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The New Atavachron Digest 8/96
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 1996 20:55:32 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/08/17
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: jeff@addimension.com (Randy Hall)
----------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 09:12:47 -0700
From: Scott Steele
Subject: Soft Machine/knowing vs. not knowing
>Date: Sun, 28 Jul 1996 10:35:36 -0700 (PDT)
>From: Russell Fischer
>Subject: _Land of Cockayne_
>After months of lurking, my first post....
>I, too, recently purchased the reissue of Soft Machine's _Land of
Cockayne_, and while I don't think it sucks, it isn't my favorite
AH-related project by a long shot.
(Opinions of performances, which I pretty much agreed with, snipped)
>Does anyone know if this album was a contractual obligation?
Possibly, it was the last peep from Soft Machine, unfortunately.
>Why does AH have so little solo space?
Uh, because the keyboard player and sax player get so much?
>The label that reissued this CD, One Way Records, has several other Soft
Machine albums, but _ Bundles_ isn't one of them. For those in the know, how
does _Bundles_ stack up to _L of C_?
I was able to get Bundles on CD, and it wasn't too expensive; don't remember the
label though. Karl Jenkins, the main composer in Soft Machine at that point,
was a little more vital during Bundles. Mike Ratledge was leaving, and is
barely on the CD. Perhaps Jenkins had something to prove.
Holdsworth gets *a lot* of space on Bundles. It was recorded soon after he left
Tony Williams (1975?). My vinyl copy sounded like it was recorded or mastered
poorly, and the CD is only a slight improvement. I recommend it, but then again
I even bought the Krokus LP that AH plays one solo on, so filter my comments
well.
>One Way has also reissues an album by Tempest featuring AH, according to
a catalog printed in the CD's inner sleeve. How does this album compare
with Soft Machine or Tony Williams Lifetime?
If I had to choose between the two albums, I'd pick Bundles, and I'd be missing
Tempest severely.
It sounds older. It's produced by Jon Hiseman, the drummer and bandleader, who
sounds like he's trying to remake Colosseum into a rock band with no horns. It
sounds great to me. Holdsworth sounds like he's in an earlier stage of
development in his playing. There's a nice violin solo on one of the songs.
Paul Williams sings even louder than he does on IOU (he sounds younger and more
powerful). Go buy it too. I got it cheaply on a twofer CD with the subsequent
Tempest album, which is nice but doesn't have Holdsworth, so it's not *as* nice.
>Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 01:17:36
>From: Jeff Preston
>Subject: U.S. Release of _None Too Soon_ slated on Restless
>September 24, 1996.
>Thanks to Tammy Kizer for the info!
Yeah, thanks Tammy! I hope they can stick to it. Knowing an idea of a date is
better than not knowing, that's for sure. - S.
scottst@ohsu.edu
----------
Date: Tue, 30 Jul 1996 16:12:29 -0700
From: Craig Ellett
Subject: Allan's REH Video
Hey...
Guess what I got? The Allan Holdsworth REH video. Hardly
instructional, extremely entertaining. It was kinda' nice to sit back
and watch in the comfort of my living room instead of being in some club
wondering if the guy next to me was going to barf his beer on me.
Anyway, nice video...
I was told that Allan's home studio was built (in part at least) by a
guy by the name of Joe Rugerie (or similar spelling). I know the guy
from my younger years. He used to play bass, an old Fender Jazz. I was
wondering if there was any truth to this and if so, does anyone know
how to get in touch with him. All of my contacts have lost touch with
him. Any help would be appreciated...
Thanx - Craig
----------
Date: Wed, 31 Jul 1996 13:23:11 -0500
From: jeff@addimension.com (Jeff Preston)
Subject: A note from Allan
Allan asked that I forward this note to Atavachron.
Jeff
----- begin forwarded text -----
Letter to Atavachron Digest
As you probably know, I am not a computer buff and I rarely read the
Atavachron Digest. In fact I find it a bit embarassing knowing that there's
all this stuff going on about me that I'm not really clued into. Anyway it
was brought to my attention that there were some postings I should check out.
After doing so I found it disturbing, to say the least, so I would like to
clarify the issue.
