Here's betting you won't find a more impressive tribute CD released this year than this monstrous two-disc ode to American neoclassical electric guitarist Jason Becker, who has been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease). These CDs — the artists' royalties and the label's profits go to Becker's family, by the way — are jammed with 31 tracks featuring interpretations of Becker's work with David Lee Roth ("A Little Ain't Enough" by Stormwind) and the neoclassical metal band Cacophony ("Concerto" by Mike Campese), plus as a solo artist ("Altitudes" by Torben Enevoldsen).
Performers both accomplished (former Cacophony bandmate and ex-Megadeth guitarist Marty Friedman, erstwhile Kansas violinist David Ragsdale, guitarist Lars Eric Mattsson, former Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist Mark Boals) and little-known (Cyril Achard, May Lian, Tony Baena and Jeff Scheetz) contribute to this melodic and subjective shred fest. In fact, so many artists wanted to participate that reports from Lion Music indicate that a second volume of material is being prepared. Let's hope it's as fantastic as the first, because the contributing artists' respect and enthusiasm for Becker's work rings out loud and clear on every track. Warmth in the Wilderness, my friends, embodies the true spirit of a tribute album. May other labels be so inspired ...
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