tommy Taylor, Johnson mixed blazing instrumentals ("Zap," "Victory") with Beatles-influenced vocal tunes like "Emerald Eyes" and "Bristol Shore." Johnson used the same half-and-half format on the 1990 follow-up, Ah Via Musicom, but a trio of the album's tunes surprisingly made him the first artist to have three instrumentals from the same album to chart in the Top Ten in any format (with "Cliffs of Dover" earning Johnson a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental). But, if Johnson had a perceived weakness, it was the perfectionism that caused four years to pass between recordings. Even in concert, he would painstakingly tune his guitar between songs, by ear, for minutes on end. With the success of Ah Via Musicom, the guitarist admitted to feeling pressure to raise the bar again. But Johnson's studio nitpicking delayed Venus Isle until 1996, and the disappointing CD contained fewer instrumentals and sounded forced. A stint on the 1997 G3 tour with fellow headlining guitarists Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, and its resulting live release, breathed new life into Johnson and sparked the idea of a live album. Overhauling his band for the 2000 CD Live and Beyond, Johnson brought in bassist Chris Maresh and drummer Bill Maddox, and concentrated on more of a blues feel. The guitarist still blended instrumentals with his vocal tunes ("Shape I'm In," "Last House on the Block"), but perhaps realized that his thin voice was too one-dimensional for guttural blues or R&B. Guest vocalist Malford Milligan ignites "Don't Cha Know" and "Once a Part of Me," helping Johnson's blazing debut on Vai's Favored Nations label and reestablishing the versatile virtuoso's status for the 21st century. As Vai himself testifies, "Eric has more colorful tone in his fingers than Van Gogh had on his palette." Souvenir, an album available only through Johnson's website, appeared in 2002, followed by CD and DVD versions of New West's Live from Austin, TX and Bloom, the second album for Vai's Favored Nations imprint, in 2005. Johnson returned in 2010 with Up Close, a studio album that slightly emphasized the guitarist's Texas roots. © Bill Meredith © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/artist/eric-johnson-mn0000188261/biography

Storm Warning

Storm Warning - Breaking Out - 2006 - Lightning Fingers Records

It must be blues, there’s a harmonica player. Or it might be rock, with those bass lines. Or jazz? Storm Warning is a band of five diverse influences that happens to make distinctive, exciting contemporary blues music. Storm Warning has a unique sound, but one that seems to have a wide appeal. This debut album contains seven strong original numbers and two covers which have the Storm Warning stamp. “In essence this CD is a collection of fine songs by fine musicians, well worth adding to the collection and a cracking first release. Rating 10” – Blues in Britain magazine.

“Son Maxwell has a brilliant blues voice…..really an excellent CD …..damn fine band who have a distinct individuality. Very much recommended.” - Blues Matters magazine.

“In essence this CD is a collection of fine songs by fine musicians, well worth adding to the collection and a cracking first release.” - Blues in Britain magazine

“England’s five-piece Storm Warning bring a contemporary feel to classic blues and blues-rock…. Bob Moore ’s guitar work is tasteful.” - Blues Revue USA

Drummer Roger Willis is a very experienced musician and was a member of Capability Brown. Remember that band? No?! LOL! He has also worked on albums with bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Storm Warning play contemporary blues/rock the way it should be played.” This is a tight, classy band and in an ideal world would be any decent music promoter’s dream. This band would wipe the floor with the many plastic, disingenuous bands that are conning people for far too many years now. “Breaking Out” is a great album of contemporary blues and rock with traditional elements and jazzy overtones which deservedly scored 10/10 in Blues In Britain. The famed BBC Radio 2 DJ, Paul Jones including a track from ”Breaking Out” on his show which attracted a lot of public interest and the band was invited back to record a live session. This album is the real deal and is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Read more reviews @ http://www.rockingtheblues.com/Storm%20Warning%20BIB%20cd%20review.htm and http://www.rockingtheblues.com/Storm%20Warning%20site/blues_matters_magazine%20cd%20review.htm and check the band’s bio @ http://www.rockingtheblues.com/Storm%20Warning%20site/The%20Band.htm Buy the band' s "Something Real" album and support great blues rock [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 114 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Bullets 6:13
2 The Woman? Or The Blues? 4:24
3 Dangerous Mood 6:21
4 Long Grey Mare 5:41
5 Big Man 5:35
6 Ballad Of 64 4:58
7 Upton Strut 6:44
8 The Blues Are Back 3:58
9 Whisky Blues 5:57

All compositions written by band, (All lyrics by Stuart "Son" Maxwell) except Track 3 by Keb Mo, and Track 4 by Peter Green

MUSICIANS

Bob Moore - Guitar
Derek White - Bass
Ian Salisbury - Keyboards
Roger Willis - Drums, Percussion
Stuart 'Son' Maxwell - Vocals, Harmonica

