Russell, Brad: "Let's Hear It!"

Wow! That is the first word I uttered upon listening to Brad Russell's debut album "Let's Hear It!". The Detroit born musician is a virtuoso, having gained the appreciation of guitar masters like Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. That is some impressive company and Russell does not disappoint.

Russell started playing in his family band at a young age and has not looked back since. He gained his degree at the University of Miami School of Music and has played/toured with the likes of Joe Walsh, Greg Allman, Steve Morse, Clarence Clemons and Neil Schon, to name but a few.

"Let's Hear It!" is a fine debut filled to the brim with some of the best heavy fusion I have heard in quite some time. The album is short and runs more like an EP but the quality is there in spades. The songs are dominated with Russell's incredible playing: all fabulous runs, awesome effects and deep grooves. He shreds with the best of them, only Russell plays bass, not electric guitar.

From the first track "Seven Shred" to the CD ending "Native Tongue", the intensity and musicianship remains at a high level. "Seven Shred" is just as the name implies; a melding of fusion and neoclassical elements with bass playing that is out of this world. In the aforementioned "Native Tongue" and "Brothers", the band allows for some slower blues and funkier moments respectively. Kevin Russell adds some tasty guitar on "Brothers" while Joe Satriani adds his considerable skill to the heavy metal/fusion assault that is "Zattack" where the drums and riffs will pound you senseless. "Let's Hear It!", although on the short side at a little less than thirty minutes, is a fun listen and anyone into fusion, shredding or bass playing would do well to seek this out.

Track Listing:
1. Seven Shred
2. Beat It
3. Zattack
4. Brothers
5. Hello Jeff
6. Native Tongue

Added: November 20th 2012
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1892
Language: english

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