Wah Wah Willie Special Parts 3 & 4! You lucky lucky listeners! Wah Wah Willie is a great Australian musician. Hear him discuss his debut solo CD Cinema. We got giveaways too!
-- I'll be playing all your favourite artists, as well as these these indie, underground, under-represented, underrated and unknown artists.
Jeff Beck - Jeff
I've been playing tracks off Jeff's latest CD for a few weeks now, and I don't see any reason to stop now. Do you?
I've been playing tracks off Jeff's latest CD for a few weeks now, and I don't see any reason to stop now. Do you?
Ahedarexia - Smokin'
Ahedarexia is a rock guitarist from Tecoma, Washington, whose influences include Albert Lee and Jimi Hendrix. He sent me a beautiful letter describing his visits to the grave of Jimi Hendrix, and also a photo of the grave. Thanks man! His CD is a rollicking celebration of all that is good about rock guitar. I'll play The Blues My Ass and also I'm Tryin' I'm Tryin' if I have time.
Ahedarexia is a rock guitarist from Tecoma, Washington, whose influences include Albert Lee and Jimi Hendrix. He sent me a beautiful letter describing his visits to the grave of Jimi Hendrix, and also a photo of the grave. Thanks man! His CD is a rollicking celebration of all that is good about rock guitar. I'll play The Blues My Ass and also I'm Tryin' I'm Tryin' if I have time.
Alien Cowboys - Other Space
See below for a mini-review of Alien Cowboys' newest CD, but if you haven't heard them before you are in for a treat. I'm going to play their version of a song you all know, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, just because it's so good!
See below for a mini-review of Alien Cowboys' newest CD, but if you haven't heard them before you are in for a treat. I'm going to play their version of a song you all know, While My Guitar Gently Weeps, just because it's so good!
Alien Cowboys - Lift
Funky infectious grooves characterise this release. This band has a refreshingly contemporary aesthetic, and a great sense of play. Bondage is enormously good fun. Last time I played Spanish Castle Magic as part of my Jimi Hendrix birthday special, hope you enjoyed it. This time I'll play Bondage and Escape From ONLYON. These guys are great! I know you'll enjoy their music.
Funky infectious grooves characterise this release. This band has a refreshingly contemporary aesthetic, and a great sense of play. Bondage is enormously good fun. Last time I played Spanish Castle Magic as part of my Jimi Hendrix birthday special, hope you enjoyed it. This time I'll play Bondage and Escape From ONLYON. These guys are great! I know you'll enjoy their music.
Baraka - Baraka Demo EP CD
These guys come from Japan and play '70s-style rock, influenced by Led Zeppelin, King Crimson and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Jazz and Classical music. They are playing (or, depending on when you read this... have played) the Espy on Saturday December 6th and the Tote on Sunday the 7th. Last time I played Butterfly from their demo EP, for Priscilla. Update (Dec. 7th): I saw these guys last night at the Espy, and they rocked! I urge you all to go to the Tote tonight to see them. If you love great '70s style rock, played by three passionate and extremely talented musicians, you won't see a better show than this in Melbourne this year. I'm going to see them again, at the Tote. If you go, say hi! Update (Dec. 8th): I went to the Tote last night to see Baraka again. There were fewer people, and I think the sound was better, and again, they rocked! Issei played a blistering set on guitar, with singer/bassist Shin looking and acting the rock star part, while Max on drums wasn't letting his bandmates show him up. All three of these guys are great, and I reckon those of you who didn't go really missed an opportunity. They'll be back next year, so don't miss them! I've got some more of their CDs now, so I'll be playing their stuff quite a lot over the next few shows.
These guys come from Japan and play '70s-style rock, influenced by Led Zeppelin, King Crimson and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Jazz and Classical music. They are playing (or, depending on when you read this... have played) the Espy on Saturday December 6th and the Tote on Sunday the 7th. Last time I played Butterfly from their demo EP, for Priscilla. Update (Dec. 7th): I saw these guys last night at the Espy, and they rocked! I urge you all to go to the Tote tonight to see them. If you love great '70s style rock, played by three passionate and extremely talented musicians, you won't see a better show than this in Melbourne this year. I'm going to see them again, at the Tote. If you go, say hi! Update (Dec. 8th): I went to the Tote last night to see Baraka again. There were fewer people, and I think the sound was better, and again, they rocked! Issei played a blistering set on guitar, with singer/bassist Shin looking and acting the rock star part, while Max on drums wasn't letting his bandmates show him up. All three of these guys are great, and I reckon those of you who didn't go really missed an opportunity. They'll be back next year, so don't miss them! I've got some more of their CDs now, so I'll be playing their stuff quite a lot over the next few shows.
