DANIEL CHRISTOPHERSON
"One
Zillion Guitars" (Scrunchy Cat Records; 2000)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
One of the toughest things about playing instrumental music is shedding influences and letting the true musical self come out. Very few artists achieve this. However, Daniel Christopherson gives ample proof of his true musical self on "One Zillion Guitars."
"One Zillion Guitars" is arranged into two parts: the first part is nine songs of Christopherson's electric guitar-based songs while the second part is five tracks of his acoustic guitar-based songs. Christopherson's electric guitar playing runs the gamut from high-energy rockers to traditional ballads. Christopherson is able to make each song sound distinct and unique from the get-go. There's plenty of ear candy as well. It's plainly obvious that Christopherson has taken his time to provide each song with flavors and colors to make them stand out from each other. The acoustic side of Christopherson's six-string talent is much more subdued, but no less interesting to listen to. These five tracks are not songs that the average hard rock/heavy metal fan will be clamoring to hear, but guitar fanatics will have their ears opened up to some new ideas and arrangements.
Occasionally, I hear an influence or two - namely Jimmy Page, Michael Schenker, and Joe Satriani. Whether that is a function of my own listening experiences or Christopherson's influences coming out in his songs can only be told by him.
What's interesting about "one Zillion Guitars" is that Christopherson seems to create a lot of positive energy with his music and his liner notes. Yes, that's right - his liner notes. It must be an outgrowth of his teaching skills, because his liner notes list a whole page of inspirational sayings and tidbits that musicians can use to inspire themselves to greater musical heights.
"One Zillion Guitars" was produced by Daniel Christopherson.
For more information visit http://www.zillionguitars.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