ABOUT THE BAND

A band of five diverse influences that happens to make distinctive, exciting contemporary blues music, mixing blues and rock with a little jazz and one that seems to have a wide appeal. Breaking Out, is the debut album from UK-based blues-rockers Storm Warning, released in 2006. The band has been touring the UK throughout 2005 and during 2006, with highly acclaimed blues club and festival appearances. Produced by the band and Martin Atkinson at his M.A.R.S. studio, the album features seven original tracks and two covers of modern blues standards. It received excellent reviews in Blues In Britain (10 out of 10 rating) and Blues Matters! magazines and earned the critical seal of approval from Paul Jones, when he played the track ‘Bullets’ on his BBC Radio 2 show. The band is scheduled to record a live session for the show to be broadcast in June 2006. Though generally classified within the blues-rock genre, Storm Warning is a band of five diverse influences that happens to make distinctive, exciting contemporary blues music. The blues are the heart of the sound, but the blues is a form that changes its shape and character to suit whoever is playing it. Storm Warning has a unique sound, mixing blues and rock with a little jazz and one that seems to have a wide appeal. The blues harmonica of Son Maxwell shares the lead with the jazz and rock-influenced guitar of Bob Moore, with the classic Hammond and piano sounds of Ian Salisbury adding an additional blues-based dimension. Drummer Roger Willis, formerly with Capability Brown, and bassist Derek White complete the line-up, forming what The Blues Band bass man Gary Fletcher described as “an ace rhythm section.” Among the original compositions are an instrumental, ‘Upton Strut’, and six songs featuring lyrics by Son Maxwell. The covers are a funky version of Peter Green’s ‘Long Grey Mare’ and Keb Mo’s ‘Dangerous Mood’, both popular features of the band’s live set. Storm Warning are gaining much critical acclaim with their debut cd ‘Breaking Out’ and their powerful live and dynamic show. The band look set to a great rise in popularity during 2006 as more and more people world wide, discover the band and their music. © http://cdbaby.com

Vinnie Colaiuta, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip - Jing Chi

Vinnie Colaiuta, Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip - Jing Chi - 2001- Tone Center

No, this isn't a sister project to Wang Chung, it's actually a blistering and very trippy jazz fusion blast by three old vets who've been shedding over the years in Robben Ford's band. The cover of the disc features psychedelic art and the trio's names -- drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, guitarist Ford, and bassist Jimmy Haslip -- in alphabetical order so that listeners don't mistake any one of them for the leader. It's just an intense ensemble disc that draws from feisty blues-rock (dig the blistering free-for-all opener, "The Hong Kong Incident") to cooler atmospheric experiments (the seductive, laid-back "Stan Key.") There are a lot of influences from '60s rock, cult music, Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, down-home funky Delta blues, and a little James Brown kickin' soul as well. The wah-wah-driven, floating atmospheres of "Tengoku" lets listeners know that while these cats can blow heavy, they're happy at times just to kick back and get deep into nostalgia. Ford's balance of intense playing and strong melodicism is effective in keeping people who like good songwriting in the loop at times when it would be just as easy to just jam and forget about any structure. He also adds a decent vocal to "Going Nowhere," which is anchored in Haslip's hypnotic lines. Less effective is Haslip's robotic attempt to be like Sting on the vocal part of the all-atmospheric "In My Dream." That tune is the only real drawback to a very inventive disc of so many moods and such powerful playing. - By & © Jonathan Widran © 2014 AllMusic, a division of All Media Network, LLC. | All Rights Reserved http://www.allmusic.com/album/jing-chi-mw0000657997

Robben Ford comes to fusion by way of the blues, which partially explains why Ford, Vinnie Colaiuta and Jimmy Haslip's Jing Chi (Tone Center) is easier on the ears than a lot of guitar-led fusion efforts. Ford walks a tasteful line between the two spheres: blues-bred phrasing without the blockheaded post-Vaughan blooze cliches and uncrowded, fusion-inspired runs across the fretboard. Then again, with the formidable Haslip on bass and the equally staggering Colaiuta on drums, the space between Ford's notes is in extremely good hands. His playing on tunes like the nudgingly funky "Stan Key," the airy "Tengoku" and the organ-cushioned "Man in the Ring" are a reminder that fewer notes is often better. By & © Tony Green © 1999–2014 JazzTimes, Inc. All rights reserved. http://jazztimes.com/articles/13254-jing-chi-vinnie-colaiuta-robben-ford-jimmy-haslip

Another Tone Center supergroup strikes gold. Ex-Zappa drummer Colaiuta joins Yellowjackets bassist Haslip and blues-jazz guitar god Ford for a pretty damned satisfactory fusion foray. The big ears and fleet fingers required to pull off music like this are present in spades, and Ford's pedigree revives the blues feeling that's been so often absent in jazz-rock outings. This is actually a fairly relaxed set compared to some of the barn-burners Tone Center has released of late. The impression is that of three friends who decided to sit down and jam on a hot August night, aware of their chops but more interested in a tempered musical conversation. For the most part the strategy works well, keeping Jing Chi from falling into the usual trap of "sound and fury signifying nothing" that tends to plague fusion albums. Like many jazz combos, this bunch seems most at home with the blues, evidenced by Ford's rapturous wailing on tracks like "Crazy House." There are some nice diversions here, particularly Ford's crystalline acoustic playing on a tense "Train Song" and his head-smashing metallicity on the opening of Colaiuta's "Aurora." Haslip takes a heavily synthesized vocal on the ethereal "In My Dream," a big change of pace. Colaiuta reminds us that he's a master of all kinds of grooves, his polyrhythms setting up obstacle courses for the strings to playfully navigate. Jazz-rock pioneer Brian Auger adds some hot organ to the cool drive of "Man in the Ring," and his interaction with Haslip at solo time is priceless. Steve Tavaglione's EWI synth and programming are present here and there for atmospheric support, buoyant but unobtrusive. This disc is yet another triumph for Tone Center and the great fusion revival. By & © TODD S. JENKINS, Published: April 12, 2002 © 2014 All About Jazz http://www.allaboutjazz.com/jing-chi-vinnie-colaiuta-tone-center-review-by-todd-s-jenkins.php#.U87-pPldUvA

