Pure Guitar-Driven Bliss
341114
I think this is a phenomenal album. The songs aren't too short, and it's a lovely mix of melodic riffs and catchy lyrics. I highly reccommend this to anyone.
2403285
This is guitar playing at its most exquisite, refined best! Rupert Boyd takes us on a journey which spans 400 years of guitar repertoire and does it with keen attention to period detail and style, meanwhile creating a unifying arch between these (very different) selections. The recorded sound is pristine (as captured by John Taylor in the Holy Trinity Church of Weston, UK) and the liner notes informative and well written by Boyd himself. I very much look forward to his next album, as well as his LIVE performances - some of which I was lucky to attend in New York City.
1092036
This guitar is absolutely amazing.  I have been playing guitar for over 20 years and I have never played an acoustic that felt so much like an electric in my life.  Not only is this guitar absolutely beautiful, but the neck is extremely playable, and the cutout allows easy access to the higher frets.

Playability:  As mentioned earlier, this thing shreds as close to an electric as you can get on an acoustic  The neck is thin for an acoustic, and feels very comfortable.  The body is very thin as well, which makes extended playing sessions on this more comfortable.

Sound:  I haven't done too much tinkering with the electronic/settings but plugged in it sounds great overall, and I don't feel you lose much of the acoustic feel.  This thing does have fishman electronics, and 4 different presets that have been customized from Vai's own sound.  Strickly unplugged, this thing sounds amazing.  This has a very bright sound, which rings clear and clean.

Aesthetic appeal:  This thing is just beautiful.  While at first glance you will immediately notice the beautiful vine inlay up the next which is Vai's signature, but on closer inspection the most breathtaking feature is the inlay that lines the sides on the top and bottom, as well as up the neck.  I believe this is Mahogany, but it shines like gold and is just beautiful.  I will say if you rely on the dots on the side of the neck to find your spot while shredding, these can definitely get lost in the inlay.  That coupled with the vine inlay can lead to some tricky positioning at first, but you soon learn to adjust, and now I don't even notice and have no problem knowing where I am on the fretboard.

This guitar is not cheap, but like most things in this world you get what you pay for.  Bottom line, if you are looking for a high end elec/acoustic, give this guitar some consideration, you won't be disappointed!
2562881
The music on this CD reveals something new upon each successive listening, and I've enjoyed many listenings so far. Much has already been said about Gillian Welch and David Rawlings' incredible songwriting gift. They create powerful and lasting images with only one or two lines of verse...and often with just a few words. Amazing.
Although the delicate pace and unadorned sound of these songs certainly won't suit every taste, it enhances the feeling that they are being performed right in your living room.
Here's something that I shouldn't even mention...Besides providing perfect harmony to Gillian's lead singing, David Rawlings is absolutely the finest acoustic guitar player that you've *never* heard of. He somehow finds those wicked little chords and notes that give these songs a fresh sound. His playing on this CD (thier 3rd) especially stands out. I'd certainly like to hear what other prominent guitar players & musicians think of Mr. Rawlings' original guitar sound. This CD comes very close to the masterpiece level of thier "Revival" CD. Give this one a listen. Just don't tell everyone, OK?
4161562
Forget about Eddie Van Halen and the "hair bands" of the 80's.  This is THE finest guitar playing you will hear from that (or any other) era period.  If you don't have this disc, get it.  That's all there is to it.  Especially if you enjoy good guitar playing, good instrumentation, composition, etc, you owe it to yourself to own this disc.

If you are a guitar player and don't own it, shame on you.  Steve bucked the trends and avoided all the shortcuts such as fret tapping and sweep (economy) picking and played every note faster than the fret tappers and sweep pickers could do it.  He doesn't just play around with different styles - he's a MASTER of rock, jazz, classical, country, you name it.  I honestly don't know how someone could hear this disc and not immediately fall in love with it.

As another reviewer said, you have to crank the volume a tad, but I think the disc actually sounds better for it.  This disc was mastered before the so called "loudness wars" started, so enough headroom is left for the listener to decide whether he or she wants hearing fatigue after half the disc is done playing.

I love all of Morse's output, and this one is no exception.  Always masterful on each and every track.  There's never a throw away track.
148772
WOW.  WOW!!!  This is an incredible feat of guitar playing from a musical visionary; she has unusually keen foresight into uncharted areas of the instrument.  I know guitar music.  To say Kaki King is talented just doesn't do it for me.  She takes it to a whole new scape of fresh sound that "talented" just can't encompass.  I cannot think of many players that swim in the same channel as her:  you have to be talking about Preston Reed, Michael Hedges, Leo Kottke, Alex DeGrassi to describe Kaki's playing.

This album is nothing short of goosebump city for fans of the aforementioned guitar heroes.  The intro track is like a slab of butter sliding down the side of a hot frying pan, anticipating eggs and bacon with which to sizzle and fry (Track 2).  The album continues with a broad range of tunes, tempos, and moods, and the flow feels natural, each track welcoming the next.

