Rewired - The Electric Collection2006 Unicorn Records : UNCR-5038
Most of prog attentives probably have never heard about this name but Daryl Stuermer surely is a strong contender for the most influent sideman in the Prog history since the seventies. He formerly met up with fusion violinist Jean-Luc Ponty and he acted as Genesis guitarist in the period between 1978 and 1992. He also supported Phil Collins since then so now you're getting the picture of how this man is important in the movement. But of course, this man's portfolio is not confined to this! He also released several solo works which, of course, focus on his skills with the guitar. "Rewired - The Electric Collection" is no less than his favorite own tracks completely revamped and refurbished with a new electric vibe. Some of the tracks are really breathtaking! THe opener YIN YANG BOOGIE is quite a perfect example. Daryl's monstrous playing leaves the guitar on fire! Fortunately he doesn't take this as a way to simply show-off. There are really good compositions here, quite melodic and heartfelt. He's also followed by a bunch of damn good musicians that provide a solid and sometimes exotic rhythmic section as well as fanciful keyboard textures. DEADLINE shines with a brilliant top-notch instrumental rock convulsion! Man, this guy really rocks! Sometimes it seems he doesn't take his music too seriously as you'll get the feeling he's having pure joy with it but of course there's a lot of hard work at the back of all this. AMERICAN FIELDS and MORNING TRAIN amazingly provide you a good deal of natural aromas as they are quite influenced on the countryside but not even that can slow down Daryl! It finally happens in WHEREVER YOU ARE, a slow and melancholic track that you surely was eagerly waiting for at this time. A Celtic flavor comes with HIGHLAND HIP HOP while a jazzy mood leaks out from TRANSATLANTIC. And soon you're at the end of this album . And there's no better way to close it than with THE LEAST WE CAN DO, a joint composition between Daryl and Phil Collins. A lovely piece of music! Honestly, this is not Prog as you are used to listen to. This is just brilliant instrumental Rock and if you are really a fan of electric guitar and melodic Rock then wait no more! Buy this! 2007-06-02
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