Baraka - Baraka
The fifth (and latest) album by this incendiary Japanese rock band. So many great songs to choose from, but I think I'll go with Sea or The River Is No More.
The fifth (and latest) album by this incendiary Japanese rock band. So many great songs to choose from, but I think I'll go with Sea or The River Is No More.
Baraka - Baraka IV
A slightly older release from Baraka. Again, a bunch of great songs on this one, but I think you'll like It.
A slightly older release from Baraka. Again, a bunch of great songs on this one, but I think you'll like It.
California Guitar Trio - CG3+2
The California Guitar Trio are disciples of Robert Fripp, having met at his Guitar Craft course, and his influence is evident in their playing. This release, featuring guests Tony Levin and Pat Mastoletto showcases their incredible talents in the context of a more (or less) traditional band arrangement. I'll play Heart of the Sunrise for ya and Melrose Avenue.
The California Guitar Trio are disciples of Robert Fripp, having met at his Guitar Craft course, and his influence is evident in their playing. This release, featuring guests Tony Levin and Pat Mastoletto showcases their incredible talents in the context of a more (or less) traditional band arrangement. I'll play Heart of the Sunrise for ya and Melrose Avenue.
HP Crazy - HP Crazy
Hanspeter comes from Switzerland, and is a formidable talent on the guitar and also piano. There are so many good tracks, it's hard to choose, but I'm thinking Solitaire and maybe T-Rex or Cold Fusion.
Hanspeter comes from Switzerland, and is a formidable talent on the guitar and also piano. There are so many good tracks, it's hard to choose, but I'm thinking Solitaire and maybe T-Rex or Cold Fusion.
Curtis - Room 137
This is one of those albums that has such a variety of style on it that your attention is grabbed and held from start to end. Each track comes as a surprise, even after half way through when you are used to the idea of not knowing what to expect.
This is one of those albums that has such a variety of style on it that your attention is grabbed and held from start to end. Each track comes as a surprise, even after half way through when you are used to the idea of not knowing what to expect.
But what about the playing? Well, Curtis Fornadley shows his mastery on the guitar, as do his band members on their respective instruments. It's an instrumental guitar album, and so the variety is important, as is the strength of the compositions, and the album doesn't let the listener down here either.
Most albums seem to focus on one style of music, and so choosing a track is usually a decision about which one is the best song, or has the best playing, or appeals the most. In this case, by choosing one track I'm denying you the chance to hear all the other completely different tracks. So I'm going to have to play at least a couple.
Last time I played The Spiritual Machine and Room 137. Next show I'm thinking Leaping Gnome, and Happy, Hungry and Horny. Rest assured that over the next few shows I'll be playing more from this exceptional album.
Deluc - 8th Wonder
Fred Leduc, a Melbourne local, studied Jazz Performance at the Northern Metropolitan College of Tafe and completed a Bachelor of Music at La Trobe university in 1998. This CD is his debut recording, a progressive jazz-rock fusion album that showcases his great playing. I'm going to play Identity for you, although it's hard to choose just one track.
Fred Leduc, a Melbourne local, studied Jazz Performance at the Northern Metropolitan College of Tafe and completed a Bachelor of Music at La Trobe university in 1998. This CD is his debut recording, a progressive jazz-rock fusion album that showcases his great playing. I'm going to play Identity for you, although it's hard to choose just one track.
Deluc - When Two Worlds Meet
Fred Leduc's second CD shows a change in direction from his first one, demonstrating the versatilty of this highly skilled guitarist. I'll play the title track When Two Worlds Meet.
Fred Leduc's second CD shows a change in direction from his first one, demonstrating the versatilty of this highly skilled guitarist. I'll play the title track When Two Worlds Meet.
Deluc - Missing Motions
Fred Leduc is a player of great sensitivity and passion as well as skill. I'm going to play Another Attempt from this, his latest CD.
Fred Leduc is a player of great sensitivity and passion as well as skill. I'm going to play Another Attempt from this, his latest CD.
Kevin Ferguson - Strad To Strat
Kevin Ferguson plays his arrangements of classical pieces on his '74 Strat and synth orchestra. I'll probably play the Paganini Caprice No. 5 and the Rimsky-Korasakov Flight OF The Bumblebee. If you've never heard of Kevin Ferguson before, prepare to be impressed!