Although Chris Hoard has posted a retraction, it still actually is not enough
of a retraction to make me happy for the following reasons. Many months ago,
I did speak to Chris Hoard about trying to find some investors to invest in a
beer device known as the Fizz Buster which was invented by Michael Owens and
myself. Mike and I felt that this was an apparatus with a pretty big
potential and as neither one of us had enough money to do this on our own, we
were looking for investment. This is the only time I ever spoke to Chris
Hoard with regard to any investment and it had absolutely nothing whatsoever
to do with Atavachron, so my gripe is: how did this end up on Atavachron?
I had, and have, no knowledge of any other investment-raising ideas and would
absolutely not present them to Atavachron, even if I had.
From now on, if anything like this comes up again and it did not come from
Jeff Preston or myself, take it with a pinch of salt.
Allan
----- end forwarded text -----
--
Jeff Preston ADdimension, Inc.
VP, Research & Development http://www.addimension.com/
----------
Date: 31 Jul 96 18:38:39 EDT
From: "Robert C. Parducci" <76206.3036@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Jazz Explosion Superstars
I saw AH perform with S. Clarke, S. Smith (who cooked), B. Wright & R. Brecker
at the Ritz in NYC. Lenny White and a guitarist sat in towards the end of the
set. Allan appeared a bit shy, as Stanley Clarke seemed to be the leader of the
group. I remember they played "Goodbye Porkpie Hat" and "Invitation."
I was sorry that nothing more came of this other one track on "If This Bass
Could Only Talk" which was about the same time. What if AH had become involved
with Stanley Clarke & Stewart Copeland's band with Deborah Holland, "Animal
Logic?"
Robert C. Parducci
76206.3036@compuserve.com
<>I remember when we were both just seventeen
<>How we held hands and I carried your books home from school -Khalife
<>
<>LEGEND: In Our Own Time
<>http://ourworld.compuserve.com/hompages/rcp/
----------
Date: Thu, 1 Aug 96 14:49:36 EDT
From: "Bob Lynch"
Subject: AH model guitar
I just spoke with Josh at Carvin and he says the AH model is done and ready
to go. It just needs to be entered into their computer and catalog system
and should be available in two weeks. It will come with one or two
humbuckers that Allan developed with Carvin. They will have 22 pole pieces
each like the other Carvin pickups. I don't know about you folks, but my
Carvin DC-127 is the best playing guitar I have ever owned, and I will be
ordering on of the AH models as soon as I can. I hope Allan will see a
return on these instruments. I would like to think some percentage of the
money I spend on the guitar will get to him.
--Bob
----------
Date: 01 Aug 96 11:06:28 +0200
From: "Pier Francesco MARINI - RDBMS Tech Support"
Subject: NTS released in EUROPE on CREAM RECORDS
Hello ATAVAFRIENDS,
yesterday I was in a (good) record shop in Rome, my wife would like to
buy as a gift a CD for our marriage anniversary... My eyes was strucked
by the FIZZBUSTER in a corner of the hall... What a gift!!! So, for all
european ATAVAFRIENDS, this is the good new: NTS has been released in Europe
on CREAM RECORDS, and the price is about $19, really good in comparison with
Japanese copy (not available in Italy so far).
The first impression is of a Milestone of 21st century, but I would prefer to
hear behind the drums some other person... I think Covington is an
"high-energy" drummer, but neither very "colourful" nor "dynamic", this is the
only critic I have to do. What about this?
I have also bought the new Michael Brecker's CD, really good (if you
hear Jack DeJohnette's playing on it you will understand better my critic
on Covington).
All the Best to everybody!
______ ______
_ / ___/
___/ __/
__/ier __/rancesco
P.S. send me an email if you want additional info on CREAM release.
__________________________________________________________
/ /
/ Pier Francesco MARINI ORACLE ITALIA /___
/ Area Manager (RDBMS Tech Support) / /
/ Voice: +39-6-50261320 Email id: pmarini.it / /
/ Paper: +39-6-5018553 Internet: pmarini@it.oracle.com / /
/_________________________________________________________/ /
/ "Oracle et Laboracle" (anonymous latin) /
/_________________________________________________________/
________ _____ ______ ____ __ _____
__ / _ / __ / ___/ / ___/
/ / /__/ /_ / / / __/
______/__/ _|__/ __/____/ ____/____/
----------
Date: Mon, 5 Aug 1996 11:08:31 -0500
From: jeff@addimension.com (Jeff Preston)
Subject: More goodies for the completists
Here are a few more CDs I've picked up recently
which have Allan as a guest artist. A couple of
these I picked up just because I happened to run
across them (Masi, Marcelli), and figured they were
not so easy to find; the other two (Bruce, Hamm) I
simply didn't think they were very strong albums.
