|
THE HUMAN ELEMENT
SPADA, TONY
2004 , USA - EURO 15.50
Label: SURVEILLANCE RECORDS
ALBUM REVIEW
Tony Spada has come up with an extremely strong solo disc that might just be the guitar album of the year. Some of you might be familiar with his 1980’s progressive band, Holding Pattern, or his prior solo album, Balance of Power, recorded in 1993. This time around Spada teams up with talented bassist Tony Castellano (who also adds keyboards to many of the 11 tracks) and drummer Rob Gottfried for a smoking set. The music is all instrumental and covers a variety of styles including progressive, fusion, and some kickass rock. Spada draws inspiration from Steve Morse, and the album’s only non-original is a cover of Morse’s tune, “Sleaze Factor”. There are also echoes of Steve Hackett and Steve Howe in places, but Spada’s melodic sense differentiates his playing from his influences. He has a keen sense of pacing, and inserts two tasteful acoustic pieces to give listeners a chance to catch their breath between some blistering electric tunes. The album was masterfully engineered by Myles Mangino who has worked in various capacities with Yes, Nirvana, U2, and the Pixies, so the sound quality is pristine. The return of Tony Spada is a very welcome event, and it serves to whet our appetites for the upcoming new disc and tour from the re-formed Holding Pattern. (David Ashcraft)
|