Kevin Ferguson plays his arrangements of classical pieces on his '74 Strat and synth orchestra. I'll probably play the Paganini Caprice No. 5 and the Rimsky-Korasakov Flight OF The Bumblebee. If you've never heard of Kevin Ferguson before, prepare to be impressed!
Kevin Ferguson & Teshketo - Exotic Extremes
Kevin & Teshketo play Macedonia's most famous dance, "the hard one". You are not going to believe how good this is! I'll play Teshketo from this CD and maybe one other track if I have time.
Kevin & Teshketo play Macedonia's most famous dance, "the hard one". You are not going to believe how good this is! I'll play Teshketo from this CD and maybe one other track if I have time.
Ryan Formato - Out Of This World
Ryan's only 19 years of age, but what a talent! The title is an apt description of the music, and so I'll play the title track Out Of This World and Shred Dominates and then maybe Lambdog or Arpeggio Autopsy. It's too hard to choose! Keep an eye out for this guy, who, if he improves at all with age, will be the scariest shredder you've ever heard.
Ryan's only 19 years of age, but what a talent! The title is an apt description of the music, and so I'll play the title track Out Of This World and Shred Dominates and then maybe Lambdog or Arpeggio Autopsy. It's too hard to choose! Keep an eye out for this guy, who, if he improves at all with age, will be the scariest shredder you've ever heard.
Jan Gerfast - Fuckin' Up The Blues
Jan is a Swedish guitarist/vocalist with a strong following at home. This CD features a variety of his playing skills and song-writing abilities. I've chosen to play his song Halleluja.
Jan is a Swedish guitarist/vocalist with a strong following at home. This CD features a variety of his playing skills and song-writing abilities. I've chosen to play his song Halleluja.
The Great Kat Guitar Goddess - Wagner's War
A brilliant if eccentric self-promoter, Kat backs up her outrageous persona with shredding skills that are second to none. She's made it onto a list of the ten fastest shredders of all time, and is the only female on that list. This CD goes for about 11 minutes, and has seven short tracks on it. Last time I played War and Terror, but next time I'm gonna play the whole damn thing for ya if I have time.
A brilliant if eccentric self-promoter, Kat backs up her outrageous persona with shredding skills that are second to none. She's made it onto a list of the ten fastest shredders of all time, and is the only female on that list. This CD goes for about 11 minutes, and has seven short tracks on it. Last time I played War and Terror, but next time I'm gonna play the whole damn thing for ya if I have time.
Howard Hart - Dancing Madly Backwards
This CD just plain rocks. You listen to Howard playing and it makes you remember what you liked about guitar music in the first place, or otherwise it makes you realise that there's a lot more to it than you thought. I'll play The Margin.
This CD just plain rocks. You listen to Howard playing and it makes you remember what you liked about guitar music in the first place, or otherwise it makes you realise that there's a lot more to it than you thought. I'll play The Margin.
Howard Hart - Remasters
Howard is one of those guitarists that you listen to and wonder how he gets that great tone. Shredders are nice and all, and the jazz/fusion guys can play, but here's something with a bit of meaning. This is a great guitar album.
Howard is one of those guitarists that you listen to and wonder how he gets that great tone. Shredders are nice and all, and the jazz/fusion guys can play, but here's something with a bit of meaning. This is a great guitar album.
I played Bristol Blues last time. This time, maybe I'll play Sticky Toes.
Michael Knight - Mechanica Diablo
Super shredder Michael Knight showcases his talents as a composer and multi-instrumentalist on this release. The theme is dark, and he mixes it up with some unconventional musical styles, well, unconventional for a guitar album anyway. I'll play Neo-Demonica and maybe the title track Mechanica Diablo if I have time, but if not then definitely next show.
Super shredder Michael Knight showcases his talents as a composer and multi-instrumentalist on this release. The theme is dark, and he mixes it up with some unconventional musical styles, well, unconventional for a guitar album anyway. I'll play Neo-Demonica and maybe the title track Mechanica Diablo if I have time, but if not then definitely next show.
Richie Kotzen - Slow
Guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen has had a long and distinguished career, if you consider being Poison's and later Mr. Big's guitar slinger a distinguished position. Perhaps you're more impressed to know that Stanley Clarke chose him for 6-string duty in his latest supergroup Vertu? I'll play I Can Make You Happy from this CD and maybe a little Sapphire just for something different.
Guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen has had a long and distinguished career, if you consider being Poison's and later Mr. Big's guitar slinger a distinguished position. Perhaps you're more impressed to know that Stanley Clarke chose him for 6-string duty in his latest supergroup Vertu? I'll play I Can Make You Happy from this CD and maybe a little Sapphire just for something different.
Richie Kotzen - Change
This latest release from Richie is a mixed bag. I expected more, but hey, I'm sure his fans will love it. I'll play the opening track, Forever One. It's probably a bit better than some of the others.
This latest release from Richie is a mixed bag. I expected more, but hey, I'm sure his fans will love it. I'll play the opening track, Forever One. It's probably a bit better than some of the others.
Bill Lonero - Slather
Talented and versatile, Bill plays and records 'live', eschewing the use of computer edits and hence creates an organic and real music. I really like the title track Slather, which I played last show, but the quality of all the tracks on this CD is excellent. I'll play Song For Young this time, and maybe some thing else as well.
Talented and versatile, Bill plays and records 'live', eschewing the use of computer edits and hence creates an organic and real music. I really like the title track Slather, which I played last show, but the quality of all the tracks on this CD is excellent. I'll play Song For Young this time, and maybe some thing else as well.
Tony MacAlpine - Violent Machine
No introduction needed. The man is amazing. Let's have the title track Violent Machine and maybe ARS Nova.
No introduction needed. The man is amazing. Let's have the title track Violent Machine and maybe ARS Nova.
Mattsson - Power Games
Lars Eric Mattsson serves up some tasty prog metal with this release. I'll play the awesome instrumental track Beyond The Horizon if I have time, but since it goes for over 17 minutes I might not be able to.. I like the last track Lead Me On My Way which is not really representative of the album but is nevertheless quite amusing, so I think I'll play that.
Lars Eric Mattsson serves up some tasty prog metal with this release. I'll play the awesome instrumental track Beyond The Horizon if I have time, but since it goes for over 17 minutes I might not be able to.. I like the last track Lead Me On My Way which is not really representative of the album but is nevertheless quite amusing, so I think I'll play that.
Mollo/Martin - The Cage 2
The followup album to the critically acclaimed The Cage sees Dario Mollo and Tony Martin team up again, but this time with a different band lineup. I thought I'd play you their version of Led Zeppelin's classic Dazed and Confused. Who knows, you might like it. I did.
The followup album to the critically acclaimed The Cage sees Dario Mollo and Tony Martin team up again, but this time with a different band lineup. I thought I'd play you their version of Led Zeppelin's classic Dazed and Confused. Who knows, you might like it. I did.
Keith Miller - Groove Train
I love this CD! Chunky pounding heavy riffage and masterful self-confident lead playing... It actually is groovy. I played the title track Groove Train, last time, so this time I'll play Thump-N-Groove.
I love this CD! Chunky pounding heavy riffage and masterful self-confident lead playing... It actually is groovy. I played the title track Groove Train, last time, so this time I'll play Thump-N-Groove.
Ohm - Ohm
Some of you will remember Chris Poland from Megadeth. Well he's back with a new band and a new album, and you are going to love it! It's a fusion feast of furious fretwork. I played Bastille Day last time and this time I'll play Peanut Buddha for you.
Some of you will remember Chris Poland from Megadeth. Well he's back with a new band and a new album, and you are going to love it! It's a fusion feast of furious fretwork. I played Bastille Day last time and this time I'll play Peanut Buddha for you.
Paul Nelson - Look
Paul's been around for a while, played with heaps of people and writes for several guitar mags, but I bet you've never heard his music before! He's soon going to be touring as part of Johnny Winter's band and recording an album with Johnny Winter. I played Full Blast last time. This time I'll play a couple of others. I have a few copies to give away as well, so make sure you're near a phone.
Paul's been around for a while, played with heaps of people and writes for several guitar mags, but I bet you've never heard his music before! He's soon going to be touring as part of Johnny Winter's band and recording an album with Johnny Winter. I played Full Blast last time. This time I'll play a couple of others. I have a few copies to give away as well, so make sure you're near a phone.
Schmange - Schmange Sampler
Schmange employs a secret weapon to gain an advantage over his contemporaries: he writes songs. With words. Fittingly, I've chosen an instrumental track to play you instead. I don't know what it's called, except that it's track 4. The use of the apostrophe in the word "it's" in the previous sentence is correct, on both occasions. It's a contraction of "it is", and the apostrophe indicates the missing letter. Its use as a possessive requires the writer to not use the apostrophe, as in this sentence. Apparently.