This album is like the best breakfast you've ever had.
201478
To my pleasant shock, this album completely floored me. It was a similar feeling to that of my first Kyuss listen, the experience that got me obsessed and addicted to the stoner/psychedelic genre. Those pounding riffs, fuzzy and deep tones, laced in swirling and hypnotic guitar licks - it was a real listening experience, and one that really spoilt me for a long time, as hardly any other bands can re-create such genius. Well, Colour Haze's self-titled album has taken me back to that experience, and I can honestly say that this is the best stoner/psychedelic album I have listened to for a long, long time.

For those unaware of the band, they hail from Germany, led by Stefan Koglek who handles vocals/lyrics, and most importantly the lead guitar. The band forms a power trio, with Manni Merwald handling drums and Phillip Rasthofer commanding the bass. Their style is a heavenly mixture of 70s rock and jazz fusion, especially recalling the hypnotic exuberance of the best Hendrix and fluid Floyd, combined with the fuzzy low-end riff rampaging of Kyuss, and the trippy, relaxing vibes of early Monster Magnet and Sleep. Balancing all of these influences would seem a tricky task, yet Colour Haze's execution is bordering on the perfect. This may be due to the fact that these guys can play, and I don't mean in the technical ecstasy/1,000 notes per second perfection of some self-indulgent prog acts - these guys have a terrific sense of chemistry and understanding of each other. The unison between the intricate guitar lines, the jazzy, splashy drumming and the deft subtlety of the bass lines is astounding. Even when the band reaches song climaxes they do not loose the sense of unison, they stick to the groove while simultaneously experimenting a little, changing riffs and fills a little. It is a joy to experience.

The balance of the album is another point of excellence, combining their trademark epic pieces that start slowly and patiently build to ethereal climaxes, the best example being the 22-minute opus "Peace, Brothers & Sisters!" which contains some sumptuous riffs and grooves, and also some of the most beautiful, calming psychedelic sections you could wish to hear. Other pieces in this style include the lovely opener, "Mountain", which combines some lavish vocal melodies with some real rocking fuzzy grooves, and "Love" which broods and builds its way into a thunderous climax, full of uplifting lyrics about searching for spiritual enlightenment, and closing with the album's heaviest riff. These songs are combined with more stripped-down, somewhat melancholy pieces, such as the all-acoustic "Solitude" and closer "Flowers". Both of these tracks act as breaks from the longer, drawn-out pieces, while retaining the band's signature fluid styling, and bent for melody.

If you like stoner/psychedelic rock and have not already listened to this band, I strongly recommend you to. It's a great shame they do not get the recognition as other acts such as Monster Magnet, Sleep, Orange Goblin etc, as their music is stunning, and an experience that should be pursued by more.
3156511
I'm beyond ecstatic to have this album! Steve Lukather is a living legend whose guitar playing skills are stupefying. He knocked it way out of the park with this one. Working together with some members of Los Lobotomys and Toto, Lukather proved, yet again, why he will always be worthy of being known as a rock god!
2619036
Dave Martone has raised the Bar for guitar playing again. One listen and you will be excited about guitar music again. The Music and songwriting on this album is phenomenal. Totally pushes the envelope, yet keeps it controlled. WOW. All killer and No Filler. BUY THIS ALBUM!!!
3860030
Lord Of The Strings by guitarist, Carl Roa (of Magic Elf fame), is a truly exciting, all-star extravaganza.  Graced with accomplished guests such as shred master Michael Angelo Batio, Andy Wood, Tony Rombola (of Godsmack fame), Travis Larson and the other members of Magic Elf, there is never a dull moment.  There is great focus on compositions as well as technical playing, an album anyone can enjoy, not just for guitar fusions heads.  But indeed guitar fusion heads will get a serious thrill here as did I.  Overall excellent musicianship all around.  Excellent production too, not fatiguing to listen to like many other modern albums.  The opening tune, Lord Of The Strings, is a super hard-rock / fusion "hyper shuffle" (think old Billy Cobham or Steve Morse's "Cruise Missile") with melodic yet technically challenging guitar work, insane drums (by Elf drummer Dave Miranda), a drum solo, harpsichord, marching percussion and a ripping super heavy guitar solo.  No prisoners taken.  Then shortly after is the tune Dueling Demons in which Carl Roa and Michael Angelo Batio battle to the death, an absolute shred masterpiece, some really insane guitar work here, will leave you breathless.  Later followed by a really musical version of Herbie Hancock's Cantaloupe Island with some awesome guitar and keyboard soloing.  Another outstanding tune is Red Bear Romp which is a supercharged country / blue-grass / jazz speed-picking delight, this tune includes a ripping guitar solo by Andy Wood plus a killer jazz swing solo by Carl Roa, a frantic jazz drum solo too, and more.  Overall, Lord Of The Strings is worth way more than the price of admission.  It's an album that you can play over and over and hear something new and exciting every time.  And if you're a musician, especially a guitarist or drummer, you will get an extra thrill over the intense musical prowess going on.  This is solidly a 5-star piece.  Thank you Mr. Roa and friends!!!
2414380
Can you imagine the vast number of electric guitar that were bought as a result of hearing Jimmy Hendrix in his early days? After pondering such a notion, it would be only logical to conclude that after an initial hearing of this fantastic album, people will rush out to buy acoustic guitars and tune them to C pentatonic.
After purchasing every official CGT official bootleg disk, it is refreshing to hear studio versions of these songs (and a few new ones). For those who complain that music of a progressive nature is difficult to listen to, here is a CD that will silence those critics.
Cg3+2 breathes new life into a few older tracks that have appeared on earlier CGT albums. "Melrose Avenue," "Blockhead" and "Train to Lamy" have all graced their 90's releases and were all great tunes but have been expanded with Pat and Tony. YES' "Heart Of The Sunrise" has been revamped with a life of it's own and Mahavishnu Orchestra's "Dance Of The Maya" never sounded so good.
Now the good news and bad news. Good news: CGT will be touring on this CD. The bad news: Tony will be touring with Peter Gabriel and may not be available. Which leads me to send a message via this review to Paul, Bert and Hideyo: hey guys, how about bringing Trey Gunn along on the tour!?
724013
I saw the video for "Unreal is Here" and I had to buy Ride The Fader.  What makes it so unique is their marriage of dissonance and melody.  "Unreal is Here", along with "Top Pocket Man" and  "Lions" are some of the most beautiful songs  I have ever heard.  Their mixture of loud, grating guitars and eerily dismembered voices and  melodys make them very unique.  If there was any justice in the world, this  CD would go platinum.  Another album I believe matches up to this is Built  To Spill's Perfect From Now On.  Both of them show a great knack for melody  and musical knowledge.  Hands down, they are the best albums I have heard  in a long time.
2104848
This is the some of most amazing and fulfilling music ever. The sound enters your ears, then massive amounts of endorphins flow throughout your body continuously through every second as you listen to this  album.
  When the album ends, you play it again, and again feeding your craving, beneficial addiction.
  There are some strong influences from the greats, of the great at their best:{( Yes, Genesis) of which they are easily on a par with.}
  Their style is uniquely satisfying. The arrangements are stellar and very moving