All in fine shape, except the jewel box for the
Alex Masi, which is a bit scratched up. $9.00 ea.,
postpaid to U.S. residents (write for shipping if
outside the U.S.).
Jack Bruce, _A Question Of Time_
Stuart Hamm, _Radio Free Albemuth_
Andrea Marcelli, _Silent Will_
Alex Masi, _Attack of the Neon Shark_.
Jeff
--
Jeff Preston ADdimension, Inc.
VP, Research & Development http://www.addimension.com/
----------
Date: Tue, 06 Aug 96 21:58:33 PST
From: "Hoard, Chris"
Subject: Re: Postlude to Retractions
Yet another footnote on retractions...
This is not intended to rebut to any of AH's statements in his message
through Jeff--concerning my postings regarding investments. Anyway, I
feel most of you are friends, and I owe you some words of explanation.
The fact that AH was compelled to make this statement causes regret on
my part. I now understand how he saw a potential for his person or his
actions being misinterpreted or misunderstood. 20/20 in hindsight,
they say.
As AH stated, our discussions did not ever specifically include the
Atavachron digest as I recall them either, and it was solely my idea
to bring up the subject on this forum. I did not do this in any way
as as a representative or spokeman for Allan. If I gave that
appearance (I don't think I did)--it was definitely uncool of me to do
so. Having said the above, I don't think I owe Allan or anybody some
kind of apology for venturing forth my own ideas on this subject or
speculating about ventures which will never come to pass. The
discussions and queries by me were hypothetical to start with and no
actions were taken by me other than to discuss the possibilities.
However I am sorry these postings/exchanges caused AH distress and
compelled him to react as he did.
I don't want Allan's last message to become representative of the type
of exchange or spirit of participation we enjoy in this forum. I've
enjoyed AH's friendship for over a decade now, but such friendships
don't last without some significant misunderstandings and
disagreements. This somehow became one, and as far as I know it's in
the past. Last night over beers we talked about many things--this
subject did not come up.
I offer in conclusion is that AH should be heeded in advising you to
take my words (and others here) with a grain of salt. I'm a friend, a
fan, a general all-around supporter--and a reporter and documentor of
sorts who associates with this most rare sort of musician--but I don't
pretend to be his manager or his official spokesman. I don't think
Jeff would describe himself as such a spokesperson either. I don't
make a habit of parroting what AH says--I try to see him through a
lens that is uniquely my own. Those who know me outside of cyberspace
know my vision is far from perfect. I still trust--despite the
occasional bumps along the road of long-term friendship--that my role
will in the future expand to be that of a biographer who's painted a
respectable portrait of the man in words. It will be biased, of
course. Regards/Chris.
----------
From: raunsbj@hum.auc.dk (Preben Raunsbjerg)
Subject: AH amps
Date: Fri, 9 Aug 1996 19:53:04 -0600
Comments on the development of the AH lead tone (gearheads only):
The very first time I experienced AH live (in Denmark, Europe) he was using
a Marshall amp sitting on top of his right mission-control-rack. Though that
is no longer the case I would like to make some comments on his choice of
amps then and now.
From the lead amp speaker output the signal goes through his speaker
emulator and into the rack. One of the keys to the fluent, non-buzzing lead
tone of AH is the emulator, because AH takes its emulated output not to a
fullrange speaker which some of the emulators are designed to do (for
instance the Marshall SE-100) but to another 12" guitar loudspeaker. In that
process a lot of the nasty high-end disappears. (Unfortunately a lot of the
dynamics also goes out the window, and it's therefore very difficult to be
able turn your guitar down for a cleaner sound, in which case, to get your
dynamic lead tone back, there's nothing else to do than try to find $30 and
get yourself a synthaxe).
About the amps: Marshall amps and the Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (which is
used a lot on the HHA-album) have that in common that they are designed with
the tone controls after the gain stages. Opposed to that the Mesa/Boogie
Caliber .50 that (among other amps) is used on the Secrets-album, on the REH
instructional video and as far as I can hear also on Wackerman's '40
Reasons' has the tone controls placed before the gain stages. The Cal.50
therefore has a smoother, more Fenderish tone on the high notes but can get
undefined and muddy on the low notes if you're not careful with the
bass-control. To get close to the 'mid-period' AH-tone you could get an old
Cal.50 without the lead master control and with EL-84 output tubes. The
newer 6L6-equipped Calibers won't get anywhere near the tone in question,
especially not if its the Dual Caliber Series, which in addition to having
the 'wrong' output tubes (6L6's) also have almost the same lead channel as
the Dual Rectifier (i.e. tone controls after the gain stages). The post-gain
tone control amp often sounds bigger and wider (HHA), but in my opinion
sometimes it doesn't project as well as the pre-gain which seems to be able
to blend with the overall sound instead of trying to make space for itself.
