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What a surprise this recording turned out to be! I really
didn't realize Alan had it in him. Although his work with
Spocks Beard is usually impressive, I was not aware that he
had the such great fusion chops!***
As soon as I put on this CD I was hit hard with "Cold
Fusion". It immediately jumped out of the speakers and took
me for a great ride. Brother Neal's keyboard work on this
track is definately some of his best since Transatlantic.
But it is Alan's guitar that burns it up with the help of
drummer Scott Williamson and Gary Lunn on bass.***
Next up is "Return To Whatever", a tune that refers back
to the great old days of fusion (Return To Forever, Mahavishnu
Orchestra, etc.) and that adds a fresh, head-on attack that
is amazing. Also thanks to the excellent violin work by Jerry
Goodman (former Mahavishnu, Dixie Dregs, etc.) One of the
best fusion tunes I've heard in recent years.***
As the CD progresses Alan also adds in a nice blues feel
as well as the jazz-fusion and rock approach and every tune
offers something interesting and pleasing to listen to. At
times I can't tell if I'm listening to Jeff Beck or Steve
Vai - It's that good!**
Alan also invites some other dynamite players to help
out on this CD including his Spocks Beard pals Nick D'Virgilio,
Ryo, and Dave (each only play on one or two tracks each) though
the main core of the band is Alan and Neal, Scott Williamson,
Gary Lunn, and percussionist Eric Darken.***
But all in all, this is a must-have CD for fans or guitar
fusion as well as Spocks Beard, Transatlantic, etc.***
Russ Bellinger May 07
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