Guitar Noise

DC Slater is a former student of Berklee College of Music and participates in the SoundAid project to fight hunger. His latest mixes Grunge with a bit of Satch and Eddie Van Halen.

A re-issue of the classic 1979 album from Robert Fripp, as diverse a work as you might ever hope to find. With outstanding contributions from Daryl Hall, Terre Roche, Peter Gabriel, Tony Levin and many, many more.

Another wonderful compilation from Magna Carta’s Prime Cuts series – this CD spotlights the talent of keyboardist Jordan Rudess, known to many for his groundbreaking work with Dream Theater.

An EP from the new lineup of Evil Beaver, with Gene Trautman (Queens of the Stone Age) replacing Laura Ann Beaver as Evie Evil’s partner in music. Raw pounding music produced by veteran Mike Terry (Foo Fighters).

Political statements, ecological stands, social commentary and a very commercial pop sound from a three-piece band. No, it’s not Green Day! You might find this terrific trio a bit more reminiscent of England’s Muse. An exceptional album!

An interesting concept album about Captain Kidd, featuring some great musicianship and arrangements in a style you might think of as Celtic Progressive Rock.

I would highly recommend this CD – it’s good old rock and roll, nicely flavored with many stylish rhythms and influences of guitarist Tom Guerra.

Some serious fusion and progressive influences from some guys rooted in heavy metal. Think of a blend of King Crimson and Metallica with hints of Pink Floyd and I think you’ll have a good idea of this instrumental music.

The sixth release by Triggering Myth (Rick Eddy on keyboards and guitar and Tim Drumheller on keyboards) finds them joining forces with the fantastic violin work of Akihisa Tsuboy of Japan’s progressive fusion group, KBB.

A high-energy jazz fusion band with great improv skills, Rare Blend offers a lot of memorable moments in their latest CD.

A great disc – some gritty, powered up 80’s style rock & roll. I’d like to see a lot more of the younger generation kick it into gear and play some party music like this young band.

Jason Sadites’ debut CD is an exceptional collection of well crafted guitar instrumentals. Tasteful playing and superb engineering make this CD a must-listen.

Michael Bianco is one of the masters of the two handed tapping technique. He deserves his place right along side Stanley Jordon and Jennifer Batten. Guitar Innovations contain compositions that are beautiful, mostly new age with a classical feel and a touch of Latin influences, Highly recommended.

I would best describe the musical genre of this disc as Adult Contemporary and light Progressive Rock with a touch of Celtic Folk, brought to you by a top level guitar virtuoso.

Great progressive metal from Hungary, of all places! Highly recommended.

21st Century Guide To King Crimson – Volume 2 is an amazingly brilliant, flawless compilation of the last 25 years of this avant-garde wall of sound, featuring extraordinary musicians with uncanny artistic ability, known as King Crimson.

If you like music like good down home rock and roll with a lot of slide guitar, an air about it reminiscent of the late 60’s early 70’s and a strong female voice. Monica Yonge’s Rock On is right up your alley.

The Mother Hips apparently are in tune with the movement to recapture the 60’s. Their sound certainly resonates with the music of the decade. Red Tandy is an EP released at the request of their die-hard fans and it is the perfect appetizer for a full length LP due out sometime in 2006.

In the R&B world Jeffrey Osborne is a household name. In his 35 year career, this legendary singer/songwriter has produced hits with the 70’s R&B outfit L.T.D. and followed that with a successful solo career. On From The Soul, Osborne has recorded all of his favorite R&B numbers but there’s a twist. He has done them in the genre of smooth jazz, and it is a monster.

Ilona Knopfler describes her latest CD, Live The Life, as a tribute to my unconditional love of music. This album comes highly recommended to jazz lovers as well as those who may not listen to jazz but are looking to expand their musical horizons. After listening to Live The Life you will know that Ilona Knopfler is one with the music she sings.