If you want to read more about the way AH gets his lead tone I recommend the
issue of Guitar Player Magazine that came out shortly after the 'Secrets'
album. Among other things AH here discusses the different qualities of
output tubes; what he preferes in what contexts. When trying to get your own
Holdsworthian tones onto tape, please note that AH does not play very loud
when recording. By using the speaker emulator system he can push his lead
amp relatively hard without having to push his 12" speaker and thereby
causing nasty speaker breakup distortion.
yours truly,
Preben Raunsbjerg
----------
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Date: Mon, 26 Aug 1996 11:12:39 -0400
From: owner-atavachron@jabular.webster.com
Apparently-To: atavachron-outgoing@jabular.webster.com
To: JEFF@ADDIMENSION.COM
The New Atavachron Digest 96/08/26
Sender: owner-atavachron@webster.com
Precedence: bulk
Reply-To: Jeff Preston
----------
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 1996 23:26:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: kwillcox@shore.net (Keating Willcox)
Subject: Re:
In fact I find it a bit embarassing knowing that there's
>all this stuff going on about me that I'm not really clued into. Anyway it
>was brought to my attention that there were some postings I should check out.
>After doing so I found it disturbing, to say the least, so I would like to
>clarify the issue.
>
>Although Chris Hoard has posted a retraction, it still actually is not enough
>of a retraction to make me happy for the following reasons.
AH, we're crazy about your music. We only wish you the best, and an
opportunity to hear as much of your talent as possible. Many of us on the
net form communities around stars or TV shows, and we go a little crazy when
the stars can't do their thing or the TV shows get cancelled. Please
understand that the net is your friend, not an obstacle. In fact, many bands
use net sites to release material they want thier fans to hear, perhaps an
early version of an album or a live concert. The net is still free, and
exchange of materials is still free, so we live in a space of unlimited
opportunity. Don't be embarassed. Lurk on this list, and build up a network
of hundreds of devoted fans, each of whom only wishes you the best.
----------
Date: Sat, 17 Aug 1996 23:48:37 -0400
From: jace@coastalnet.com (Jason Williams)
Hello eveyone!!
Just a quick interesting post. I am a fan of a acoustic guitar
playing named Micheal Hedges. I receive a once in a while email about him.
In the last one they sent me it had a list of all of the cover songs he has
performed...and guess what? He use to do Metal Fatigue. I thought that was
awesome condsidering he plays acoustic....Thanks
Jason
----------
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 00:23:20 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Art Ziemann Jr. "
Subject: Hoard-Files
Chris,
No stress caused here. Appreciate your enthusiasm on promoting ideas
to help others. I find Allan to be very "sensitive" and somewhat "private"
in regards to his talents (ie. the "I hate this record" autograph on my
_Velvet Darkness_ lp.). I think we all know where you were coming from.
Now onward to other topics...
Art
----------
Date: 18 Aug 96 02:44:01 EDT
From: Steve Klein <71162.1656@CompuServe.COM>
Subject: Re: Bootlegs for Sale!
Just kidding,
Hey! you know what? All of this navel-gazing about investment groups was giving
me a headache any-
way.
Now it has apparently (and appropriately) pissed Holdsworth off enough for him
to finally use his first verbal acknowledgement of this digest's existence to
stop all of this self-serving phoney-baloney.
Allan Holdsworth has, in his early career, literally sold all of his personal
possesions to get his music distributed. I think that we can take for granted
that A) As with all other aspects of his career, he demands
complete control of his finances and contractual commitments. B) When he does
need help, he wouldn't
be inclined to come to the members of this digest with his hat in his hand.
I'm delighted that this digest exists! We all know of this man's playing
abilities and his even more unique
perception of harmony and modality.
We also know that when the focus of interest is on an artist who is as reclusive
as Holdsworth is, who never
tours, who rarely even "plays out" locally, the subject matter is bound to get a
little thin. It would have been
nice for Allan to say a nice thing or two to us while he was passing his
retraction on to us, but that is certainly
his call.
