JOEY
TAFOLLA - PLASTIC
(2001 Mascot Records)Oskar Cartaya: Bass
Tol Bergman: Drums
Billy Batte: Keyboards and lead synthesizers
Matt Fronke: Lead trumpet
Ray Herman: Saxaphone
Wendell Keily: Trombone
We had to wait many years for Tafolla's new album. The waitin' was well worth!
The cd starts with Audio exotica, and as the title explains, Joey will here unleash an avalanche of oriental soundin' lines, as well as more western born melodies in the chorus...
Tafolla has sonorities remindin' us of good old Steve Vai, and the whole Plastic album sounds to me as a funkier version of 'Passion and Warfare'. So you already have an idea of how good this album is. Cool change of direction at 4:40. The closin' is pure Vai-esque frenzy.
Touch tones starts with some very interestin' indian-sitar-soundin' lines, which set the mood for another Vai-like acoustic guitar entry. The theme has some slide with cool arrangements.
Then it's time for a groovy solo, very energetic. Once again Tafolla shows his clean, well polished technique. Tappin', whammy bar, legato, alternate pickin', you name it... There's everythin', very well executed.
Plastic has some techno drum intro which is only foolin' ya : then the funk starts, with groovy slapped bass, hornes, and a funked up Joey. Great technique once more, but Tafolla pays also attention to melody, so his licks will always sound good and not an ability showcase. I LOVE his tappin'!!! And his alternate pickin' will put you upside down like a twister. More funk at 3:10. Time for a solo. Jaws droppin'. He never looses the groove. There's even some Latin-like endin'!
Wax is funk once more. Tons of groove again. I may sound a little repetitive, but the most strikin' thing about the album is , apart the cristal-like technique, the groove the guy has, and the songs are very ear-catchin'. Very interestin' staccato playin' too. Some diversity to amaze you. There's a latin section here too, and Tafolla sounds like he's havin' a big fun while playin'...
Bitter will make all the metalheads out there really happy. Rythm guitar comin' out of the grave to haunt you. Headbangin' begins! Great harmonizin' as a break. Once again, cool soundin' tapped arpeggios à la Bettencourt (He Man Woman Hater).
Gardens of stone reminds the most experimental Vai, with strange guitar sounds and noises, and a dreamy flavour. Great sound.
Puzzle box is a rocky tune with a happy soundin' main theme and a ear-catchin' change. I love this track! The solo has tons of technique.
Later than you think is another funky act. Tafolla has developed an interestin' approach to phrasing: he injects his playin' with staccatos and little pauses. Interestin' break wich sounds like listenin' to a distant radio. That's gonna make you shake yer ass! Great Great solo! My favourite of the whole album. Wha wha and groovy technique. The man shows he also likes to go completely wild! Comes complete with horns.
Circumstance has a catchin' bass line. Our Joey goes on with the good stuff he made 'till here... But the thing that strikes me most in this track is the bass playin': you'll love it too! More Vai-esque attitude here and there.
Can't find the words : neither can I. Wait, wait, I found two : holy shit!!!!! And some more: if-only-all-shredders-had-this-feelin'!!!
Blurry wet letter ia rock-funk tune. As I'm writin' this, my leg is shakin' followin' the music. I think this explains everythin'...
Lurking in the shadows has the mysterious flavor that Vai made all of us love. Great distorted guitars- strings section!!!
Plastic is a very funky album, which shows the great influence Vai had on this young gun, who also shows a good personality. The album is very technique oriented, but not the kind you get bored with after two minutes of the second song. Joey Tafolla keeps the listener interested, spicin' the game with good ideas and a mature phrasing.
Rating : 9-1/2
(reviewed by Max)