Artist: Joey Tafolla CD Title: "Plastic" Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 8/20/02

     Were back again shred heads with another action packed guitar driven shred fest with seasoned guitarist Joey Tafolla.  Yes, he did instructional videos, solo cds, and play with power metal act Jag Panzer.  So what hasn't Tafolla done?  Joey is back in the the saddle again with his latest shred fest "Plastic."  Interesting name for an interesting artist that's for sure!  So without further day lets get into Joey's line of fire.

     Track one "Audio Exotica" couldn't be a better title for this amazing guitar panzer attack. This tune is packed with some cool melody lines and guitar tones. Joey has an unbelivable talent for writing melodic and exciting songs. The main melody line smokes and it will turn your mind to mush!  Joey showcases his high octane shred abilities in this song without a doubt.  Get ready for a rockin' because this cd is just getting started!

    Song two "Touch Tones" opens with some interesting effects drowned swells and screams. Then it progress into a mystical tonal journey. The backing rhythms have an Indian influence on them.  Sounds like simulated Sitar to me. This song made me feel like I was on a magic carpet, cruising over the hot desert in search of an oasis with palm trees and belly dancers.(laughs)  Joey's leads are real nice and smooth throughout the song.  He used his great sense of melody and tonal voicing in this track. I really liked his lead break starting at 02:24, its a gripping little piece with an interesting perspective. Listen for his use of legato throughout the track as well. Overall this song had some amazing flavors and seemed to be very diverse in guitar culture.

    "Plastic" the title track opens with a hip hop feel ala early 1990's with a funk 1970's feel. Did George Clinton and the P Funk play back up on this one? (laughs) The track has a funky rhythm and really kicks out the jams! I really liked the upbeat in your face drumming in this track as well.  Joey even had some trombone and saxophone going on in this one. This song is defiantly musically diverse.  His lead playing is pretty upbeat and hot as well. Tafolla never misses a beat that's for sure. This tune is action packed with licks and guitar tricks, so keep you ears peeled! Along with that, check out the smoking melodic guitar harmony starting at 02:49. So nice isn't it?

    Track four "Wax" is another guitar effects drenched tune that takes Tafolla's playing to another level.  He really goes off the wall and gives you the full ball of wax (laughs).  I really enjoyed this song melody structures, Joey wrote this one in a normal rock format, verse chorus, etc.  I liked his repeating licks and found this song to be complex yet simplistic.  Please don't overlook the mini harmony at 02:17, it goes by fast and is hard to miss. I played it over an over, because it was so good. Around 02:40 the song picks up a little Latin vibe, sort of Santanish.  Joey is a excellent song writer and this song shows his variability.

    "Bitter" song five opens with a nice ring of feedback then jams into one of his heaviest guitar riffs on the CD. Joey really captured a dark, mystical feel with this tune.  His main melody line is very eerie sounding. I really got sucked into the vibe he was going for. Check out the insane over the top speedy shred section starting at 01:34. That's what shred is supposed to sound like kids. Joey chimes in with arpeggios, legatos and plenty of speed.  This song really puts Joey's shredder abilities on display.  Suggestion: listen to it a few times consecutively!

    Track six "Gardens of Stone" is another signature sounding Tafolla song, packed with melodic and effects driven guitar tones.  Its a rather short song of only 60 seconds flat.  This song would be the perfect time to bring up Joey's use of guitar effects.  Tafolla is rarely heard with out wet effects.  Many guitar players use them, but Tafolla achieves harmony with his digital effects. The tones help to layer and give each song its own life.  He doesn't over do them, and the J man uses them to enhance the overall guitar performance and I commend him for his use of them.

    "Puzzle Box" song seven is defiantly an enigma of the guitar. Joey uses a wide range of techniques including palm muted runs, legatos, finger tapping and more.  His playing is far from conventional that's for sure.  Tafolla breaks all barriers in this song without a doubt.  It has a a real upbeat feel and is one of the most powerful jams on the cd.  His style is borderline between fusion and rock, and sometimes its hard to tell the difference. Is he a magician or what?

