Search - Andy Timmons :: Ear X-tacy

Timmons makes hometown proud

Michael J. Robb, MD | Madison, Wisconsin | 03/05/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Andy hails from Evansville, Indiana, my hometown. He certainly makes Hoosiers proud with this outstanding debut effort. The melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre and dynamics of each tract are excellent without exception. Each track is worth 13.00 dollars because there is such high entertainment value with repeated listening. He is one of the "gunslingers" of guitar out there and can contribute tremendously to the integrity of instrumental rock guitar. Andy features his progressive rock, blues, country and jazz skills on this analog sounding disc. I found it in a punch out record bin for two dollars but would pay full price for the CD. If it were a cassette, I would buy it again if the tape burned out. Andy's licks are exciting and new. He plays riffs that smoke with passion, grace and fire. There are rockers, blues cuts, ballads, a country pickin' tune and a moving epilogue to close the album. The distortion is warm,smooth and cuts without being shrill. There are no thin or irritating sounds on the record. The drum and bass tones are great. Nice reverb and appropriate production touches. Very live sounding and inspiring. The overdubs sound super. Nothing sterile or digital about this recording at all. It possesses that first effort enthusiasm and hunger that usually provides for hundreds of hours of listening pleasure without burnout. Andy does not overplay. His phrasing and timing are impeccable. He likes blues licks, but also spices up the improv with diminished and modal passages. The leads do not sound too outside but they certainly explore new territory. The chords used are rich with extensions at times. Rhythms are interesting and driving. The snare and cymbals sound good. Nice EQ and mastering. Highly recommended. All tracks are excellent. Wise investment. Contact me if further questions, concerns or comments arise prior to buying more Timmons' work. Keep Rockin.'"

Decent Guitar Rock and Roll

David B. Thompson | Carson City, Nevada USA | 03/18/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A guitarist friend introduced me to Andy Timmons about 10 years ago. He had a CD playing through a PA at Broadway Music in Lubbock, Texas. When I asked who was playing, he said "Andy Timmons." I borrowed his copy of Ear X-tacy for a couple of days and gave it a good listen.



I've listened to the recording off and on since I found my own copy. In fact, I own several of Timmons' recordings. I had the pleasure of sitting one of Timmons' workshops at Broadway some time later. It was a treat to hear him play live and to interact with him. Timmons is an excellent musician and a genuinely nice guy.



I have mixed feelings about this all-instrumental recording. Not all of the songs work for me. That doesn't mean there is a bad cut on the recording; it's just personal preference. I can say that those I like, I *really* like. The list includes Carpe Diem, Turn Away, I Remember Stevie, Cry for You, Electric Gypsy, and Hiroshima. Each of these tunes speaks to me on an emotional level. I listen to them often. I simply turned off the remaining tracks in iTunes.



This is guitar-driven rock and roll. If you like that kind of music, then this recording is for you. If you're interested in Texas guitarists, then there's another reason to own the recording. Regardless, you might want to give the lyrical nature of my short-list of tunes a listen and decide for yourself. You might just find yourself an Andy Timmons fan."