Spada, Tony - The Human Element


Year of Release: 2004
Label: Surveillance Records
Catalog Number: SV1104
Format: CD
Total Time: 42:00:00

On a blind test music quiz I would immediately have said: Steve Morse or Dixie Dregs, but this is founder of Holding Pattern (superb prog band from USA) and solo guitarist Tony Spada and by way of our mail contact and an interview I realised that Tony was a close friend of said Steve Morse and it certainly shows, as Tony delivers some very supreme and excellent guitar playing right up there with fellow guitarist Morse. As expected, Tony is a brilliant guitar player; track #4,"One For Two" gives you just an example of how brilliant he is. This acoustic laden track demonstrates world class guitar playing, the kind that make any amateur want to set fire to his guitar! "Sleaze Factor," an electric, fierce, burnin' track, makes you wonder: "How does he do it?"

In all, this album is a master class for young hopeful guitar players. Just lend an ear to "Autumn Dance" and you'll know what I mean! Everyone with a dream of becoming the next great guitar hero should give this fine album a listen and then search your inner musical soul; do I really wanna work that hard to become so talented!? No doubt Tony has worked hard over the years to complete his fretboard style, harmonies & technique! It certainly shows, when listening to this great solo album!

So what's left for me to say? Well nothing ... except for me to say: GET THIS ALBUM? if you are into superb guitar playing at a world class level. Any prog fan of Steve Morse / Dixie Dregs or Magic Elf, should own this fine album!

What's that? No?I didn't burn my guitar... I wanna play like Tony Spada ... someday!!

Tonny Larsen, who contributed this review, is the founder, reviewer, creative member and occasional interviewer at www.progplanet.com, the Danish site for progressive rock music. The text here has been slightly edited from the original -ed.


Tracklisting:
Iraqiroll / Jack The Hat / Trick Shoes /One For Two / Intruders / Sleaze Factor / Autumn Dance / Mile High / Surfin' UFO / Clinically Proven / Destination Home

Musicians:
Tony Spada - guitars
Tony Castellano - 5-7 string bass
Rob Gottfried - drums

Discography:
Balance Of Power (1993)
The Human Element (2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: December 3rd 2006
Reviewer: Tonny Larsen
Score:
Artist website: www.holdingpatternusa.com
Hits: 2573
Language: english

  

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