|
Impetus ($10.00)
Ambitious, expansive and powerful: Bob Margolis' third instrumental release Impetus, is easily his best effort to date. The disc opens with the dreamy urgency of the title track, followed by an explosive and fresh rendition of Jeff Beck's classic "Freeway Jam". The sweet, eloquent "Seeds" features Margolis on classical guitar with a beautiful, epic guitar solo. "Convergence" brims with Bob's inspired, melodic and bluesy phrasing. The mesmerizing "Philosophical" blends percussion with an intriguing, odd-time groove. Raw and tight, the acoustic-driven "Rub It In" is a seamless mix of down-home rock and uptown fusion. Like Bob's previous releases, Impetus offers a vast array of guitar sounds - from fat, distorted electric tones and punchy Strat licks to silky nylon classical and steel-string acoustic colors. All cuts contain Margolis' wonderful, innate sense of melody and compositional prowess. Instrumental Guitar (Electric/Fusion/Progressive), total running time, 40:41 Produced by BOB MARGOLIS, KYLE DOWNES
Tasteful, economical playing on an instrumental rock guitar album? I never thought I'd live to see the day! ...if you're looking for a rock instrumental album with some subtlety, Impetus is worth hunting down. Christian Carey Splendidezine.com
...Margolis proves his chops without ever being showy. Impetus is full of elegant, tasteful guitar lines and an understated power, while also serving as a celebration of the pure joy of playing. Jason Warburg The Daily Vault |
Extended Senses ($10.00)
Margolis' 2000 release Extended Senses showcases engaging original material and fresh versions of 60's era groove-jazz classics. The disc features an abundance of group interplay, and a huge variety of tones, moods and textures. Extended Senses opens with "Dante's View" which contains a thick, distorted main riff and a majestic, singing solo. The poignant "Unity" mixes soulful tenor sax lines and sweet, jazzy guitar runs. "Chomp", a funky blues, cooks with a raw snappy melody and a climatic slide solo. A guitar-drenched sonic delight which finds Margolis expressing fresh concepts through his guitar. Instrumental Guitar (Electric/Fusion/Progressive), total running time, 31:10 Produced by BOB MARGOLIS, JEREMY HESFORD
The disc features an abundance of group interplay, and a huge variety of tones, moods and textures. A guitar-drenched sonic delight. Dan McAvinchey Guitar Nine Records |
Choices ($10.00)
Choices, the new CD from Maryland guitarist Bob Margolis, features eight original instrumental compositions covering a wide range of grooves. Margolis' interest in jazz, rock, funk and blues is explored on each of the cuts with minimum overdubbing and maximum live interaction among the musicians. Choices includes numbers such as "Gravity", which blends a soaring overdriven melody with ultra-clean chords, and "Go Steevo", a bluesy jump with a strong jazz undercurrent. "Camp Vamp", in particular" is an incendiary improvisational romp permeated by Margolis' raw guitar power and energy. Inspired, soulful fretwork. Instrumental Guitar (Electric/Fusion/Progressive), total running time, 33:52 Produced by BOB MARGOLIS, PAUL STORY
Choices is a fine guitar study and it has solid grooves, as in "Liberation People." This up-tempo song takes the listener on a hectic, yet rhythmic ride through busy urban city streets. Hang on for the ride-it's worth it. -Tim J Nelson Music Monthly Magazine
"Camp Vamp", in particular, is an incendiary improvisational romp permeated by Margolis' raw guitar power and energy. Inspired, soulful fretwork. Dan McAvinchey Guitar Nine Records
|
3rd Colony ($10.00)
Groovin', melodic, gritty and soulful - 3rd Colony's debut release embraces a multitude of rock vibes. The trio, featuring guitarist Bob Margolis, drummer Steve Barke and vocalist Patrick Stacey, deliver memorable guitar hooks, unrestrained vocals and propulsive drumming, bringing to mind Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, Rush and AC/DC. Yet the group forges a distinct approach though thoughtful, dynamic arrangements and attitude laden performances. 3rd Colony is united throught their shared reverence for '70s era hard rock - however, each of the three members are all involved in various jazz, blues and funk projects. (Electric/Rock/Hard Rock), total running time, 43:17
3rd Colony jam and warble through a dozen bread-and-butter rock and roll tunes without ever really coming across as false. It's enjoyable and surprisingly soulful, from the energetic "Free from the Chains" to the spacy "X-Ray". Justin Kownacki Splendidezine.com
|