Review: Eric Sardinas and Big Motor - Sticks and Stones

I first heard of Eric Sardinas in 2006. He appeared on  Steve Vai’s Live at the Astoria London DVD. I knew he was a great guitarist, but seeing him playing “The Attitude Song” was my only exposure to him. He was a talented guitarist. I filed him away in my head under ‘slide guitar shredder’ and that was my entire experience with Mr. Sardinas.

I have spent quite a few years thinking that the blues were stagnant and the only new blues act selling albums was John Mayer.

When the Eric Sardinas and Big Motor, Sticks and Stones CD crossed my desk I swear the jewel case was convulsing. I loaded it up to give it a listen and to my surprise, the thing I noticed wasn’t the shredding I expected. What I noticed first was a great rockin’, almost rockabilly song,  “Cherry Wine” with a deep and gruff rock ` n’ roll voice. I was instantly curious as to whether Mr. Sardinas was also the singer. Yep, Eric Sardinas (guitar, vocals), Levell Price (bass) and Chris Frazier (drums).

I listened to the whole CD and what I found was a great collection of songs that range anywhere from the  Delta blues of “Ratchet Blues” all the way to a frenzied full out assault of “Behind the 8”.

Sticks and Stones is a collection of songs that are fun and clever. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of flashy playing on the album. That’s probably what you would be expecting to get if you bought this CD. To my surprise what you would end up with is an album that is entertaining and still enjoyable even after the flash has worn off. 

The lesson I learned is, “Don’t believe everything you see on TV.” There are still exciting things happening in blues. After my re-introduction to Eric Sardinas and Big Motor I recommend Sticks and Stones to anyone who loves blues or rock.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ratchet Blues, Behind the 8, Country Line

Kirk Bullough

Tracks: 1.    Cherry Wine 2.    Road To Ruin 3.    Full Tilt Mama 4.    County Line 5.    Through The Thorns 6.    Burnin’ Sugar 7.    Ratchet Blues 8.    Behind The 8 9.    Goodness 10.   Make It Shine 11.   Too Many Ghosts

Artist:  Eric Sardinas and Big Motor

Title:  Sticks and Stones

Genre:  Blues

Release Date:  September 13, 2011

Label: Mascot Records

Website:  http://www.ericsardinas.co.uk/

Review: The Danny John Trio - Mr. Twister

Yesterday I had never even heard of Daniel John and today he is one of my favorite guitarists ever.  

Danny grew up in Canberra, Australia. He picked up the guitar at age eight and taught himself to play. After gaining an enthusiastic response in Australia he dropped everything and moved to Hollywood where he attended Musicians Institute of Technology. After three years of studying and playing with the best he felt like he was ready. He moved back to Australia and played with the best musicians Australia has to offer. 

His latest venture “The Danny John Trio” is Daniel John (Guitars); James Dennett (Drums); Marcos Gil (Bass).

Their second album, Mr. Twister is ablaze with flashy, raucous, intense musical masterpieces. From the moment I hit play I was in guitar shredder heaven.

I hate it when guitar virtuosos put out albums with a bunch of singing with little guitar solos in-between. Mr. Twister delivers everything I ever wanted to hear on an instrumental guitar album. The shortest song is over 5 minutes long.   

Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t just a bunch of heavy metal shredding for the sake of fitting as many notes into a measure as you can. No, each song on this album is a treasure trove of diverse styles, odd meters and vast dynamics, amazingly clean sweep picking, plus incredible bass and drum solos.

Mr. Twister starts out heavy with “Drift”. A lone distorted rhythm guitar progresses into a full out attack of guitar voodoo. It’s a nine minute song, but it never gets boring. “Would” rivals the group “The Mars Volta” for having the most genres in one song. The title track “Mr. Twister” is a lesson in playing in every meter except 4/4. “Lighthouse” makes a game of changing keys every two beats. 

This album was recorded in 17 hours, but you would never guess. It’s a testament to the amazing talent of these artists. If they were painters this would be their Mona Lisa. If you are looking for a perfect Rock/ Jazz Fusion album, this is it. Look no further.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Drift, Mr. Twister, Lighthouse

Kirk Bullough

Tracks: 1. Drift 2. Would 3. Mr. Twister 4. Whole 5. Predilection 6. Badland 7. Lighthouse

Danny John: Drift Official Music Video Danny John from Danny John on Vimeo.

Artist: Danny John Trio
Title: Mr. Twister
Genre: Progressive Jazz Rock Fusion
Release Date: May 1, 2011
Label: Danny John Trio
Website: http://www.dannyjohntrio.com/