Search - Joey Tafolla :: Out of the Sun

FANTASTIC!!!

07/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of this genre of music (i.e., heavy neo-classical), this is a "must have" for your collection. The major strength of this recording over those of others in the same class, in my opinion, is the quality and arrangement of the songs. For this reason, this is my favorite Shrapnel instrumental release. Make no mistake - Joey is an incredible guitarist - in fact, he can pick blinding staccato runs and smooth, liquid legato (Holdswothesque!) lines with apparently equal ease. Another strength of this CD is some equally incredible bass work - easily some of the best I've heard in a rock/metal context. I was surprised to find out it wasn't Sheehan playing bass - yes, that's how good Wally Voss is on this CD! Actually, all of the musicianship is top-drawer."

More shred than a cheese grater factory

Paul Lawrence | Australia | 08/02/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"As a general hard rock/metal nut I own a clutch of instrumental shred albums and many of them grace my stereo about once every.... well hardly ever actually. The problem with this genre is it's almost total lack of connectivity due to no vocals and diminished personality compared to regular rock outings. This stuff rarely offers any insight into it's creators mind, more often just functioning as a catalogue of skills.



Regardless this release is worthy of any shred fans dollar. Three of it's features are crisp, clean production that's not dated too badly (as per 2006), wonderful musicianship - which should never date - and also a truly terrible 80's hairdo that's dated very badly. (Lighten up guys it's just a joke).



Given the nature of this style of music I'll try to convey my feelings regarding this release via comparisons with other releases of it's ilk;



This is better than

- Akira Takasaki Tusk of Jaguar

- Tamas Szekeres Guitarmania 2

- Jason Becker Perpetual Burn

- Steve Vai Illusive Light + Sound



Roughly equivalent to

- Marty Friedman Dragons Kiss

- Tamas Szekeres Guitarmania

- Yngwie Malmsteen Rising Force

- Alex Masi Vertical Invader



Not as good as

- Joe Satriani Surfing with the Alien

- Akira Takasaki Wa



The above is based not just on musicianship but overall feel. Just my gut reaction. Tafollas' fluid and flexible style probably should of garnered him more fans first time around - finding his albums on Amazon gives me hope that his skills are still being appreciated. For myself though, even with the talents of the rest of the players including Paul Gilber and keyboards by Tony McAlpine I can't condone more than three stars here. But please note that's from a general rock/metal guy and not a devoted fan of instrumental metal. Such types may rate it higher due to a greater overall affinity for the genre."

Great Listening for the avid guitar fan

04/29/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you are a fan of Yngwie, MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, or even the more mainstream guitarists such as Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, or Eric Johnson, then this will be a welcome addition to your collection. Joey has Tony MacAlpine on keyboards to lend him a hand, and Wally Voss pounding on the bass in the back. But the spotlight is definitely on Joey. His sound is nothing new if you are famaliar with the more prominent guitar virtuosos, but he still has lots of talent and there is a definite heavy metal sound to him. Neo-Classical shining with a bit of Thrash thrown in for good effect."