The Guitar Channel

Favorite Albums of 2012

2012 was a tremendous year for progressive guitar music. Here are my favorite releases of the year, in no particular order.

 

Michael Landau - Organic Instrumentals

Landau's first instrumental album since 1990's Tales From The Bulge is one of my favorite guitar records in many years, let alone this one. Awesome tones, dynamic playing, deep writing. A must-have for serious guitar geeks.

Wayne Krantz - Howie 61

Krantz took a bold new step with this album, and the results are rich and engrossing. A fantastic production filled with heady writing, and an amazing lineup of musicians.

Jimmy Herring - Subject To Change Without Notice

Awesome follow-up to 2008's Lifeboat. Highly textured with killer playing and grooves.

Alex Machacek, Raphael Preuschl, Herbert Pirker - FAT

Adventurous and dynamic with a great variety of guitar tones. Further proof that Machacek is among the most forward-thinking modern jazz composers of his generation.

Kurt Rosenwinkel - Star of Jupiter

Can't get enough of this one. Uber-deep jazz record, filled with great writing and improvisation.

Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats - Live Meat And Potatoes

Funky, energetic live release with killer guitar work from Jeff Kollman. Nobody grooves like the Meatbats.

OHMPhrey - Posthaste

Stellar recording from the OHM-meets-Umphrey's McGee supergroup. Loaded with great riffs and playing. Everybody shines here, but the twin guitar attack of Chris Poland and Jake Cinninger is particularly awesome.

Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers - HBC

What a band. Killer disc packed with guitar-driven trio versions of fusion classics. Henderson is amazing as always.

Karizma - Perfect Harmony

A 3-disc smorgasbord from keyboardist/composer David Garfield's classic west coast jazz band. Features a who's-who of the genre's luminaries, including Michael Landau.

The Aristocrats - Boing, We'll Do It Live!

Amazing live CD/DVD release with insane playing and band interplay. Guthrie Govan's guitar work is both musical and mind-blowing.

Other favorites from 2012:

Prashant Aswani - Visions
Chris Poland, Frank Catalano, Sean O'Bryan Smith, Jim Gifford - Polcat
Tribal Tech - X
Tohpati Bertiga - Riot
John McLaughlin & the 4th Dimension - Now Here This
Paul Gilbert - Vibrato
Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful, Vol. 2
OHM - Tsunami Jams
Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras
Flying Colors
Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations
Chris Buck - 3 Crows
Jason Sadites - Broken
Renegade Creation - Bullet
Led Zeppelin - Celebration Day
Van Halen - A Different Kind of Truth (Ed note: \m/)

See Also:

Favorite Albums of 2011
Favorite Albums of 2010
Favorite Albums of 2009
Favorite Albums of 2008
Favorite Albums of 2007
Favorite Albums of 2006

Jazz-Fusion And Prog Legends Join Together On New CD Release 'The Fusion Syndicate'

PRESS RELEASE

Los Angeles, CA - One of the most amazing collection of jazz-fusion and progressive rock legends ever to assemble on one CD has happened with the new release by The Fusion Syndicate, available October 16, 2012 on Purple Pyramid Records. Brought together by multi-instrumentalist, producer Billy Sherwood (Yes, CIRCA:), who gave us the fascinating release by the Prog Collective earlier this year. Now, Billy has produced, recorded and written tracks for a new jazz-rock-fusion supergroup of musical virtuosos – The Fusion Syndicate!

