Swedish guitarist Benny Jansson’s latest CD is a mix of instrumental fusion, and catchy, AOR pop. Former Yngwie Malmsteen singer Goran Edman lends his vocal talents to the Toto-sounding “Save the World (Part 2)”, “Winter Night”, “Deep Wood”, and the funky “Give My Baby Love.” All these vocal pieces are fine commercial rock, with catchy hooks and tight arrangements that are augmented by Jansson’s fantastic guitar solos. His style is somewhat in the style of Frank Gambale, Allen Holdsworth, Steve Lukather, or Steve Morse. Keyboard player Jens Johansson throws in a mercurial synth solo on the hot fusion piece “Angry Ant”, and trades complex melody lines with Jansson. The jazzy “No Brain” is an atmospheric track with plenty of symphonic keyboards from Johansson, plus bubbling hot solos from Jansson and bassist Mathias Garnas. A touch of instrumental metal is heard on “Hard Jazz”, and “Mr. Psycho” is another workout for guitar and keyboards. Hints of Weather Report are all over the tune “Blues”, right down to Garnas’ Jaco Pastorius influenced bass lines. “Deep Sea” has a strong Larry Carlton or Lee Ritenour feel to it, mixing light jazz tones with scorching lead guitar and melodic bass lines.
Save the World was a pleasant surprise. I really expected a total shred fest, but Benny Jansson really put together a fine mix of top-notch fusion and Toto inspired rock that should appeal to a wide audience. Very impressive indeed…
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