Jing Chi was a fusion trio composed of three legends of rock, jazz, and fusion: Guitarist Robben Ford, drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Frank Zappa, Steely Dan) and bassist Jimmy Haslip (Steely Dan, Yellow Jackets). Between 2001 and 2004, the trio recorded three great fusion albums. The album posted here is the trio's first release and it’s a really impressive example of just how good and important the jazz fusion genre is. The musicianship is sensational here with the great Brian Auger , Steve Tavaglione, and Dan Morris lending their skills to a few tracks. This album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Buy the trio’s great “3D” album and listen to their “Live” album on this blog @ http://overdoseoffingalcocoa.blogspot.com/2013/08/jing-chi.html [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 153 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. The Hong Kong Incident - Ford, Haslip 8:06
2. Stan Key - Colaiuta, Haslip, Ford 5:26
3. Tengoku - Ford, Haslip 9:50
4. Crazy House - Colaiuta, Haslip, Ford 5:00
5. Going Nowhere - Ford 6:18
6. Go Figure - Colaiuta, Haslip, Ford 7:24
7. Man in the Ring - Colaiuta, Haslip, Ford 8:49
8. In My Dream - Haslip, Provost 5:34
9. Train Song - Ford, Haslip 7:54
10. Aurora - Colaiuta 4:28

MUSICIANS

Robben Ford - Guitar: Vocals on "Going Nowhere"
Jimmy Haslip - Bass, Keyboards: Vocals on "In My Dream"
Brian Auger - Organ on "Man In The Ring"
Vinnie Colaiuta - Drums, Programming
Dan Morris - Tablas on "Going Nowhere"
Steve Tavaglione - EWI, Wind Synth., Synth Programming, Additional Keyboards, Computer Programming

BIO

The brainchild of bassist/composer Jimmy Haslip, Jing Chi was conceived as a forum for musical expression and interaction between Haslip and fellow music icons, Robben Ford and Vinnie Colaiuta. They played together in Robben Ford's group and shared a level of confidence and trust in each other as people and as musical voices that made their collaboration in Jing Chi a natural evolution, rather than a pre-fab super group. Their shared interests in different styles of music comes out in Jing Chi's cohesive, yet diverse, musical compositions which are as much about expressing a mood as they are about letting it out and playing without commercial restriction. They each bring to the studio a vast amount of experience and knowledge to draw from, yet they continually push each other and learn from each other, which results in a rare musical exchange. Influences as diverse as Cream and the early Tony Williams Lifetime can be heard in addition to funk and delta blues influences, but the final result is "Jing Chi" When asked about the prospect of doing some live dates, Haslip said "I am extremely excited to make this happen for us. We are all psyched to do a tour and play out live and there are some opportunities for us to put a tour together for 2002. We are organizing some dates and hope to announce a cool tour sometime next year. I believe it will be happening". Vinnie Colaiuta: One of the most respected and revered drummers of all time, Vinnie Colaiuta headed for the Berklee College of music after high school in Pennsylvania. At Berklee he honed his chops and forged a friendship with fellow drum icon Steve Smith that resulted in them rooming and studying together. After Berklee Vinnie did his first professional studio session under veteran producer Al Kooper before heading for L.A. where he learned about an audition Frank Zappa was holding for a new drummer. After putting Vinnie through the paces at a grueling audition, Vinnie was hired and began forging a long and important relationship which resulted in Vinnie's appearance on over 15 of Zappa's albums. His work with Joni Mitchell and many others in the 80's created a demand for Vinnie as a "first-call" drummer on the highly competitive L.A. session scene. Although his work with Zappa and the majority of the contemporary jazz and fusion legends caused a strong demand for his playing in the industry and his work with pop legend "Sting" for much of the 90's exposed him to mainstream audiences around the world and contributed to his current status as one of the world's most legendary drummers. Vinnie has worked with top rock and jazz artists including Celine Dion, Jewel, The Temptations, Steely Dan Duran Duran, Gino Vannelli, Weather Report, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth and many, many others.Weather ReportVinnie has worked with K Zildjian. Robben Ford: A guitarist from the age of 13, Robben Ford began playing with Charlie Musslewhite at age 18. A year or so later, Robben and his brothers, formed the Charles Ford band, named after their father and recorded an album for Northern California based Arhoolie records which is still a favorite among blues aficionados. After moving to Los Angeles, began working with hall of fame blues singer Jimmy Witherspoon and toured U.S. and Europe before being asked by Tom Scott's group the L.A. Express to back-up Joni Mitchell on the road. As opening act for Joni Mitchell, Tom Scott and the L.A. Express quickly gained notoriety and Robben along with them. On a trip to England he was asked to play with George Harrison on his Dark Horse album and subsequent tour in 1974. Robben's album, entitled "The Inside Story" was recorded mostly with the band that became the Yellow Jackets which was the start of a musical bond with Jing Chi bassist Jimmy Haslip. An offer to play with Miles Davis resulted in Robben hitting the road with Miles for half a year. His next big career milestone occurred when Warner Brother's release of Robben's solo album "Talk to Your Daughter" in 1988 resulted in a Grammy nomination. This gave rise to his most well known solo group, Robben Ford and The Blue Line. Robben Ford and the Blue Line recorded three well-received records and the group toured the world for the next few years. Robben's next record, "Tiger Walk" contained the song "In The Beginning" which was also nominated for a Grammy. His last studio album "The Supernatural" was critically acclaimed and further cemented Robben Ford's status as a true guitar hero. Jimmy Haslip: Jimmy Haslip began forging a career as one of the industry's most in demand bassists back in the early '70's. Playing with guitar legends such as Buzzy Feiten and Tommy Bolin gave rise to a demand for his services that has carried him into the new millennium. Artists such as Crosby Stills and Nash, Blackjack with Michael Bolton, Lee Ritenour, Robben Ford and Tom Scott utilized his talents on recordings throughout the latter part of the '70's. The 80's saw the development of Jimmy's group the Yellowjackets in which Jimmy expanded his writing and composing chops, recording nearly a record a year over the past two decades. Also during the '80's his demand as a session player continued to grow as he recorded with Cher , Kenny G, Bobby McFerrin, The Rippingtons. Rod Stewart and Steely Dan. Haslip continues to thrive with the Yellowjackets and holds onto the status of one of the industry's most working bassists. © 1999 db Management © http://www.robbenford.com/jingchi.htm