Featuring! Rick Wakeman, Jerry Goodman, Nik Turner, Jimmy Haslip, Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess, Mel Collins, Billy Cobham, Jay Beckenstein, Billy Sheehan, Gavin Harrison, David Sancious, Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian, Eric Marienthal, Chester Thompson, Steve Morse, Jim Beard, Randy Brecker, Percy Jones, John Etheridge, Tony Kaye, Chad Wackerman, Steve Hillage, Scott Kinsey, Theo Travis, Justin Chancellor and Asaf Sirkis – Produced by Billy Sherwood

“When I was asked to write/produce a fusion record I jumped at the chance. I've always had a deep love of Jazz and Fusion music having grown up listening to Weather Report, Return To Forever, the Mahavishnu Orchestra among many others in the genre. The record has become a musical dream team, including some of the world's most renowned players in the field. The music reflects a time when virtuosity was the standard and incredible musicianship was the order of the day. Each artist sharing their talent and skill, blending it all into a bigger musical picture, creating an amazing expression of unity and purpose. I'm honored to be a part of it all and I thank all the artists who joined me on this journey, they have all lifted the music to a higher level.” - Billy Sherwood, producer

Tracks include:
Random Acts Of Science – Rick Wakeman (Yes), Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Jimmy Haslip (Yellowjackets/Alan Holdsworth)
Stone Cold Infusion – Steve Stevens, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater/Liquid Tension Experiment), Mel Collins (King Crimson), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra)
Molecular Breakdown – Jay Beckenstein (Spyrogyra), Billy Sheehan (Steve Vai), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree), David Sancious (The E Street Band)
Particle Accelerations – Larry Coryell, Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater/Black Country Communion), Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea Elektric Band), Chester Thompson (Genesis/Frank Zappa)
At The Edge Of The Middle – Steve Morse (Dixie Dreggs/Deep Purple), Jim Beard (Mahavishnu Orchestra), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat & Tears/Brecker Brothers), Percy Jones (Soft Machine/Brand X)
Atom Smashing – John Etheridge (Soft Machine), Tony Kaye (Yes), Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa),
In The Spirit Of – Steve Hillage (Gong), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech), Theo Travis (Steven Wilson Band), Justin Chancellor (Tool), Asaf Sirkis (The Orient House Ensemble)

"Always a pleasure to work with Billy Sherwood and all the other musicians he chooses. Add some great music and the combination is complete." - Rick Wakeman

“Fusion music gave me a way to relate to jazz. I liked the rock energy, and the unexpected twists, turns and rhythms that made it fun to play. So, it's a big influence on the direction I took.” - Steve Morse

The Fusion Syndicate is available from Purple Pyramid Records and can pre-ordered at:
http://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-fusion-syndicate/
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fusion-syndicate-feat.-rick/id564409590

For more information: http://cleorecs.com/store/

Current Listening

I've been listening to a TON of great new music lately. Here's what I've had in heavy rotation...

The Michael Landau Group - Organic Instrumentals

Landau's first all-instrumental album since his 1990 debut Tales From The Bulge absolutely RULES. Great writing and production, killer playing, amazing tones. Line-up includes Gary Novak, Andy Hess, Jimmy Haslip, Larry Goldings, Vinnie Colaiuta, and others.

Polcat

Way-cool jazz fusion project with Chris Poland on guitar, Frank Catalano on sax, Sean O'Bryan Smith on bass, and Jim Gifford on drums. Awesome grooves and playing. Poland is a great fit.

Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations

Wackerman's latest features Allan Holdsworh on guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jim Cox on keys - the same band Wackerman utilized for his 1991 solo debut Forty Reasons. Lots of group improv on this one. Holdsworth is amazing as usual.

Gary Husband - Dirty & Beautiful Volume 2

Excellent modern fusion album; a more-than-worthy follow-up to 2010's Volume 1. Amazing guest list includes Allan Holdsworth, John McLaughlin, Wayne Krantz, Alex Machacek, Jimmy Herring, Mike Stern, Robin Trower, Ray Russell and Jan Hammer.

Ed DeGenaro - Holiday In Madras

Deep fusion with a strong Indian influence. Ed drops some amazing Shawn Lane-like runs as well. Personnel includes Ric Fierabracci and Marco Minnemann among others.

Steve Weingart & Renee Jones - Dialogue

This one's been out a while but I've been digging into it more lately. Super high-quality electric jazz album with great writing and playing. Features the always-tasty Mike Miller on guitar. Steve Lukather also guests on one track.

