To be honest, when I came across this CD, Night Vision Goggles (Lion Music) by Danish guitarist, Steen Grontved, I didn't know what to expect. I had never heard of him before and had no idea what style of music it was going to be. All I knew is that the CD was from Lion Music, the great guitar label from Finland and they have had a great track record for releasing some great music and players. So into the CD player it went and WOW!
Obviously not a household name, but Steen Grontved has got a great record here with Night Vision Goggles! At first listen, the players that immediately came to mind are Tony MacAlpine, Greg Home and Richie Kotzen. The Hard Rock, Jazz-fusion guitar instrumental thing from days gone by is alive and well here. What a breath of fresh air, and this is his debut instrumental CD! 12 tracks of pure guitar bliss with some awesome odd time poly rhythms, melodic pop and interesting guitar techniques, too.
Grontved is a veteran session guitarist in his native Denmark and that has served as his springboard to create this work of melodic and eclectic guitar exploration. While this CD is angled towards the guitar fan and fellow musician, it is a very accessible and strongly melodic. From the nice melodic pop of "Home Planet", to Grontved's "Bye", which is his take on a traditional Danish song, to the amazing 8 finger tap fest on "My Butterfly", Steen Grontved is a player that pleads to be heard. Why are all of the interesting players coming from overseas?!
The album also showcases some great use of West African rhythms to create the big sounding "Round and Round". From the CD closer, "Find The Pick", which features some great slap guitar chops on a traditional Spanish guitar to the CD opener, "Timber" that shows Grontved in that afore mentioned Greg Howe-ish silky smooth mood, Night Vision Goggles is just an enjoyable listen.
While the name doesn't just roll off of the tongue, Steen Grontved is a player to watch. This debut CD is upbeat, melodic and features a lot of very strong and consistent guitar playing. From Satriani styled instrumental rocking to Metheny flavored fusion, Grontved delivers a nice mixture of playing and he does it all well. Night Vision Goggles turned out to be a very welcome surprise and is highly recommended.
Track Listing
- Timber
- The Worm
- Playground
- Home Planet
- Run
- Bye
- Secret Lab
- My Butterfly
- Still Here
- Round And Round
- What Mango?
- Find The Pick
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