Artist: Derryl Gabel CD Title: "Visions and Dreams" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 2/6/03

    Derryl is Florida native guitarist that defines the meaning of smooth guitar playing is. This player has excellent chops, melody composing skills and lots of depth. Gable's playing is also very diverse and he uses a wide span of guitar techniques that accent each song indefinitely. So if your looking for some new grooves to check out, hop on board with "Visions And Dreams."

    Track one "Miles From Home" is a slow number with plenty of jazzy attitude. The leads are very jazz based and upbeat in nature. Gabel cracks out a superb harmony at 00:59, its short, but to the point and boy is packed with melody. I also like how Derryl uses slides in many parts of the song to compliment what he's playing at that moment. Then at 03:08 Derryl cranks up his chops a notch and shreds away using some killer jazz movements.

    "Alright" is another jazz based jam fest. I certainly enjoyed the chord progressions used throughout the song and with these Gabel catches the true essence of a jazz orientated song. His leads sound more free and uninhibited as well. Derryl uses an interesting blend of guitar effects as well. They are drenched with reverbs and choruses. The main lead section is very melodic and well composed. Gabel opens up the shred gates and goes to town with fast licks and catchy phrasing.

    "Spending Time With You" song three opens with some tropical sounding percussion. Its time to hit the beach and catch some rays in Hawaii! This song is nothing but atmosphere and at the same time it sounds larger than life. Gabel's leads are very pleasant and full of melody. I think he was going for a smooth jazz meets R&B combo in this one. Along with that, I also found the keyboard backing interesting as well. They added to the overall dimension, and accounted for an extra flavor of texture. Another large aspect of the tune was the sleek double harmonies performed by Derryl. Those puppies are just packed with soul and style.

    Track five "Friends" is a polished piece that drowns the listener with guitar melodies from head to toe. This is defiantly a highlight song, and I felt that Gabel's performance was intense. He plays straight from the heart and bares no expense. Some interesting parts included his use of note sliding and legatos. Those techniques helped give the song the glaze coating it has. Check out the odd finger tapping section at 04:30. Its very liquid sounding and Derryl's fingers just let it flow.

    "Visions And Dreams" is the title track and man does it pack major heat. Gable displayed his darker overtones with this number when compared to the other songs. I feel a large minor presence throughout it and he used some non-conventional guitar licks for sure. To be honest I don't think I've had that much exposure to this type of guitar playing and I'm glad I finally had the chance to review material like this, because it turned my ears onto something new and exciting. Gabel scoops you up and never lets you go. He's just that type of guitar player, always drawing your mind away from whatever is going on, and into the music. I loved his use of Wah Wah throughout the piece too. By doing so Derryl gave his guitar a distinct voice.

    Song six "Tell Me" is a little more upbeat and begins with searing harmonies. Gabel is a harmony machine! It seems that most of his main melody lines consist of double guitar harmonies. Which is great, because in my opinion they give the guitar a distinct drive. The added guitar effects also helped to process the tone to help create a admirable sound for Derryl's harmonies. He really showcases his playing abilities in this one, by picking up the pace using legatos, skips and fluid runs. Don't forget to check out the blazing arpeggio section starting at 3:26. They just knocked the sense right out of me. This shredder is clean as hell and after hearing that I knew this guy had well trained hand.

    "Song For Jessie" is a nylon guitar dream suite. Derryl starts of with a dream like vibe, backed by breath taking nylon string guitar riffing. His chord choices were so relaxing and they will twirl your mind into a quandary. Check out the energy driven soul fest at 01:24. He sent me into overdrive with his clean and infectious lead lines on the nylon guitar. This is defiantly my most favorite tune from the CD. Nylon string guitar just sounds perfect in every way when used correctly. Derryl, I give you an A+ for excellence.

    "Blue Fingers" closes the record with a heavier shred infested guitar paradise. He tears it up over some of the coolest walking bass lines ever. Derryl pulls out all the stops and wasn't afraid to let his hands lead the way. Not only is this song structured, but man does he leave way for lots of headroom and pizzazz This song really left a good taste in mouth, and his performance commands attention. Check out the smokin' walking bass line at 02:33 that leads into a little bass solo. Overall this song has lots to offer the listener and I highly recommend giving it a spin a few times in a row.

    All in all Derryl Gable outdid himself on this wild jazzy excursion of guitar madness. His playing style is very fluid and melodic, taking your ears in a new direction every song. Gable's licks never get old, and I find myself getting lost in his music. So if your looking for something smooth, calm, and a bit of jazz check out the guitar styling's Derryl Gable.