(Greg Howe – guitars; Jon Reshard – bass; Gianluca Palmieri – drums; David Cook – keyboards)
Like Yngvie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Dom Minasi, and Steve Vai, founder of the Favored Nations label that Howe records for, before him, few can match Howe’s sheer virtuosity. But does that translate into compelling music? Not necessarily.
After listening to this frenetic music numerous times, I come away with the feeling that, though prodigious technique is regularly on display here, especially from leader Howe, but pretty much from all members of this band, the end result is vaguely dissatisfying.
Why? This band seems more interested in flaunting its admittedly prodigal chops than making musical statements of substance. Nothing wrong, one supposes, with strutting one’s stuff, but if it doesn’t add up to something of larger significance, what’s the point in the end?
You tell me. Will likely be lapped up by those who think the more notes you play and the more technique you exhibit the better musician you are. Others will want to approach with caution.
TrackList: Intro, Emergency Exit, Tell Me Something Good, Connoisseur Part 1, Reunion, Morning View, Walkie Talkie, Rehearsal Note, Side Note, Sunset in El Paso, Write Me a Song, Child’s Play, Sound Proof, Connoisseur Part 2
– Jan P. Dennis
