review: in his second musical offering "talk to me guitar",
bobby trates proves he has immense creative depth with a
varied display of melodic guitar-based instrumentals with
a focus on detail. very different than your typical guitarist! the title sums the cd up as the guitar does the talking here and it has a great deal to say! clearly, this cd will catch the ear of guitarists' as well as non guitarists' that appreciate and admire well-crafted songs that are original and deeply melodic.
song by song commentary: 1). stages of glory: a superb
beginning of this cd with an infectious serenade style
melody. i kept replaying this song over and over.
2). talk to me guitar: trates displays a flashy hard rock
egde with some screaming lead guitar work. guitar runs are
executed smoothly, oftentimes at lightning speed and with
a plethora of whammy bar pyrotechnics. a well advanced
guitarist stretches out and grabs the listener pulling
them into an inspired guitar jouney. 3).the little green
house i was never in: a hauntingly melodic instrumental
that is well orchestrated with a romantic aura.
4). mockingbird: the best song on the cd, in my opinion.
starting with a clean guitar sound, trates weaves a
beautiful selection of notes creating a soaring dreamlike
atmosphere. an electric guitar enters with a powerful
melody that makes one think of a bird in flight.
5). runaway train: a forceful rocker with some excellent
solo guitar work and classic rhythm style. the guitarist
displays a rare flair for both technique and emotion
simultaneously. 6). the thinker: instantly enjoyable
and beautifully sad acoustic based instrumental. the
title fits perfectly as it reminds one of deep contemplation.
7). jacob's parable: trates switches to a more upbeat mood
on this track. reminds one of a clear day and a bright
shining sun with smiles and laughter abounding.
8). stay with me: a very unique, otherworldly track
showcasing the guitarists' acoustical picking technique....
very soothing. 9). last day: with electric guitar back
in hand, trates emotes feelings of sorrow with a crying
guitar solo piece. 10). morning star: beautiful. no other
word comes to mind to describe this acoustically based
instrumental. my second favorite song on the cd.
11). western sunset: a danceable, spanish flavored acoustic
track that is intense, imaginative and immediately enjoyable.
12). mechanical fingers: a fitting end to an excellent cd
with trates ripping a barrage of notes over a standout
power chord progression, not so subtly reminding the listener that this guy can play!
conclusion. this cd gets better with each listen and would
highly recommend to both guitar aficianados and melodic
music lovers everywhere. looking forward with great antici-
pation to the next one.
Check out the artist's website:
http://bobbytrates.comTrack List:
1. Stages Of Glory
2. Talk To Me Guitar
3. The Little Green House I Was Never In
4. Mockingbird
5. Runaway Train
6. The Thinker
7. Jacob's Parable
8. Stay With Me
9. Last Day
10. Morning Star
11. Western Sunset (your A True Lady)
12. Mechanical Fingers
Other Genres:
