Artist: James Byrd CD Title: "Flying Beyond the 9" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli 1/19/2001

A 21st century musical master piece! "Flying Beyond The Nine" sets new neo-classical standards by all means. James Byrd is a genius. “9‘ is on of the most inspirational musical pieces I've heard in a while. Byrd's guitar work, is smoking. This release is very creative, melodic, intelligent and catchy. His guitar is always singing the whole way through. If your a fan of Neo-classical metal, then this album is a must buy for you. Byrd can stand up to the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen in my opinion (and that's saying a lot). In fact in past reviews, Yngwie actually complimented Byrd’s playing. I really enjoyed listening to the CD all the way through, on the first try. For me, it usually takes a few listens to really absorb an album, but this one hit me just right on the first go. I'd even go as far to say as James Byrd picks up where Yngwie left off with "The Seventh Sign" and "Magnum Opus" days. Byrd blends in plenty of his own flare that's for sure. Lets start by saying this; he is by far no Yngwie carbon copy or clone. James songs are so original and unique. Every song on the album sounds totally different from the next. If you’re also a fan of great vocal work, buy this CD as well. Michael Flatters, voice is killer. He has lots of range, highs lows, etc. This is by far the BEST neo-classical /metal guitar driven release I heard in a long time. By far James Byrd is laying new rail with his virtuoso guitar work. He is a Shred Zone, preferred player! James has really been an ever growing guitarist over the years, starting in the early 1980’s moving on to his Fifth Angel days to his all out shred albums on Shrapnel Records, to his current style. James’s playing has adapted and grown well. He doesn't get old. Period. This album has many styles on it, classical being the most obvious, along with Progressive, Heavy Metal, and your pop sing along vocal lines. Byrd never comes across as being outdated, or trendy. He breaks new foundations for his music with "9." After each listen, you'll be dying to get the next release. So brush up on your Harmonic Minor and lets take a journey through the neo-classical madness of James Byrd.

     Track one "Flying Beyond The 9" starts off with a killer sing along, vocal harmony. What a great way to start of a CD. Then comes in a in your face guitar riff. James then blends in some tasteful keyboard lines. Byrd's choice of keyboards throughout the album was a superb idea. They really add lots of taste and texture to the tracks, and help make it to be the strong piece it is. At 00:30 pops in a sweet catchy lead, great guitar tone to I might add. James uses the "old" Marshal heads, eight speaker vintage cabs, beefed up single coil pickups and that trusty old DOD Overdrive Preamp 250 pedal. His lead tone is so clear, crisp and bright, there is never a screeching note! Lyrics in this song are super cool, easy to follow and sing along with. In at 3:16 heads in a great neo-classical lead section, complete with shred, and classical movements. Very well arranged. Then listen closely to James leads over the ending if the song, you might just get something out of them.

     Track two "Dark Heart” is a slower paced, darker track filled with tons of classical influenced lines all over. Cool slow jam riff. This song would be great to practice your soloing over. There are lots of movements, and he builds upon each of them with mastery. Vocals are great on this one as well. 03:51 starts the lead off with super clean arpeggios. Then James goes nuts, and really shows a classical master shreds. The keyboards in this track really add a lot of layers to the track and are an added bonus.

     "W.T.O." (We took over), track three reminds me of the "Atlantis Rising" Byrd that we all now and love. The rocking guitar intro and his lead from 00:09-00:29 just floor me. Especially at 00:19, reminds me of the old shrapnel days. I give four stars for that one. The chorus in this song really rocks. It builds very well. Song lyrics are great as well. Catchy! Keys really rock in this one as well. Then at 01:25 starts a cool classical lead section. James uses a lot of harmonics in this track, more than most other songs on the disc. 02:56 starts the main lead section off, lots of shred, and cool runs. The runs James does are super cool, and clean. Please give them a listen. James leads always sound very clean. Not choppy at all. Check out the arpeggios from hell as a backing to the vocals at 3:24. Need I say more? Also pay attention to Byrd's background leads throughout the song I was really impressed.

     Track four "Nevermore" starts off with a smoking lead section. Again, you get to get a taste of that sweet sounding guitar tone. This song really has a different feel to it. It shuffles through the main verse, like a monster creeping in the shadows. Chorus is very catchy, and it builds very well. This song really displays Byrd's ability to morph guitar lines together. At 00:41, the first appearance of the songs repeating lick. It refreshes itself a bunch of times throughout the song. This track is very melodic, and almost evil sounding. Again pay close attention to James's backing guitar leads. Check out the ending keyboard section at 04:11. Its dark and evil sounding, in the vein of "Phantom of the Opera."

     "Everything To Me" track five begins with an ear pleasing and melodic keyboard line, then incomes a massive building lead ala, Byrd. This song is a slower paced one, with cool lyrics and lots of vocal harmonies. The bridge is very upbeat and chorus lines really add life. The drums really stand out in this part as well, jamming beats. James’s backing leads and rhythms really add a lot of texture to this song. 03:09 starts the main lead section. It’s a tasty and melodic, pay close attention to the part at 03:16. Great ending lead section as well. Byrd never displeases that's for sure.

     Track six "Unity" (when you were sleeping) really hits a homerun. Begins with a cool piano line, soon to be joined by a moody lead. One of my favorite lead sections on this disc is here. This song is also a slower paced one. Very cool main guitar riff. Keys add a lot this song as well. Chorus lyrics are very catchy on this one too. Flatters really shows off his vocal range on this song. I really like the main vocal line in this track a lot. Very well done, and gets you rocking.

     "Well be in paradise tonight"... starts off track seven "Paradise Tonight." What a killer vocal harmony that one is. James’s guitar work throughout the song rocks. Get those fists pumping in the air; I hear a new metal anthem! Kick ass chorus line! James use of keyboard accents really rock in this track, reminds me of Europe's "The Final Countdown.” 3:15 begins the solo, this one is mild paced, and a cool part to listen to is at 3:22. Bach like if you may. This track also has those trademark backing leads. The leads starting at 3:23 really stick out, super melodic, and lots of soul. They lock so well with the vocals.

     Track eight "All of Me" is the slowest piece on the disc. Very melodic, and it moves very well. Michael Flatters, really shows how diverse of a singer he can be in this one. Cool multi part harmonies and over laying vocal lines. No guitars! No leads, but I don't think this song really needs them. It’s calm and soothing. A song to wake up to!

     "Avianti Suite Op. 1 No. 63," track nine is a classical masterpiece! I can't begin to stop and pick out certain parts because they all intertwine with each other. This song is amazing. The work of a true musical genius! Could stand the test of time, next to Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach! I was floored the first time I heard it and had to listen to it about 3 times in a row! Buying the disc for this song alone is worth the money!

     Production on this CD is some of the best I've heard in a long time form an independent guitarist. Pro sound quality 100%. You never have to re-EQ that stereo. No guts no glory here. Superb!

     As far as James's guitar tone, it’s great. Not, raspy, not to high end, just clean! He uses a nice blend of effects, not to many though, lots of reverbs (plate) and WAH as a filter. It really makes that guitar sing. To see a list of his gear visit: http://www.jamesbyrd.com/gear.htm

          Looking back, this CD is my top vote for best classical, metal release so far this year! James Byrd’s ever changing style never seems to stop amazing me. You still get all his trademark licks and tricks, just with some new insight, and flare. James will create a blazing ring of fire around you as you listen, not letting you escape until he’s left a 3^rd degree burn on you! It’s a 21st century masterpiece. You get it all with "9," progressive touches, your heavy metal headbangers, and your ear-pleasing sing along vocal lines. So do yourself a huge favor and go buy this CD!

Places to visit:

Purchase it online at Guitar 9 Records: http://www.guitar9.com/guitarmusic9/flyingbeyond.html
James Fan Club site: http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/jamesbyrdsavianticlu
James Byrd Official Merchandise:
http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store/store.aspx?storeid=james_byrd
For Avianti Merchandise: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store/store.aspx?storeid=byrd_guitar