Tribal Tech - X

One of the greatest fusion bands ever is back with their first new album in 12 years. Features a good balance of group improv and composition. Scott Henderson's current, more blues-oriented approach gives the band a different flavor than it had in the old days.

Wayne Krantz - Howie 61

This won't be released until mid-April but I had the honor of writing the press release for it so I've been digging the tracks for awhile. Krantz, once again, strikes out in a new direction here with fresh take on composition and production. Line-up includes Vinnie Colaiuta, Tal Wilkenfeld, Keith Carlock, Pino Palladino, David Binney, John Patitucci, Anton Fig and many others.

Chad Wackerman's "Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations" Now Available for Pre-Order

Drummer/composer Chad Wackerman's new disc Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations is now available for preorder through Abstract Logix. The album begins shipping on February 15th. From the ABLX website:

"Four masters of musical improvisation collaborate on the latest release from esteemed drummer Chad Wackerman. Known for his work with Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth and James Taylor, Wackerman blurs the line between composed and improvised pieces on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations. The featured musicians: guitar legend Allan Holdsworth, bassist Jimmy Johnson and keyboard player Jim Cox, have all developed a unique musical telepathy with Wackerman over decades, which is allowed to shine on this inventive, adventurous CD.

Ranging from atmospheric to edgy, the music on Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations showcases four creative musicians at the height of their musical powers. Wackerman has structured the CD so that the interplay between the performers is ever-present. Many of the improvised pieces sound like fully formed compositions, while the written pieces provide ample opportunities for spontaneous flow.

Wackerman’s history with these musicians goes back a long way. He has been playing with Jim Cox since their first gig together in 1979, backing trombonist Bill Watrous. Thanks to Peter Erskine, Wackerman met and started working with Jimmy Johnson in the early 1980’s, a continuing collaboration that both cherish. Wackerman began touring and recording with Allan Holdsworth in 1982, beginning with Holdworth’s well known Road Games release. Listen to the sparks fly as these musical bonds deepen on this incredible new CD."

Chad Wackerman - Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations

1. Glass Lullaby
2. A New Day
3. Bent Bayou
4. Star Gazing
5. Edith Street
6. The Fifth
7. Waterways
8. The Billows
9. Monsieur Vintage
10. Rapid Eeye Movement
11. Brain Funk
12. A Spontaneous Story
13. Two For Ya
14. Invisible

New Chad Wackerman Album To Feature Allan Holdsworth

Drummer Chad Wackerman's forthcoming album Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations will include Allan Holdsworh on guitar, Jimmy Johnson on bass, and Jim Cox on keys (the same lineup Wackerman used on his 1991 solo debut Forty Reasons). The release date has not yet been announced, but the band will be playing special CD launch shows at The Baked Potato in Studio City, CA on February 16th and 17th. Stay tuned for more details.

Current Listening (and Viewing)

Some of the stuff I've been digging lately...

Brett Garsed - Dark Matter

Killer modern fusion album with a strong prog influence. Incredible playing from all involved, especially Garsed and bassist Ric Fierabracci. Look for a full review soon.

Corea, Clarke & White - Forever

Two disc set features Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke & Lenny White in an acoustic trio setting, plus Return To Forever studio rehearsals from 2009 with Bill Connors on guitar.

Johnny Hiland - All Fired Up

Loaded with insane chops and fun tunes. Hiland is one of the best country pickers around.

Chad Wackerman - Legs Eleven

This one is several years old but I've had it on heavy rotation lately. Exceptional writing and production. Great guitar work from James Muller also.

Gannin Arnold - 5 World Class Drummers [DVD]

Features Arnold playing with drummers Taylor Hawkins, Jimmy Chamberlain, Simon Phillips, Terry Bozzio and Gary Novak to demonstrate their varying styles. The bonus disc includes interviews and extra footage.

Carl Verheyen European Tour Dates

Carl Verheyen will be playing the following dates in Europe this Sept and Oct with Chad Wackerman on drums, and Dave Marotta on bass.

