Northern England has been a hot bed of great rock and roll. Sheffield, England is the home of the great Joe Cocker. From the city of Manchester comes the fantastic Roy Harper. Nottingham is the hometown of the legend Alvin Lee. From the town of Liverpool came that band called um, let me think, oh yeah, The Beatles.
All of these people and places surround the city of Newcastle. Not only is this the home of Eric Burden of the Animals, it is the place where one of the best kept secrets in the annuals of rock guitar resides, Paul Rose.
He might not be a household name, yet, but it's a name you will not soon forget once you hear Paul's mastery of his treasured Stratocaster. The guitar was given to him by the great Rory Gallagher and along with it, some of the magic that makes great music.
This is the first album I ever owned by Mr. Rose. It will not be the last. He has been a fixture in England for a number of years and there is a wealth of great music that he has put out. Be prepared to hear about all of it too!
Paul Rose is an exceptional guitarist and this is an equally good instrumental album that shows the many facets of his ability and technique. From clever rock and roll to well know songs that are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, Paul will keep you entertained with his unique blend.
From the beginning of the album,Paul shows his diversity of styles. He can pull out the heavy side with such great moments as the title track "Magic City", "Metal Work" and a blistering version of "Walk Don't Run". These songs just show you how much fun great instrumental guitar is. I can see The Ventures looking on and wishing they could produce such a great party atmosphere.
Paul changes gears and gives you a whole different perspective when he goes down the George Benson avenue with some dreamy and very smooth playing with the likes of "Loss", "White Flag" and a very sultry version of the classic "I Only Have Eyes For You". These are songs that are meant to be played home with your special someone and Paul provides the background. It just goes to show how diverse he is. He can provide the soundtrack for fun whether you are vertical or horizontial!
Paul Rose reminds me of another guitarist. That is Gary Hoey. He has that lets have fun no matter what we are doing attitude. You can tell that his playing is first and foremost something that he enjoys very much and that shows through on the music. He doesn't try to dazzle you with his technical prowess, no he has an instructional DVD for that, Paul is playing to just have fun.
How could you not have a good time listening to a jazzy version of "My Favorite Things"? Julie Andrews would have had a whole different perspective if she was singing to this version of the song. Not to mention I think the von Trapp family might have a group coronary!
This is an album that really shows a guitarist at the top of his game. The funny thing is that I don't think this is his best work. But that will have to come in another review. If you are a fan of any kind of guitar style, this guy gives you the goods. Not only will you be glad for the chance to hear him, you will be looking for his next release with great anticipation cause as he says, "Too Much Is Not Enough"
Track listing for Magic City:
1. Magic City 2. Metal Work 3. White Flag 4. Full On Life 5. Shields 6. My Favorite Things 7. Homework Bound 8. Neds Guitar 9. Loss 10. Too Much Is Not Enough 11. Walk Don't Run 12. I Only Have Eyes For You
I feel privileged to be able to say that I have become acquainted with Paul Rose. This way I can tell everyone that jumps on the bandwagon after he hits it big, yeah, I have been listening to him for quite awhile. And that is a safe bet. I have heard his more recent work and just wait till you hear what that has to offer you. He is definitely a star on the rise and who knows just how far that great old Strat will take him.
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