Jon Zeeman

Jon Zeeman - Still Life - 2006 - Jon Zeeman

From the age of 8, Jon Zeeman has been obsessed with guitars, amplifiers, wah-wah pedals, power tubes, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. Growing up outside NYC, he studied classical piano and decided on a career in music at the ripe age of 13. Early jobs at IHop and other occupations taught him that the business world, or anything that required waking up early was not for him, and so he spent his high school years practicing more and more and doing less and less homework. After studying music at Ithaca College for 2 years, Jon left school to play on the road. In the mid 80's Jon moved to New York City and became involved in producing, session work and song writing, working at his "Studio Z" in a downtown loft. The New York years were punctuated by many trips to Scandinavia, where he toured and recorded with several groups. Jon began performing his own music in the mid 90's working regularly at the "55" Club and other downtown venues. Leaving NYC at the birth of his daughter, Zoe, Jon now resides in Martha's Vineyard and West Palm Beach Florida, where he performs regularly. He has toured, recorded and performed with such notables as Susan Tedeschi , Janis Ian, The Burns Sisters Band, Chris Spedding , and the Allman Brothers Band. His first CD, "Still Life," was released in Europe in 2003 to much acclaim and was followed by "Zeeland" in 2008. Jon is excited to announce the 2013 release of "Down On My Luck." Content © 2014. jonzeeman. All rights reserved. © http://www.jonzeeman.com/Portfolio.html

Great album of instrumental melodic and groove-driven blues and funky jazz fusion by an artist that should really be more widely known outside New York, Florida, and Scandinavia. In the early 90's, Jon began performing instrumentally and wrote a body of music which could be played with little or no rehearsal with a pick-up band. He was a regular for a long period at NYC's 55 Club, often filling in on Mike Stern's night. In '95 he started spending his summers in Martha's Vineyard and winters in South Florida where he is a regular performer. Jon’s music combines jazz, rock, and blues, and his music is influenced by many great musicians including Hendrix, Clapton, Jeff Beck, Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, and Miles Davis. Jon has played professionally for over 30 years and has toured, recorded and performed with some great musicians including Susan Tedeschi, Janis Ian, Chris Spedding, and the Allman Brothers Band. However, despite receiving major acclaim for his recordings, he has remained largely invisible in the music world. A great shame considering the amount of trash out there masquerading as music. Rick Davis, writing for Crossroads Blues Society said that, “Jon could be one of the most underrated musicians in the blues field today. As difficult and expensive as it is to tour today, Jon is one blues artist every blues fan should have the opportunity to hear live or at the very least on CD. With his skills he, is bound to gain attention world wide in no time”. “Still Life” is HR by A.O.O.F.C and was co-produced and engineered by the great bassist and violinist Phil McArthur, and recorded at his West Palm Beach Mole Hill Studios. The album was recorded almost entirely 'live' in the studio with the minimum of overdubs or effects. Check out Jon’s “Zeeland” album on this blog and please buy his great "Down On My Luck” album. Support real music and genuine talent [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 115 Mb]

TRACKS

1. The Hop 6:17
2. Still Life 5:26
3. The Secret Louge 5:18
4. Summer 6:49
5. The Cake 3:58
6. Fluid 5:06
7. Snack 4:52
8. Bye Bye Baby 5:14
9. Fast Train Blues 2:36
10. Party Hat 4:47

All tracks composed by Jon Zeeman

MUSICIANS

Jon Zeeman - Guitar
Phil McArthur - Bass, Violin
Bob Taylor - Piano
Keith Cronin - Drums on Tracks 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 9
Lou Abbot - Drums on Tracks 3, 5, 9, 10

Hydra (Citriniti Related)

Hydra (Citriniti) - Odd World - 2002 - Ind.

