BRETT
GARSED - Big Sky
(2002 paranormal records)Brett Garsed - Guitars
Ric Fierabracci - Bass
Toss Panos - Drums
Big Sky is Brett Garsed first 'solo' cd, as is the first one without Tj Helmerich as a fellow guitarist...
So it's prolly Brett's most personal work to date.
Undoing showcases from the beginnin' Brett's tasteful style. Our man has a great control of the instrument, just listen to the dynamic approach he has at around 3:00. The phrasin' is so personal, and shows you a true personality in a world (the one of instrumental guitar) of copycats.
Brett is so great even on the next track, Trinity. Once again, so much control. He's very melodic, but is also able to found melodies that are truly interestin'. This is a great, dreamy song. Upliftin'. Brett uses his pick AND his fingers, and this technique gives him his completely personal style. His strings sing, and listenin' to his stuff makes you wanna practice fingerpickin' to death. Also, the track has a cool change in mood, and goes into a totally diffrent direction in the second half of it.
Brothers is, as you could expect from the title, a ballad played with heart in hand. I just have to cinfirm what I've told before, as Brett caresses the instrument with such grace. He reminds me a bit of Vai's most inspired slow moments. Also, Ric Fieraracci plays a freless bass solo. Cool bluesy solo at 4:42.
Drowning has a beautiful acoustic openin', and again some really tasty melodic lines. If you like Satch, you'll love this. Every second of this song is equally wonderful. No dead moments, just beautiful music. Brett sounds so inspired , once again. He has loads of technique, but he's prolly the more controlled player I've ever heard. Not a single note in this album sounds like a showcase, or played just for the sake of it. He doesn't fight with his guitar, he sounds like he lives it like another part of his body. Once again: TOTAL CONTROL.
Fu'd Fight is a groovy tune. Great Satch soundin' theme, but played with Brett's touch and style.
Brett's sounds are impressive, very clean and rich of diffrent shades. There are also some extra cool country-like phrases, followed a second later by some jazzy-fusion like licks: that's fun!
Breathe is a mid tempo which will help you to find some inspiration in articulation of phrases if you're in a rut. The chorus is also so beautiful. Ric Fierabracci and Toss Panos on drums are a perfect team for Garsed, playin' with the right feelin' and intention.
Got The Horn is an energetic track. Again, very elegant phrasin' in the verse section. Very smooth is the word when talkin' about Brett's approach to solo lines. Lovely slapbass solo! 'I've got the hoorn'. =) Listen to Brett's slide solo too!!! Great versatility!
The Myth is another proof of Brett's talent. Listen to how an arpeggio sounds in his hands! His approach makes everythin' sound smooth , but he's also very percussive in diffrent moments. You can hear his fingers are touchin' the strings, be it caressin' or slammin' down hard.
Friend Or Foe has another beautiful, acoustic openin', then Brett comes in with the electric axe and his slide. The track has a great climax, gettin' angry and more energetic, and then laids back again.
Big Sky closes the album, confirmin' that Brett Garsed has a unique, personal style, and a great musicality. Every second of this cd will give you inspiration, be it technique, sound or style-wise. It's a great soundtrack if you're tryin' to relax a little while givin' your brain some food.
As said in the review, top guitar here. You'll love the tons of melody that are in this little disc.
Absolutely get it, and take also more than a look to www.brettgarsed.com, as there
are even some transcription of his previous stuff. Well done!
Rating: 9-1/2
(reviewed by Max)