 Johannes Luley's  guitar has much of a Howe/Hackett magic. An
  incredible driving force.

 Tom Lynham `s  Banks/Wakeman-ish style keyboards are perfection in
  tone attack, texture with awe-inspiring hooks.

Ryan Downe's  vocals are heavenly passion, moving in such an
  interesting and complementary melody. He also does a
  great job on bass with the classic Prog tone.
  (Squire/Geddy/Rutherford)..

Matt Swindells `s  drums are solid throughout the odd times with
  excellent placement of accents and fill.

 The interaction of all the musicians parts together form the perfection.  I hear they are already working on a second album presently.  Prog is very much alive. This new Prog band  has a masterpiece on it's first outing. Really looking forward to the next.  With sincere enthusiasm,  kazthebassman
580754
Wow this cd is awesome.  It's fine classical guitar segments are nice and humble.  Then it explodes into its full rock session.  These guys are truely incredible musicians.  They play ferociously and press onforth.  The moor is one of the single-handedly most awesome tracks I have ever heard.  The rest of the cd is great, but you should buy this cd alone just for the first track.  Number three is also a standout, just in its differences between the rest of the cd.  Beautiful song.  Get this cd.
280431
Everyone should own this ! I listened to the disc in its entirety one time last evening...and another this am with breakfast....it certainly is infectious.
Being a 30+ year electric guitar player, and huge fan of all guitar oriented music, I have to say that this new release is spectacular. There are classic Jimi vibes everywhere here, some unexplored tones from his Marshall amps, and some rarely heard background singing. This is a must have for all Hendrix fans, guitar players, and anyone who wants to break out of the normalcy of their current crop of ear candy.  The quality of the recording is very nicely mixed and with a good set of headphones or speakers, you will think you were sitting on the couch in the studio.  His signature, cutting edge guitar techniques are everywhere here, sweet chord progressions, trills, fills and bends galore. A pioneers pioneer, if you will ! I will not go over track by track as it is not my thing, rather than cover the overall "feel" and "tone" that came from this release. So with that, Thank you Mr. James Marshall Hendrix for what you did and what you continue to do....inspire and amaze us ! This was released on my departed Fathers birthday, so it meant that much more to me.
4349704
this album puts to rest the notion that "guitar gods" and their albums are only for guitarists.  this album has something for everyone.  even if you aren't floored by his technique (and there's no reason you shouldn't).  even if your date says "i knew him back when..".  so what.  his tone is so incredible and soaring that this album should be part of the options package on a Jag or Vette convertible.
2773793
I came across this gem on iTunes last month and have been absolutely mezmerized every since!  I can't remember ever hearing a guitar player as good as Johnny Smith, and I've heard many, many guitarists in my 50 years on this planet.

This isn't hard-bop or blues-based music (in general), but it's just beautiful.  Hank Jones is THE greatest piano player to accompany guitar players, bar none.

Please do yourself a huge favor and but this one ASAP!!