GREG
HOWE - Introspection
(1994 shrapnel records)Greg howe - guitars, keyboards
Kevin soffera - drums
Alsamad Caldwell - bass
Vern Parsons - bass on songs 3 and 6
Jump start is a classic Howe fusion masterpiece, startin' with some jazzy lines, then it opens up melodically. Howe shows once again he masters not only EVERY technique on the fretted piece of wood, but he's also a great instinct for melody and tone too!! Could you want somethin' more?
On the solo he's floor you with some volleys of tappin' and some goodsoundin' shuffle feel, makin' it even more listenable.
Button up tries to fool you with a couple of clean jazzy chords, and then grooves as hell!!!
Once more a melody line with a rythm that will make your fingers want to run on the frets...
Shuffle feel again, and top-notch technique everywhere. The chorus is even more melodic. Even durin' the solo our good Howe never looses sight on ear-catchin' lines.
Come and get it is in the same line, with great melodical breaks and a great tone! Some dreamy arpeggiated chords set the mood for a rocky solo, once again very technical yet completely enjoyable even for not down-to-the-bone shred lovers.
In step has a great slapped bass intro and our Greg wisely decides not to break that great groove, and funks a little with those syncopated, muted lines we all love!!! :)
Melody is once again the main actor in the chorus. Bass solo and a fusion solo by Howe. The man surely can play legato and tappin'!!!!!!
Desiderata is a beautiful and peaceful piece of music, very classical, showin' that Greg is at home with many many styles. He fingerpicks a beautiful theme, shwin' off here and there with some flamenco-like lines. The track is dedicated to Jason Becker, the great young talent, now sufferin' from Lou Gerigh desease, who was a guitar monster (really) when he wasn't already 18...
No place like home is a really hardcore fusin track. Greg is a little more technical here, playin' fluid lines and leavin' big part of the song to a drum solo.
Direct injection starts with a groovy rocky riff wich gives Howe the possibility to show his aggressivity with some angry licks. Intervallic break which kicks into the most ear-catchin' chorus of the whole album. Howe fuses as a real master rock with little, melodic original ideas which keep his playin' very fresh and refreshin'. A great source of inspiration for everyone in a guitar rut.
Great solo!!!! Tappin' a go-go! Switchin' tonality! Love this stuff!!! :)
Pay as you go starts with some Hendrix-soundin' rythm guitar as Howe demonstrates he can also play the blues. The guitar sounds a little thinner. The chorus is melody injected with soime good technique. Once again, really good solo, with extra cool cromatic lines. One of the best of the album.
Introspection is a great album, with fusion feeded licks, but you'll love it even if you're a rock fan,
since Howe has a natural sense of groove and keeps the listener interested for every second.
If you're lookin' for a new, refreshed guitar vocabulary, look no further. Go and get it.
Rating : 9-1/2
(reviewed by Max)