Citriniti is named after brothers, Danilo and Domenico Citriniti born in Catanzaro, Italy. Drummer Danilo and bassist Domenico gradually shifted their focus from math metal to complex progressive fusion instrumentals, rich in advanced techniques. The intricacy and sophistication of their music is easier to understand when considering that these two stellar musicians grew up going with their father to his gigs and have shared a lifetime of playing together. The level of intuitive musical interplay and synergy created by the Citriniti brothers is a powerful force that inspires awe from fellow musicians. After recording their first effort Hydra Odd World in 2002, the brothers Citriniti began planning their greatest musical achievement to date, Between The Music And Latitude. This album, released on 2006, features Italian session veteran Fabrizio Leo who has played with many successful Italian artists and is known for being one of the best guitarists in Italy. Their songs are an incredible set of intricate compositions, built on tight interplay between the three musicians. In the tradition of other great instrumental projects of this genre, such as Henderson, Smith and Wooten, Liquid Tension Experiment and Howe, Wooten and Chambers, this record is brimming with important performances, both by the ensemble and by each individual musicians jaw-dropping solos. Tone Center has built a strong reputation in the marketplace from recording high caliber musical unions and "Between The Music And Latitude" is a CD that progressive rock and fusion fans will be hailing for many years to come. Mike Varney: "Between the Music and Latitude it is a fantastic effort. You are all stellar musicians! So far, you guys have been the best that I have received from Italy, production, music, songwriting, playing, etc.. " 3rd may 2008, release date of the Citriniti new album! Featuring Fabrizio Leo all guitars and Andrea DePaoli solo keyboards. Their 2008 self-titled cd, is a heavier, more powerful, more progressive and more metallic effort than their previous record. Eleven instrumental tracks are offered, designed to satisfy all the various types of fans of their music. 12/2011 from Citriniti bros: we've officially retired from playing live and recording. ©2000-2014 Metal Storm http://www.metalstorm.net/bands/biography.php?band_id=7729&bandname=Citriniti

Taking a break from the six-string, we're presented with - a six-string! Bass, that is. The southern Italian brothers Domenico Citriniti (bass) and Danilo Citriniti(drums), known as Hydra, submitted their all-original, twelve track instrumental fusion CD-R, entitled Odd World. Talk about a CD-R that needs to get to the pressing plant so the world can enjoy it - this recording features some excellent bass and drums dominated fusion. An added bonus is that they've recruited a number of guitarists, such as Salvatore Ciambrini (guitar on "The Spider" and three others) and Luciano Aloise (guitar on "Insert Miles") to contribute blistered solos to a number of tracks. Domenico has mastered the art of writing compositions around his massive abilities on the six-string bass - it's just as engaging as you'd hope any fusion record might be. Danilo really lays down a great groove for his brother as well; overall, the musicianship is top-notch throughout. The entire project was laid down in their home studio. Impressive! © 1996-2013 Guitar Nine All Rights Reserved http://www.guitar9.com/undiscov41e.html

This is high octane hard edged fusion, and considering it's national origin, Italy, this is proving that great music, as well as great musicians are coming from every imaginable country. Italy of course has a deep tradition in great music no matter the genre, and fusion is something they are perhaps not so well known for. Hydra is mainly two brothers DANILO CITRINITI - Drums/Keyboards, and DOMENICO CITRINITI - Six String Bass, and joining them are a trio of guitarists that share and assist in the creations of the brothers Citriniti. both the brothers are simply outrageous virtuoso musicians, and stand out from the start to the finish of this cd. Domenico, on bass is one to watch for, his playing is straight from the Alain Caron, Stuart Hamm, Adam Nitti school. He has amazing chops and is never shy to use these skills to drive his brothers drumming skills to the limit, call it family chemistry if you will, but there is no doubt that they are on the same page as far as talent, performance and musical styles are concerned. Considering the skills of the musicians involved, the songs are geared to showcase the limitless abilities of all involved, no doubt that people who love over the top musicianship, particularly the bass, and drums are in for a real treat upon hearing this music, which by the way can be sampled at mp3.com. Danilo Citriniti, doubles on both keyboards and drums, and be honest, I am not entirely sure what he would claim to be his main forte, suffice it to say, he is equally impressive at both, and for my ears, he can really manipulate the drum kit much with the best of them. His playing is aggressive, as well as vigorously improvisational, in many ways he reminds me of a couple other drummer, one being Anders Johansson, and another Swedish player by the name of Morgan Agren. I can only hope that Hydra's music finds it's audience, which from my experiences is a global one, this way the band can keep refining their style, and perpetuate some more cds of this outlandish fusion. If you enjoy bands in the style of Spaced Out, or other bass heavy hard fusion musics, find this cd, you will fiind this some very good stuff indeed. – By & © MJBrady ProGGnosis © 2000 - 2014 where appropriate - All rights reserved. http://www.proggnosis.com/Release_Detail.aspx?RID=6308

Citriniti was an Italian instrumental metal/fusion band named after brothers Danilo (drums) and Domenico (bass). The intricacy and sophistication in their music naturally evolved from a lifetime of playing together. Citriniti played mostly instrumental progressive jazz fusion and metal, using rich and advanced techniques. This is complex and challenging jazz metal fusion, and if you like artists like Combination Head, Liquid Tension Experiment, Mike Keneally, David Torn, Wayne Krantz, and great innovative guitarists in general, you may find what you are looking for in this album of super tech and speedy metal fusion with a real biting edge! Fabrizio Leo played with the band from 2006-2008 and does not play on this 2002 album, but three other guitarists, Salvatore Ciambrini, Luciano Aloise, and Alex Bevilacqua put in some tremendous work. The album is HR by A.O.O.F.C. Check out the immensely talented Italian session guitarist Fabrizio Leo’s “Cutaway” album, and try and listen to Citriniti’s “Between The Music And Latitude” albums. [All tracks @ 221-224 Kbps: File size = 73.7 Mb]

TRACKS

1 Hydra (4:48)
2 M17 (5:19)
3 The Spider (4:37)
4 Insert Miles (6:46)
5 Night Bus Machine (3:12)
6 Odd World (pt.1 & 2) (5:11)
7 Savage Attack (3:33)
8 Timeless (4:42)
9 Hard Zone (4:23)
10 Serious Clown (4:01)