When I interviewed Allan in Oklahoma City ( Metal Fatigue -era, great show), I
read a quote to him from an
interview with John Wetton in Guitar Player:
(Paraphrased) "Allan is a wonderful player, but when the spotlight comes
up on stage he
tends to take one step backward"
Mr. Holdsworth smiled and said: "I took a step backward because I didn't want to
be seen on stage with him."
If he doesn't want it, it aint gonna happen. Lets enjoy the man's music, count
ourselves lucky when we can
catch him live, but not expect to be included in the more private aspects of his
career.
Kudos Jeff
Steve Klein
----------
Date: Sun, 18 Aug 1996 14:56:06 -0700
From: MuTToN
Subject: New Album
Hi folks,
I've pretty much been a lurker on this list but I feel I can contribute a
little info here.
Gary Husband was in NJ completing the new Gongzilla record and a buddy of
mine had lunch with him and was informed of the personnel on the next
record. This will be recorded in October and features the return of "THE
MOOSE" Jimmy Johnson, "RUSTY" otherwise known as Gary Husband, and
possibly Alan Pasqua on the Fender Rhodes.
Since this info is not from Jeff or Alan please take it with a pinch of
salt ;)
Regards,
Crash Khan
----------
From: Mr R Teh
Subject: How do I contact Chad Wackerman and Gary Husband?
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 1996 09:24:47 +1000 (EST)
Hi all,
I would like to contact Chad Wackerman and Gary Husband. Anyone knows
their respective management address and phone/fax numbers?
Regards
Richie Teh
Maintainer of DrumNet (Home of the Drummer's Discography Web Site)
----------
From: Steve_Vaughan@ilink.demon.co.uk
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 96 09:40:45 GMT
Subject: Re:
Robert C. Parducci writes :
> What if AH had become involved with Stanley Clarke & Stewart Copeland's band
> with Deborah Holland, "Animal Logic?"
It could only have been better than the oaf they had on guitar when I saw them
in Camden, London. Maybe someone can enlighten me as to this guy's name? He
falls into the category of guitarists (common in HM circles) that me and my pal
call "ticklers".
Ticklers don't do melodies in their solos - they just rely on their "box of
tricks", you know, here's my dive-bomb, here's my warbly whammy-bar bit, here's
my diddly-diddly-dee at the top of the neck. Then, without fail, the right hand
moves onto the fretboard, and "tickle-tickle-tickle...."
Incidentally - good to hear NTS is released in Europe. Does this include the UK?
I'm positively busting for a copy here.
Steve Vaughan
----------
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 96 11:03:27 bst
From: R.J.Heath@lboro.ac.uk (Richard Heath)
Subject: "None Too Soon" - how right!
Good News,
The very long awaited "None Too Soon" is released in the UK. I have been
fortunate that New Note (Cream Records distributors in the UK), recently
sent me a review copy. Please note in France Sony are distributing Cream
Records. Expect the record to get heavy airing on Loughborough Campus Radio
on 105.4 FM on Thursday nights during October in the N. Leicester/S.
Nottingham areas.
Now my halfpenny's worth.
"None Too Soon" is the jazziest album Holdsworth has put out as leader and
sure, it sounds swinging to me. It also further reinforces my thought that
Holdsworth injects something special into other people's compositions to
produce (often) brilliant intepretations. The rhythm section give the swing
to the music and considering their background they are restrained and
tasteful. Gordon Beck demonstrates that special rapporte he has with
Holdsworth and is allowed the freedom to be very expressive on several of
his compositions. I still have the gripe about Holdsworth's employment of
the synthaxe. With Beck on digital piano, there were several occasions I
asked myself who's playing what ( the liner notes do say). Sorry I regard
the synthaxe as superfluous to both the guitar and the Beck's piano: is it
there to create the odd effect and atmospheric background? But this moan is
very minor since everywhere else the standard is very high and it's the best
thing done by Allan Holdsworth in a long time. (Who was talking about his
thirst at the end of the record?) Finally, a nice touch with the Stone
Temple Pilots being included in the special thanks column.
