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The Oxford dictionary defines a shredder as “a machine or other device for shredding something and a musician who plays a very fast, intricate style of rock lead guitar”. Well, I don’t know much about Mr. Gilbert’s ability to shred stuff but I do know that he, and Jason Becker are by far my favourite shredders!
Werewolves of Portland is Paul’s 16th solo album which is staggering considering the 5 albums he did with Racer X and the 7 albums he has recorded with Mr. Big. Often switching between albums with vocals and fully instrumental albums, this is the 2nd instrumental record in a row from the guitar ace!
Opening with a fanfare of electric guitar “Hello! North Dakota!” quickly shifts gears into a 70s-esque rock tune that wouldn’t sound out of place on “Frampton Comes Alive”. Gears shift again adding a funk-rock element and all within the same opening track. We are also treated to some of Paul’s wonderful slide guitar playing that debuted on his previous album “Behold Electric Guitar”, Paul manages to do more on the opening track than some people manage on an entire record!!
Naturally, the guitar playing on this album is impeccable but it’s also worth mentioning Paul recorded all the instruments for this record due to the restrictions resulting from the covid-19 pandemic. His drumming on “Professorship at the Leningrad University” is frantic and proves he is no slouch behind the drum kit.
A couple of things that I really enjoy about Paul’s playing are his ear for a great melody that stops his songs from becoming boring strung-out guitar exercises, and his ability to make his music sound fun and joyful without a single word being spoken.
There’s more of that wonderful slide guitar playing on the song “Argument About Pie” (my favourite song title on the album) along with plenty of full fat wah wah to thicken up those melodic guitar lines. “Meaningful” is the closest thing resembling a ballad on here and has one of the strongest melodies (yet another slide guitar moment) of the whole album.
I get a strong sense that Paul Gilbert has been influenced by the late George Harrison’s slide guitar work. George was never about flash, concentrating more on melodic phrases that suited the song and that is exactly what Paul has done here. The slide has merely enhanced his vocal-like melodies, leaving him free to shred fire during the solos. What can I say about Gilbert’s dazzling lead work that hasn’t already been said? Blisteringly fast and precise as always, with runs that will leave you dizzy. Paul runs the gamut of genres on this album, classic rock, blues, funk, and jazz fusion are all thrown into his melting pot, the result is audible gold!
Werewolves of Portland is available June 4th via Mascot Label Group/The Players Club.
Review – Colin Plumb
Photo credit: Jason Quigley
