Reviews

Sunday 29th March saw Guitar Getaways hold a Fusion Master class in the Bedford, Balham in South London. A master class featuring one of the top exponents of Jazz Fusion, Scott Henderson.
The Five-hour session was split into two halves with the first being hosted by a band put together from tutors from the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)  in London.

Edward Box albums of the year

In all truth 2008 was not a vintage year for me regarding new releases but I just about managed to cobble at top ten together and here it is.

1. Judas Priest – Nostradamus

The twist and turns of the metal universe are at once enthralling and infuriating. One minute (well more like a 25 year minute) Saxon are has-beens and the next they are on C4 Harvey Goldsmith’s Get Your Act Together (yes, they did look a bit sad but any publicity is good publicity). To top this off they are one of the acts on stage three at Download and end the weekend as one of the most talked about bands.

US guitar genius Sonny Landreth is arguably the most respected slide player in the world today. I have long been aware of the man through numerous name checks from players such as Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler - through to cutting edge players like Brett Garsed and Guthrie Govan - but haven't listened in depth until his latest album 'From The Reach' dropped through the letterbox. This album features a truly stellar array of guests, including the aforementioned Clapton and Knopfler, as well as Robben Ford, Eric Johnson, Jimmy Buffet and Vince Gill.

Twenty years ago, I never thought (although hoped) that the music scene would be so healthy, vibrant and varied as it is today. People like to knock the 80’s, but in that one decade, the pop music scene peaked in pretty much all genres of music (well apart from Chamber music and Punk maybe).

I saw Tesla opening for Def Leppard at Hammersmith back in 1987, and ever since then have had a real sof spot for these Sacremento rockers. 1989's The Great Radio Controversy' featured some absolute gems, and duing this period up to the mid 90's Tesla enjoyed genione success with milions of records sold and countless sold out tours.

TNT have a very special place in this reviewers heart: I can well remember going down to the legendary Shades Records in London's Wardour Street to buy ‘Tell No Tales' in 1987 after reading rave reviews in Kerrang! magazine. That album was a blistering display of amazing riffs and tight arrangements, combining elements of Queen's pomp and majesty with a then up to date mixture of almost pop hooks, metal guitars and shredding from the woefully underrated Ronnie Le Tekro.

Guitar Idol 2008 (Lion Music) by Edward Box

When the subject came up at All Out Guitar about the possibility of reigniting the guitarist of the year at the London Guitar Show it seemed like a good idea. It had been several years since the last one and the all out boys were keen stamp their mark on something and this seemed like a good opportunity.

For those of you who followed guitar idol Conrad Harpham might be a name familiar to you - but if not then I guaranteed this won't be the last time you hear of this guy! Hailing from the South West of the UK - like finalist Jas Morris: I wonder if there's something in the water down there breeding virtuoso axemen!

So it finally arrives (officially), even though I was listening to most of this album BBQing in my garden 2 summers ago. The 'old school' rock revival continues, first Van Halen tour with Roth, then Slipknot go number 1 in the US, only to be dethroned by Metallica, only to be dethroned by AC/DC. Rock is back and Chinese Democracy is it's tour de force!