Mestis: Basal Ganglia

World renowned guitarist, Javier Reyes (Animals As Leaders, T.R.A.M.), has released his debut solo disc, Basal Ganglia, under the new project heading of Mestis. This 5 track instrumental EP is a valid statement of the prowess that Reyes as a guitarist and composer, possesses. The disc offers a vast diversity of musical flavors that allow Reyes to continue to show that he is much more that an 8 string shred monster.

Mestis features Javier Reyes on guitar, bass, production and mixing duties, Matt Garstka (Animals As Leaders) handling drum programming, Hector Barez (Calle 13, Bio Ritmo) on percussion and David Stout (Marvin Gaye, Juan Gabriel, Smokey Robinson) on the trombone. The results of these highly acclaimed musicians is an effort filled with emotive styling's, technical excellence, yet in a simple form that even the average of listener won't find themselves lost in the shuffle. While doing all of this, Reyes carves out his own identity away from the Animals As Leaders shadow and shows his Latin, Jazz-Fusion and his compositional skills all within a 16 minute running time on this debut effort. Very much not in the vain that he better known for, Reyes shines on tracks like "Semilia", with its funky, Jazzy shuffle or EP closer, "Luz y Cielo", with its very soothing and haunting 8 string noodling.

The Mestis project is not one of "showing off" or "look at what I can do", but rather a very musical and tranquil piece of work. Javier Reyes delivers a very pleasing, 5 track look into what might be more of things to come. Basal Ganglia is more about the composition than the individual guitar showcasing. Reyes does however proceed to throw down some very interesting 8 string melodic playing, in fused with a good dose of influences from a bunch of different elements. Basal Ganglia is a very interesting and pleasing listen and not just for guitar fans.

Track Listing
01. Te Mato
02. Semilla
03. Olvidala
04. Menta
05. Luz y Cielo

Added: January 4th 2013
Reviewer: Butch Jones
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 2031
Language: english

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