    Track eight "Later Than You Think" caught me off guard, I thought the J man was going to start rapping! The opening groove sounds like it would be in a hip hop or rap song.  Joey T in the house bros!  Get wit da groove! T dog breaks it down for ya with some funky guitar playing. He really goes for it all on this one. Funk is another recognizable style in this song and all the others throughout the album. Joey really has a wide mastery of a large arsenal of guitar styles and his approach to them is breath taking. Be sure to give the horn section a good listen, they really help establish that funk / fusion vibe that the tune carries out.

    "Circumstances" song nine opens with are real weird guitar effects layered sound.  I can't begin to describe it other than it sounds twangy.  So your just going to have to buy the CD and see what I'm talking about! Joey's leads in this song are really high octane and upbeat. He tears the fretboard to pieces! Check out the killer synthesizer solo at 01:24 as well. This album is packed with great synths, but this one really stuck out for some reason. The backing guitar riff is pretty heavy as well for this style of song. You must check out the solo section beginning at 01:57, can we say shred? Overall this was a jamming track an I know you'll love it!

    Track ten "Can't Find the Words" left me speechless. The song title really fits. This number is the slowest one on the record and has a great mix of piano, synth, horns and melodic guitar playing. Joey's guitar playing is very emotional and his guitar just cries with it. If your into super melodic and huge sounding songs than this is the way to go.  The song is very ear pleasing and may just be one of my favorite from the album. His choice of lead phrasings are phenomenal.  God Joey how do you do it? I can't even being to pick a favorite section from the song, because its a beautiful piece. I would really like to know how this song came to life and how it was written. It is a memorable song for sure. Songs like this make me proud to say I'm a guitar player, Tafolla's playing is so inspirational, this song could easily clear out all the clouds on a stormy day.  It brings in a much need burst of sunshine into the world.  His guitar just soars with amazing amounts of textures and tones.  I also like the use of layering in this song.  The orchestration will leave you breathless.

    "Blurry Wet Letter" is funk / fusion driven guitar ride. The rhythm section is very groove and it sets up a hardcore foundation for Tafolla to shred away with. Joey has a unbelievable knack for composing large than life songs. I think that's what sets him apart from other guitarist, he is a song writer first and guitarist second. The guitars just lock into what ever is going on in the track.  In another words, his musicianship is seamless! After hearing it you'll be quick to agree.  The main guitar line is very smooth as well and you'll find his choice of phrasing admirable. Also check out how he fuses the horns and synths into the vibe of the song. Truly high class.

    Last but not least "Lurking in the Shadows" brings this musical journey to a close. Its a darker feeling song.  Joey brings in some heavy sounding guitar backings, which help his leads stand out. He uses a wide range of playing techniques from speedy runs to super bends and screams. One thing I really enjoy about Tafolla's playing style is his speed runs.  They are very tasty and he never repeats the same run over always keeping it fresh and exciting.  Check out the interesting acoustic section starting at 02:37, it really broke up the song and moved it into a different direction or plane for a movement.  After that the T man drops back into some super heavy riffing.  Also keep your ears open for the killer horn lines, they add a different feel to the song and really help capture the mood Tafolla was getting at.

    We shred heads what else is their left to say, accept Joey Tafolla left me thirsting for more!  To be honest this was the very first time I had the chance to hear him play. I've seen his instructional video at all music stores, but never took the time to listen to his album work. Looking back, that was a major fault on my part. Joey had me on hello! He is a guitar player that has a voice that should be heard by all aspiring guitar players. I actually feel guilty for not giving his music try earlier on. Joey really shines above most conventional players and has a style all of his own. This CD is a MUST own for any fan of guitar driven music. I'm not the biggest fusion or funk fan, but this CD gave me a new experience with it, and I'll be sure to keep my ears open for more players of this caliber. All in all Joey Tafolla is a bad ass guitar hero. If your looking for a player that breaks conventional boundaries and seeks to thrill you with every note played, then Tafolla is your man. I put "Plastic" in my highest regards with respect to musicianship, song writing and guitar playing. Tafolla is a guy that has a superb talent and knows how to entertain and mystify you with it. Hats of to you Joey, I give you the six string salute!