All tracks composed by Danilo Citriniti and Domenico Citriniti

MUSICIANS

Salvatore Ciambrini, Luciano Aloise, Alex Bevilacqua - Guitar
Domenico Citriniti - Bass
Danilo Citriniti - Drums

BIO

Domenico a bass player and Danilo a drummer are two young musicians, born and raised in southern Italy (Catanzaro). Their career in music started in the late '80's, thanks to their father, who was also a musician with a passion for music which he had passed on to his sons. They played music just for fun until one day they had realized it was more than that, music was part of them. The musical scene in southern Italy hardly brought many opportunities to a musician so they put together their first band in 1989 playing metal. This band was around for a few years where they made a couple of demo tapes getting great reviews from well known music magazines. This led them to become part of a CD Collection and playing live concerts in the area, not bad for a start, but the brothers wanted to keep pursuing their music career by exploring new styles. In '92 Danilo became part of the metal band "Glacial Fear" which many metal fans remember the band for the power drumming. Danilo recorded a demo tape and a 45" vinyl with the "Glacial Fear", receiving great reviews and being asked to play many live concerts. Moving in other directions with many new music styles, Danilo and Domenico were getting much more experience joining a variety of local and national bands playing for many different artists. Before starting their first projects "Hydra" together they recorded 3 demo CD's solo, "Demo Bass" by Domenico, WateReign" by Danilo who was the keyboard player with a New Age style and the following year "Over Drums" also by Danilo. In 2002 they decided to self produce a CD together and after a few months with alot of hard work they came out with their new project "Hydra", based on drums and bass. "Hydra" represents all of the ideas and experiences which have matured over the years. The CD includes 10 original songs based on the rhythmic section, written and arranged by Danilo and Domenico. Their friends had also been part of the project playing the guitar to make the CD complete. The recording was done in their Home Studio. "They feel was the best solution for a musician who wants to be creative and working very closely with their own music." Among the many musicians who have inspired and influenced them are Chick Corea, Allan Holdsworth, Frank Zappa, Tribal Tech, Virgil Donati, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, John Patitucci, Michael Manring, Victor Wooten, Stuart Hamm, Journey, Jonathan Cain... and JACO... Danilo and Domenico's ultimate goal is to have as many people around the world listening to their music and feeling their groove. © https://archive.org/details/iuma-hydra_danilo_e_domenico_citriniti

The Steve Saluto's

The Steve Saluto's - Fuzzy House - 2004 - Levei’s Productions

The guitar of Steve Saluto is able to show all the artist’s taste and heart having in the impact and in the freshness of the sound its winning card“ in this way Guitar Club Magazine introduced Steve Saluto in the Nov. 2000 issue. Residing in Treviso (Italy), Steve Saluto began playing guitar at the age of fifteen. At the beginning they were jazz guitar lessons then, inspired by the Van Halen solo in "Beat It", Steve took up playing rock. From Jazz to Funk to Rock and Pop, Steve has played and or recorded with a diverse many such as The Venice Gospel Ensemble, Buddy Miles, Phil Palmer, and many more. He has written and produced 11 solo and band recordings featuring his diverse guitar virtuosity. "Melodic Rock" described him as "the amazing new Italian guitar hero and a recording studio genius" ... besides his guitar player and band leader status, Steve is an in demand writer and producer for up and coming young bands and he also own a recording commercial studio. © https://myspace.com/stevesaluto/bio

Steve Saluto's Fuzzy House was recorded partly at Steve's studio The Kitchen, partly at the Level Recording Studio and a track has been recorded at the Headroom Recording Studio in L.A. during Saluto's last vacation there. Three live tracks recorded at the Teatro Accademia in Conegliano (including a jazzy cover arrangement of Sting's "King Of Pain") also close out the album of fusion and jazz instrumentals. In addition to the guitar work of Saluto, musicians playing on this project include Paolo Vianello (piano), Charlie Waymire (drums), Giorgio Zanier (drums), Paolo Prizzon (drums), Danny Gottlieb (drums), Miky Minniti (bass), Jeff Berlin (bass) and Lello Gnesutta (bass). Steve Saluto's Fuzzy House interjects a rocker's energy into the jazz/fusion fans have come to love. - © Guitar9

“Fuzzy House” is a totally instrumental jazz fusion release featuring Danny Gottlieb on drums and Jeff Berlin on bass. “Melodic Rock” described Steve Saluto as “the amazing new Italian guitar hero and a recording studio genius ”. Steve Saluto is most definitely one hell of a great guitarist, and this album deserves much wider exposure. Listen to Steve’s “A Different Fire” album [All tracks @ 320 Kbps: File size = 118 Mb]

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. Fuzzy Boy - Saluto (3:43)
2. Hooked - Saluto (4:31)
3. The Club - Saluto (5:43)
4. Come Dimenticare - Vianello (6:21)
5. Radio Vamp - Saluto (00:51)
6. Tonic - Saluto (4:43)
7. I've Grown Accustomed To Her Face - Lerner & Loewe (3:24)
8. Hooked (Live) - Saluto (8:06)*
9. Paolo's Piano Intro (Live) - Vianello (1:20)*
10. King Of Pain (Live) - Sting (7:32)*

* Recorded live at the “Teatro Accademia”, Conegliano, Italy, on Feb. 13th, 2004

MUSICIANS

Steve Saluto - Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Noises
Miki Minniti, Jeff Berlin, Lello Gnesutta - Bass
Paolo Vianello - Keyboards
Danny Gottlieb, Giorgio Zanier, Charlie Waymire, Paolo Prizzon - Drums