Schmange employs a secret weapon to gain an advantage over his contemporaries: he writes songs. With words. Fittingly, I've chosen an instrumental track to play you instead. I don't know what it's called, except that it's track 4. The use of the apostrophe in the word "it's" in the previous sentence is correct, on both occasions. It's a contraction of "it is", and the apostrophe indicates the missing letter. Its use as a possessive requires the writer to not use the apostrophe, as in this sentence. Apparently.
Project Steiger - Defiance
Ken Steiger writes columns for guitar mags as well as being a great shredder. If shredders make you shudder, you haven't heard Steiger. I particularly like Neutron Flux because it has a few different moods in it, so I'll play you that one. If I have time I'll also play Persuasion, which is a tribute to the legendary Carlos Santana, and features Gary Hoey on lead guitar as well as Ken.
Ken Steiger writes columns for guitar mags as well as being a great shredder. If shredders make you shudder, you haven't heard Steiger. I particularly like Neutron Flux because it has a few different moods in it, so I'll play you that one. If I have time I'll also play Persuasion, which is a tribute to the legendary Carlos Santana, and features Gary Hoey on lead guitar as well as Ken.
Rullian - Is This My Guitar Or An Albatross?
Raoul Rañoa is a wonderfully quirky guitar player whose humour is matched by his brilliance. There are 17 (+1 hidden) gems on this CD, and I have no idea which ones to play for you. Gimme a few days to listen to it some more and see which tracks percolate to the top.
Raoul Rañoa is a wonderfully quirky guitar player whose humour is matched by his brilliance. There are 17 (+1 hidden) gems on this CD, and I have no idea which ones to play for you. Gimme a few days to listen to it some more and see which tracks percolate to the top.
Taboo Vodoo - Something's Cookin'
Featuring French guitar guru Cyril Achard, this CD also has Ivan Rougny (bass) and Mike Terrana (drums... you know him, played with Malmsteen, Tony Mcalpine, Rage). They get pretty funky on a few tracks, and I'll play you one I particularly like, One For The Road, but I'm sure you'd enjoy most of the tracks from this release. If I get time I'll play something else from here, picked at random.
Featuring French guitar guru Cyril Achard, this CD also has Ivan Rougny (bass) and Mike Terrana (drums... you know him, played with Malmsteen, Tony Mcalpine, Rage). They get pretty funky on a few tracks, and I'll play you one I particularly like, One For The Road, but I'm sure you'd enjoy most of the tracks from this release. If I get time I'll play something else from here, picked at random.
Travis Larson Band - Travis Larson Band
The first CD from TLB, and what a debut! Travis is an inspired lead player and Jennifer Young (bass) and Dale Moon (drums) really keep it moving along. Unlike a lot of guitar bands, the bass and drums feature as heavily as the guitar does. Check out Jen's bass playing to see what I mean. I'll play A.D.D. and maybe Junkablaja or Counter Parts.
The first CD from TLB, and what a debut! Travis is an inspired lead player and Jennifer Young (bass) and Dale Moon (drums) really keep it moving along. Unlike a lot of guitar bands, the bass and drums feature as heavily as the guitar does. Check out Jen's bass playing to see what I mean. I'll play A.D.D. and maybe Junkablaja or Counter Parts.
Travis Larson Band- Suspension
This 2nd CD from TLB is a masterpiece! I played their awesome Georgia On My Mind last show so this time you'll probably get to hear Sandusky Trail or Powerdown. In fact, I probably could pick any track from this CD and I'm sure you'll like it.
This 2nd CD from TLB is a masterpiece! I played their awesome Georgia On My Mind last show so this time you'll probably get to hear Sandusky Trail or Powerdown. In fact, I probably could pick any track from this CD and I'm sure you'll like it.
Wah Wah Willie - Cinema -- Wah Wah Special Dec 14th & 28th!
This CD by Australian artist Dennis Nattrass has some of the best music I've heard in ages. You poor listeners are going to get bombarded by songs from it until you call and tell me to play something else. We've got Wah Wah himself introducing each track off the CD. Giveaways too! Enjoy!
This CD by Australian artist Dennis Nattrass has some of the best music I've heard in ages. You poor listeners are going to get bombarded by songs from it until you call and tell me to play something else. We've got Wah Wah himself introducing each track off the CD. Giveaways too! Enjoy!