Sorry Jeff, I can't agreed with your somewhat negative comments about Jack
Bruce's "A Question Of Time" album. I purchased this, (yes I do buy records
as well), as soon as it came out in 1989, being this first new release on a
big label from Bruce for many years. Having got it I was surprised to find
Holdsworth and many other "heroes" on it too. Holdsworth guests on the
track "Obsession" and plays by far my favourite of his solos - the tune is a
blues (Bruce: vocals & bass, Ginger Baker: drums) but Holdsworth invents
something very different from a standard blues guitar solo - in fact is he
playing blues at all? This solo is full of anguish complimenting the song
perfectly: no blues guitarist would have done anything like that- let alone
be able to play it. The rest of the album is typical Jack Bruce, blues to
jazz to rock and things in between: if you are a Jack Bruce fan this is an
excellent album.
Finally more ammunition to my argument that Allan should consider getting
other major (jazz?) stars on his records. I have at last found a cheap copy
of the latest John McLaughlin album and love it. The first track with Jeff
Beck is out of this world- both guitarists keep their musical identities
while the sparks fly. The track with Michael Brecker - well it is explosive.
Also destined for airplay in October.
Regards,
Dick Heath
----------
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 96 14:18:26 MST
From: masser@SMTPGATE.tds-az.lmco.com (masser)
Subject: email name change and posting
I have been trying to find cds containing the songs on
_None_Too_Soon_ by original artists. Possibly
one of the subscribers has already tracked down this
info, if not can anyone out there help assemble this
list?
Thanks,
--RJM.
----------
Date: Tue, 20 Aug 96 09:31:41 bst
From: R.J.Heath@lboro.ac.uk (Richard Heath)
Subject: "None Too Soon" - how right! (+ update)
[Jeff, since sending the original of the e-mail below, I have received some
additional information wrt release date to NTS. This now inserted into the
relevant text).
Good News -
The very long awaited "None Too Soon" is released in the UK on 27th August .
I have been fortunate that New Note (part of Pinnacle, who are Cream Records
distributors in the UK), recently sent me a review copy. This means that the
bigger and specialist shops will stock it while the others should be able to
order it in for you' and at usual UK prices (sic). Please note in France
Sony are distributing Cream Records. The catalogue number is JMS186872.
Please expect the record to get heavy airing on Loughborough Campus Radio on
105.4 FM on Thursday nights during October in the N. Leicester/S.
Nottingham areas and beyond in the UK..
Now my halfpenny's worth.
"None Too Soon" is the jazziest album Holdsworth has put out as leader and
sure, it sounds swinging to me. It also further reinforces my thought that
Holdsworth injects something special into other people's compositions to
produce (often) brilliant intepretations. The rhythm section give the swing
to the music and considering their background they are restrained and
tasteful. Gordon Beck demonstrates that special rapporte he has with
Holdsworth and is allowed the freedom to be very expressive on several of
his compositions. I still have the gripe about Holdsworth's employment of
the synthaxe. With Beck on digital piano, there were several occasions I
asked myself who's playing what ( the liner notes do say). Sorry I regard
the synthaxe as superfluous to both the guitar and the Beck's piano: is it
there to create the odd effect and atmospheric background? But this moan is
very minor since everywhere else the standard is very high and it's the best
thing done by Allan Holdsworth in a long time. (Who was talking about his
thirst at the end of the record?) Finally, a nice touch with the Stone
Temple Pilots being included in the special thanks column.
Sorry Jeff, I can't agreed with your somewhat negative comments about Jack
Bruce's "A Question Of Time" album. I purchased this, (yes I do buy records
as well), as soon as it came out in 1989, being this first new release on a
big label from Bruce for many years. Having got it I was surprised to find
Holdsworth and many other "heroes" on it too. Holdsworth guests on the
track "Obsession" and plays by far my favourite of his solos - the tune is a
blues (Bruce: vocals & bass, Ginger Baker: drums) but Holdsworth invents
something very different from a standard blues guitar solo - in fact is he
playing blues at all? This solo is full of anguish complimenting the song
perfectly: no blues guitarist would have done anything like that- let alone
be able to play it. The rest of the album is typical Jack Bruce, blues to
jazz to rock and things in between: if you are a Jack Bruce fan this is an
excellent album.
Finally more ammunition to my argument that Allan should consider getting
other major (jazz?) stars on his records. I have at last found a cheap copy
of the latest John McLaughlin album and love it. The first track with Jeff
Beck is out of this world- both guitarists keep their musical identities
while the sparks fly. The track with Michael Brecker - well it is explosive.
Also destined for airplay in October.
Regards,
Dick Heath
----------
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