BIO

My name is Steve Saluto and I am a producer, musician/songwriter, audio engineer and avid music fan. As a musician i’ve written and produced 12 solo and band recordings featuring my diverse guitar styles ranging from jazz to rock and playing and recording with musicians such as Buddy Miles, Darryl Jones (Sting/Rolling Stones), Danny Gottlieb (Pat Metheny Group), Jeff Berlin, Doug Wimbish (Living Colours), Brian Tichy (Billy Idol/Foreigner), Richie Kotzen (Poison/Mr Big), Oni Logan (Lynch Mob) just to name a few. I’ve been a member, in 2008, of the acclaimed band called “La Famiglia Superstar” with Terry Ilous (Great White), Marco Mendoza (Whitesnake/Thin Lizzy) and Atma Anur. With this band i did tour and a well selling record called “La Famiglia Superstar”. Working with these musicians has provided me with a great deal of in-studio experience, as well as the opportunity to play around the world introducing me to an international audience. I graced national TV and RADIO shows (RAI, Video Music, Roxy bar) and the pages of several guitar and music pubblications including GUITAR PLAYER, GUITAR CLUB, AXE, METAL SHOCK, FLASH and BASIMEDIA MAGAZINE. “Melodic Rock” described me as “… the amazing new Italian guitar hero and a recording studio genius … ” … well… I don’t think to be a recording studio genius … but aside my guitar player status I’m an in demand writer and producer for up and coming young bands. Actually I’m a member of the Pensado Academy hosted by the Grammy Winning mix master Dave Pensado. I’ve just released my 12th solo album called “12” and a song I’ve written/recorded with Danny Bullman, Richard Fortus (Guns’n Roses), Marco Mendoza and Tim McCarver (Murder FM) is part of the “WILDSTYLE & TATTOO MUSIC – The Ultimate Tattoo Sound – The 3 CD box of Europes’ most successful show “Wildstyle & Tattoo Messe”. © http://www.stevesaluto.com/2011/index.asp?pag=1

Leo Badinella

Leo Badinella - Beyond Consciousness - 2009 - Ielo

This album is comprised of songs that were composed over an extensive period of time. In between the different projects that I’ve done, I always make time to write music for guitar. Luckily, with every project I get involved in, I acquire different perspectives from where to look at art, music and life in general - these experiences and viewpoints are then naturally reflected in the music I write, as you will notice and enjoy… I hope! Also.. I had the awesome Michael Manring play Bass on the track "Ritual".- Leo

Leo’s personal vision of music intertwines most divergent styles into a most harmonious soundscape. Taking a “Instrumental Progressive Metal” approach for the most part on “Beyond Consciousness”, he has coloured his compositions from many points on the musical compass: Atmospheric Synths that have much in common with Electronica or even a delicate movie soundtrack; mixing Folk rhythms and harmonies that have seeped into the album organically from the music that surrounds Leo in the variety of culture that surrounds him in Chile; Stunning Acoustic Guitar fusion occurs, with elements of South American Folk, Flamenco and the Classical realm which all combine to give form to the truly beautiful Acoustic Guitar passages featured on this album. © http://www.reverbnation.com/leobadinella

This debut lends the listener a chance to enthral in a new musical landscape and heralds the arrival of a humble, likable, yet virtuosic Guitarist and Composer and very possibly the guitar hero tomorrow, today. There is little doubt that Leo Badinella will provide inspiration for many aspiring guitarists and composers with his ground breaking debut album “Beyond Consciousness”, and this will be seen in the future, as, just the beginning… © http://www.reverbnation.com/leobadinella

Well above average instrumental rock, quite heavy at times but it’s quite a varied album ranging from Classical and Latin to acoustic, hard and prog rock, funk, metal, jazz fusion, and experimental. His musical career encompasses Rock, Orchestral, Folk, World, and Electronica. Leo’s musical influences include Jimi Hendrix, Igor Stravinsky, Tchaikovsky, Pink Floyd, and Al DiMeola. This is not an earth shattering album but all the music was composed by Leo, and in general, the compositions are good and original, with the guitar and keyboards beautifully played by Leo. In fact most of the music was written for guitar. Other great musicians appearing on the album include Michael Manring on bass guitar. Read more about Leo @ http://leonardobadinella.com/about/ and http://www.soundclick.com/bands/default.cfm?bandID=578782 See can you locate his 2005 “Prologo” Demo E.P [Tracks @ 273-289 Kbps: File size = 115 Mb]

TRACKS

1. Prologo 4:15
2. Infinite Substance 5:06
3. Ritual 5:28
4. Kat Kat Katan 5:05
5. Contrastes 5:17
6. Mirando Al Cielo 6:01
7. Escape 4:43
8. El Reto 5:48
9. Balance 7:41
10. Elypse 7:51

All tracks composed by Leo Badinella

MUSICIANS

Leo Badinella - Guitar on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Bass on Tracks 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, Keyboards on Tracks 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, Programming
Sebastian Munoz - Bass on Tracks 1,2
Michael Manring - Bass on Track 3
Martin Ahm Nielsen - Bass on Tracks 5,7
Rodrigo Rua - Drums, Percussion on Tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