Sep 01, 2011 Munich, Germany
Sep 02, 2011 Historischer Gutshof - Baumberg , Germany
Sep 03, 2011 Wengerwirt - Weng/Admont, Germany
Sep 04, 2011 Velden, Austria
Sep 05, 2011 Porgy and Bess – Wein, Austria
Sep 10, 2011 Kesselhauslager - Singwitz, Germany
Sep 11, 2011 Tec Net – Kronach, Germany
Sep 12, 2011 Rockhouse Saal – Salzburg, Austria
Sep 14, 2011 Earth Music Hall – Wetter, Germany
Sep 15, 2011 Kubana – Siegburg, Germany
Sep 16, 2011 Downtown – Hamburg, Germany
Sep 17, 2011 Kerem MusicKniepe – Delmenhurst, Germany
Sep 18, 2011 Café De Stier – Eibergen, Netherlands
Sep 19, 2011 Club – Amsterdam, Netherlands
Sep 20, 2011 M.A.I. – Nancy, France
Sep 21, 2011 L’Atelier du Moulin – Santeny, France
Sep 22, 2011 L’Atelier du Moulin – Santeny, France
Sep 23, 2011 Schlachthof – Bruchsaal, Germany
Sep 24, 2011 Musicclub Uhlenspiegel – Ruthesheim, Germany
Sep 26, 2011 Calais, France
Sep 27, 2011 Calais, France
Sep 28, 2011 Le Petit Journal – Paris, France
Sep 29, 2011 Spirit of ‘66 – Verviers, Belgium
Sep 30, 2011 Talbehnhoff – Eschweiler, Germany
Oct 01, 2011 Probebuhne – Zulpich, Germany
Oct 02, 2011 Scala – Opladen, Germany

Video: Allan Holdsworth - Live in Chicago 10/3/10 "Devil Take The Hindmost"

Allan Holdsworth playing "Devil Take The Hindmost" live at Martyrs' in Chicago on 10/3/10. With Chad Wackerman on drums, and Ernest Tibbs on bass. More videos here. I was there for this amazing show. Check out my pics.

Current Listening

Some of the stuff I've been listening to / watching lately...

Charlie Hunter - Public Domain

Completely solo guitar album in which Hunter performs classic songs that are all in the public domain (and all chosen by his Grandfather!). Amazing stuff. "Danny Boy" alone is worth the price of admission.

Tetsuo Sakurai - Vital World (Review)

Awesome heavy fusion album with Greg Howe on guitar, and Dennis Chambers on drums. Incredible playing from everyone.

Tomo Fujita - Pure

Great jazz/blues album from the Berklee faculty member. Includes Will Lee, Steve Gadd, Bernard Purdie and Steve Jordan.

Black Country Communion

Killer super-group rock album with Joe Bonamassa on guitar, Glenn Hughes on bass and vocals, Derek Sherinian on keys, and Jason Bonham on drums.

Dann Glenn - Eleven Eleven Orchestra

Eclectic fusion album with cool writing. Bassist Jeff Berlin guests on one track.

Chad Wackerman Trio - Hits Live DVD

Excellent live-in-the-studio style DVD from Chad Wackerman's Trio. Includes Mike Miller on guitar and Doug Linn on bass. Can't get enough of this one.

 

 

 

 

Photos: Allan Holdsworth Trio - Live at Martyrs' Chicago, IL Oct 3rd 2010

Saw a great Allan Holdsworth gig last light at Martyrs' in Chicago. He had Ernest Tibbs on bass, and Chad Wackerman on drums. Definitely one of the best Holdsworth shows I've ever seen. The crowd was great too. It was pretty dark in the club, but I manged to get some good pics. Follow the link below for my photos from this awesome show.

Photo Gallery: Allan Holdsworth - Live at Martyrs' 10/3/10

Allan Holdsworth European Tour Dates - Fall 2010

Upcoming European tour dates for guitar legend Allan Holdsworth. These gigs will feature Chad Wackerman on drums, and Ernest Tibbs on bass.

