Boullt, Lindsey: Composition

The Hollywood based guitarist/composer releases another fine collection of original guitar rock and fusion with a range of other influences including Arab, Mediterranean and Eastern idioms. Engineered by Chris Manning who has worked for both Metallica and Santana, the production is crisp, clean and shows off Lindsey's chops to perfection.

Opening in scintillating style, "Page Revisited" contains a mix of strummed acoustic and fizzing electric guitars delivering a vivacious blend of raucous wah-wah, Mahavishnu Orchestra-like fusion, soaring extended notes and grinding riffs, all in the same piece. When you see that the guest list supporting Lindsey contain such luminaries as Jerry Goodman (described flatteringly by Boult as "a groundbreaking bad-ass"), Derek Sherinian and Mingo Lewis, you can understand why the various styles work so well together.

Following such an amazing opening piece looks like a challenge but Lindsey is no lover of filler. The album is 40 minutes worth of tight, carefully composed and brilliantly executed material which avoids any hint of repetition, over-indulgence or elongated fade out. An Arabic flavour pervades the harmonics and structure of "Chasing the Whirling Dervish" whilst Jerry Goodman's searing violin is prominent on the slightly more laid back, Eastern tinged, "Moving Panvishnu".

Sukhawat Ali Khan provides Arabic vocal input to "Call for peace", another thoughtful composition which features a jagged shifting theme surrounded by violin and guitar duet and chanted highlights. The next track starts in heavy metal territory and whilst the drum and bass deliver the goods the track shifts into a gentle melodic guitar and violin middle section. Toning things down, "Aurora's arms" has a sweetly eloquent violin riding over a complex bass pattern, gentle drum fills and acoustic guitar embroidery.

"Grooving with Stu" (Hamm, bass player that is) is a short but intricate acoustic guitar and bass/drum piece elaborated by occasional violin incisions, the latter taking over the reins in the following piece "Taste the hate" which also features some of the most vicious guitar shredding on the album. "Farewell" is a melodic piece which might have come out of the Andy Latimer songbook and the album finishes with "Cleopatra's Third Eye". This arrangement has a jaunty feel, sort of like riding a camel in the desert with the animal's occasional ability to get out of control but mostly undulate in an off-beat proggy kind of way.

One of the finest guitar albums I've heard for some time from a musician at the top of his game. Available from itunes as well as Lindsey's web site.

Track Listing
1. Page Revisited
2. Chasing the Whirling Dervish
3. Moving Panvishnu
4. Call for peace
5. Bravo Davo de la Torre
6. Aurora's arms
7. Grooving with Stu
8. Taste the hate
9. Farewell
10. Cleopatra's Third Eye

Added: October 15th 2007
Reviewer: Richard Barnes
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 3300
Language: english

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