BIO

Leo’s background is varied, making a successful living as a commercial musician, but his album is his true passion and a pure expression of his individuality – “Beyond Consciousness” has been written and composed over an extensive period of time, 8 years in total! In the 8 years of writing his debut album, Leo has worked on TV commercials in styles ranging from Techno, Rock hybrids, Jazz, and mood Electronica. The success of the commercial tunes lead to work for multimedia productions, most notably the PC Video Game mod “The Nameless Mod”, which stylistically featured Ambient music blended with Acoustic instruments, thundering Drumbeats and fully Orchestral scores. After gaining many skills and success, Leo branched out to work more on the Production side of music, working for independent musicians and bands Engineer, Mixer and Producer, recording more than a dozen bands/artists, including six full albums. His passion as a guitar fan saw him show up to a meet & greet / signing event for legendary guitarist Steve Vai with a Mini-Disc player and a copy of his demo. Vai, upon listening to the demo that became the first track on the album “Beyond Consciousness”, “Prologo”, commented; “I really like the guitar tone, very nice.” Amusingly, Vai was calmly listening, as the security at the event yelled and gestured, “Hey, you can’t do that!”, with Vai seemingly ignoring them! The praise from Steve Vai found Leo amazed, and he replied honestly to Mr. Vai; “that he was my biggest inspiration.” Being fluent in English, Technical Guitar and Bass, as well as the language of his homeland Chile – Spanish, has lead Leo to some interesting experiences amongst the Hard Rock Royalty and Virtuoso Elite; having served as interpreter for both, Billy Sheehan the Legendary Bass player for David Lee Roth, Mr. Big and Steve Vai, and for Bruce Kulick formerly of Hard Rock Icon’s Kiss, and noted Guitar hero. During Billy Sheehan’s clinic the organiser announced a spur-of-the-moment surprise Jam Session for Billy and his guitar playing interpreter, Leo! Recovering from the shock of the offer, Leo’s drummer Rodrigo Roa, who was luckily in the audience, joined them onstage and proceeded to kick into Sheehan’s classic song “Shy Boy” (as recorded by David Lee Roth with Sheehan and Vai), to the surprise of the audience (and indeed, Billy!!). Giving a note perfect rendition, and having the rare opportunity to play with a musical inspiration, made an already great day “timeless” for Leo. The attention from this rollicking off-the-cuff performance at the clinic resulted in the welcome surprise of considerable airplay of Leo’s demo on the Hard Rock stations in Chile. After assisting Bruce Kulick, formerly of Kiss, with interviews, press, and a concert/clinic while in Chile, Leo gave Kulick a copy of his demos that were to become “Beyond Consciousness”. Bruce contacted Leo through his email to comment that having listened; “liked all of the songs on the demo, most especially the slow melodic parts.” Leo’s personal vision of music intertwines most divergent styles into a most harmonious soundscape. Taking a “Instrumental Progressive Metal” approach for the most part on “Beyond Consciousness”, he has coloured his compositions from many points on the musical compass: Atmospheric Synths that have much in common with Electronica or even a delicate movie soundtrack; mixing Folk rhythms and harmonies that have seeped into the album organically from the music that surrounds Leo in the variety of culture that surrounds him in Chile; Stunning Acoustic Guitar fusion occurs, with elements of South American Folk, Flamenco and the Classical realm which all combine to give form to the truly beautiful Acoustic Guitar passages featured on this album. Michael Hedges being a stand out influence in the acoustic playing of Leo’s, Leo sought the multi-faceted genius of Hedge’s frequent Bass player, Michael Manring, to play on the entrancing and inspired track, “Ritual”. Along with Manring, a small, but stellar line up of international musician’s join Leo to contribute to the album. Among the featured is; Martin Ahm Nielsen, Danish Bass player and composer of commercials and computer game themes, as well as the bands “Metz” and “Superband”, contributing a nimble, though at times devastatingly heavy Bass performance on 2 tracks on the album; “Contrastes” and “Escape”. Rounding out the guests on Bass, is Sebastian Muñoz (Como Asesinar A Felipes, Brain Damage) who provides a rip-roaring Bass performance on the opening two tracks of the album; “Prologo” and “Infinite Substance”. Rodrigo Roa (Hic Sunt Leones, Awen) played the Drums on the entire album – a friend and a musical foil, Roa accompanies Leo, with both brutal instinct and delicate finesse, throughout the album with unforgettable performances. Leo used a choice line of gear to create the many guitar textures on “Beyond Consciousness”, his Guitar-Rig for the album included; an Ibanez J-Custom 7-string, an Ibanez Universe UV777BK, a Gibson Les Paul, an Ovation Acoustic and an Ibanez Masa Acoustic. Amplifiers used include; a Peavy 5150, and a Mesa Boogie Rectifier preamp going into the 5150’s poweramp. Pedals used were; a Digitech Whammy pedal, a modified Boss DS-1, a Bad Horsie Wah and a Boss PS-5 Pitch Shifter. Outboard gear was a Korg A3 preamp and an Eventide H3000. And finally; an E-Bow, “used here and there. :) ”The fact that Leo enthuses so openly, with heart-felt excitement and admiration about his numerous experiences with some of his musical heroes may seem misleading, he is in fact already quite successful and well known in his native Chile as a Studio Guitarist, Commercial Composer (he earns a living from these two!) and a freelance Producer and small Studio owner. This debut lends the listener a chance to enthral in a new musical landscape and heralds the arrival of a humble, likable, yet virtuosic Guitarist and Composer and very possibly the guitar hero tomorrow, today. There is little doubt that Leo Badinella will provide inspiration for many aspiring guitarists and composers with his ground breaking Debut album “Beyond Consciousness”, and this will be seen in the future, as, just the beginning… Special thanks to the awesome Chris McMahon for lending his considerable writing skills to this section… ©2010 Leo Badinella http://www.leobadinella.com/blog/?page_id=23