October 20 - Foggia, Italy
venue: Moody Jazz Café
www.moodyjazzcafe.it

October 21 - Roccaforzata, Italy
venue: Go West Saloon
www.myspace.com/gowestsaloon

October 22 - Civitanova Marche, Italy
venue: Magga
www.magga.it

October 23 - Roma, Italy
venue: Jailbreak
www.jailbreakrock.it

October 24 - Aversa, Italy
venue: Teatro Cimarosa
www.assmav.com

October 25 - Pisa, Italy
venue: Borderline
www.myspace.com/borderlineclub

October 26 - Milano, Italy
venue: Blue Note
www.bluenotemilano.com

October 27 - Milano, Italy
venue: Blue Note
www.bluenotemilano.com

October 28 - Torino, Italy
venue: Lapsus
www.lapsustorino.it

October 29 - Forlì, Italy
venue: Naima Club
www.naimaclub.it

October 30 - Zagreb, Croatia
venue: Vatroslav Lisinski Mala Dvorana
www.lisinski.hr

November 2 - Brastislava, Slovakia
venue: Randall Club
www.randalclub.eu

November 3 - Prague, Czech Republik
venue: Exit Chmelnice
www.exitchmelnice.cz

November 4 - Dresden, Germany
venue: Club Tante JU
www.liveclub-dresden.de/Tante_Ju

November 5 - Ingolstadt, Germany
venue: Jazz Party One / Trivasaaal at JazzTage
www.ingolstadt.de/jazztage

November 6 - Aalen, Germany
venue: TBA at JazzFest
www.aalener-jazzfest.de

November 8 - Hannover, Germany
venue: Jazz Club
www.jazz-club.de

November 9 - Leverkusen, Germany
venue: Forum at JazzTage
www.leverkusener-jazztage.com

November 10 - Tilburg, Netherlands
venue: Paradox
www.paradoxtilburg.nl

November 11 - Zoetermeer, Netherlands
venue: Boerderij
www.boerderij.nl

November 12 - Verviers, Belgium
venue: Spirit of 66
www.spiritof66.be

November 15 - Tel Aviv, Israel
venue: Reading 3, The New Port of Tel Aviv
www.reading3.co.il

Allan Holdsworth US Tour Dates

Here is a current list of upcoming Allan Holdsworth US tour dates. These shows will feature Chad Wackerman on drums, and Ernest Tibbs on bass.

Tue, Sep 14 - Annapolis, MD
Venue: Ram's Head Tavern
http://www.ramsheadtavern.com

Thu, Sep 16 - Sep 19 New York, NY
Venue: Iridium Jazz Club
http://www.iridiumjazzclub.com

Mon, Sep 20 - Sep 21 Piermont, NY
Venue: The Turning Point
http://www.turningpointcafe.com

Wed, Sep, 22 - Norfolk, CT
Venue: Infinity Hall
http://www.infinityhall.com

Thu, Sep 23 - Boston, MA
Venue: Johnny D's
http://www.johnnyds.com

Fri, Sep 24 - Northampton, MA
Venue: The Iron Horse
http://www.iheg.com

Sat, Sep 25 - Schenectady, NY
Venue: The Van Dyck Lounge
http://www.vandycklounge.com

Sun, Sep 26 - Henrietta/Rochester, NY
Venue: Lovin' Cup
http://www.lovincup.com

Tue, Sep 28 - Buffalo, NY
Venue: The Tralf Music Hall
http://www.tralfmusichall.com

Wed, Sep 29 - Cleveland, OH
Venue: The Winchester
http://www.thewinchester.net

Thu, Sep 30 - Oct 1 Detroit, MI
Venue: Jazz Caffe at The Music Hall
http://www.jazzcafedetroit.com

Sat, Oct 2 - Dayton, OH
Venue: Gilly's Jazz
http://www.gillysjazz.com

Sun, Oct 3 - Chicago, IL
Venue: Martryr's
http://www.martyrslive.com

Mon, Oct 4 - Chicago, IL
Venue: Mark's Hall, Roosevelt University
(Chad Wackerman drum clinic with AH Band)