SAM KAZEROONI

"Light It Up" (Fossil Records; 2011)

Reviewed by Snidermann

From the mind of Sam Kazerooni once again comes an excellent rock'n'roll instrumental release.

In the past, I've had a hard time even imagining rock'n'roll without vocals, but then I discovered Sam Kazerooni and realized this is how it should sound! Without the distractions of the vocals, Sam spins his musical wand like a painter with a canvas and the mind adds in the details of its own. As each song starts, my musical muse awaits to be transported to a place and time -- only my mind knows where it goes and why. As each songs ends, I eagerly anticipate the next episode.

Sam’s music is simply outstanding, taking guitar to another plane of existence with a wave of his magical fingers.

For more information, check out http://www.samkazerooni.net.

"Delve" (Fossil Records; 2007)

Reviewed by Snidermann

With "Delve," Sam Kazerooni proves once again that really great rock music does not need anything as droll as lyrics to be truly outstanding. 

Playing all the guitars (lead, rhythm and bass) and keyboards, Sam paints a musical portrait that is truly unique and identifiable. I found the music to be inspirational and complex in a way that transformed me into a state of grace without my even realizing it was happening. 

As I listened, I followed the way the rhythm guitar started and then the lead picked it up and then they both seemed to change places as the bass came in to complete the picture. And, as I listened, I had to keep reminding myself that this is just one guy playing all those riffs at the same time!

Sam Kazerooni is a true master of instrumental rock art with a simply outstanding repertoire of great music. So, lock the door, turn off the lights, put on your headphones, turn the volume up, sit back and enjoy the musical movie of "Delve" as it develops in front of you. 

Not only is this the best instrumental rock album of 2007, it may be the best rock release of the year, period.

For more information, check out http://www.samkazerooni.net or http://www.fossilrecords.net

"Angry Planet" (Fossil Records; 2003)

Reviewed by Snidermann

There will always be a place in my heart for individuals who are so determined to record their music their way, they'll all but do it themselves. If it's a success, they can bask in the limelight they created. If it flops, there's no one to blame but themselves. 

Sam Kazerooni is one of those people. Except for the drums (which are handled by a cat named Pravin 'Thundersticks' Mukhi), everything you hear on "Angry Planet" comes from Sam.

And what a performance it is. "Angry Planet" is an all instrumental CD with no vocals and no other extraneous bullshit to get in the way. It's just plan musical poetry. This is power guitar music to the extreme and this shit is so good that lyrics and vocals aren't necessary. To say that Kazerooni is a talented guitarist is like saying Pamela Anderson has big boobs or George W. is a dickhead. It's just a fact, plain and simple.

According to the liner notes, this is Sam's second release. If the first one ("Vision") is anything like "Angry Planet," it must rock, too. True, some of the slower tunes tend to drag, but never long enough to spoil the overall listening experience. The musical range of emotion is wide and varied and makes this CD a treat to listen to. 

For my money, Sam Kazerooni can take his place as one of the best metal guitarists out there today.

For more information, check out http://www.samkazerooni.net or http://www.fossilrecords.net

"Vision" (Fossil Records; 2000)

Reviewed by Snidermann

With "Vision," Sam Kazerooni has graced us with an outstanding instrumental recording. The name of this is so appropriate because what what vision its creator has! 

Sam pays as much attention to rhythm guitar as he does lead and that's the reason I like his music over so many other instrumental guitarists out there today.  Each track here is fun and easy to listen to and each paints a picture. And, each time I listen, I feel something different.  

I simply love Mr. Kazerooni’s style and I am never bored while listening to his music, unlike some of the other, perhaps more famous guitarists out there. The music is simple but at the same time also incredibly complex. Both aspects are perfectly modulated into an extremely understandable and enjoyable product.

For more information, check out http://www.samkazerooni.net or http://www.fossilrecords.net

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.

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Copyright © 2011 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
Revised: 15 Apr 2024 16:55:52 -0400 .