Devil's Gate Music
Related Articles
“That fast solo section I wrote is way too hard. I don’t know how Glauco pulled it off. He put so much soul in the whole song.” ‘Hold On To Love’ is the first song on the album to feature vocals, Codany Holiday puts a voice to Becker’s deeply personal lyrics:“This flesh has much more to say… I was cut down too soon”. The rousing choir lifts the song, and Becker’s ability to write incredible music, given his condition, is nothing short of breathtaking. Hearing the second solo brings a tear to the eye. Daniele Gottardo has done Jason Becker proud. ‘Fantasy Weaver’ features Jake Shimabakura, probably the world’s best ukulele player, who brings a very cinematic quality to it. It could easily be from a fantasy adventure film. Then there is the stunning ‘Once Upon A Melody’, which actually features playing from Jason Becker before he lost his ability to play, as well as audio of him as a three-year-old! ‘We Are One’ totally changes the mood of the album to something resembling a heavy Stevie Wonder groove, vocals courtesy of Flipsyde’s Steve Knight. ‘Magic Woman’ features some nice classical guitar playing, and then there is ‘Valley Of Fire’. It features 13 guest guitarists, all lending their styles and talents to the track which was written by Becker for other guitarists to put their own stamp on it. Spellbinding. Steve Hunter’s solo is perhaps my favourite. The technical ability on this album cannot be overstated! I am floored by it. It’s refreshing that he hasn’t just invited virtuoso guitarists to play on the album. Having players like Shimabakuro and Bertagin give the album so much more depth, and sets it apart from many other run of the mill guitar albums. It’s testament to Jason Becker’s perseverance and talent that he is respected by so many, whether they be metalheads, shredders, classical fans… or just fans of great music. Available now through Mascot Label Group. More information on Jason Becker and his inspiring story can be found here. Review: Colin Plumb]]>
