Artist: Lords of Karma CD Title: A Tribute to Vai  and Satriani Reviewed by: Nick Martinelli Reviewed: 5/11/02

    "Lords of Karma" is one hell of a tribute album for sure!  With stars like George Lynch, Jake E. Lee, Brad Gillis Neil Zaza, and Bruce Kilick "Lords of Karma" was born to rock.  Versailles Records put together an all star tribute to Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, presenting one of the best tribute albums I've ever heard.  To tell you the truth most of the songs on "Lords of Karma" sounds even cooler than the originals!  I mean come on, do you think George Lynch or Brad Gillis would do any less, but to show up the original artists?  Some of my favorite tracks include "Surfing with the Alien" revamped by the lead master Jake E. Lee, George Lynch's "Shy Boy" and "Summer Song" from Brad Gillis. 

SATRIANI SIDE

     Song one, "Always With You, Always With Me" brought to you by the hands of Bruce Kulick will sooth your soul.  Bruce took this old guitar classic and gave it a new feel with his acoustic guitar playing.  He did a great job and I really liked the arrangement.

     "Surfing With the Alien" by shred monster Jake E. Lee (formerly of Ozzy and Bad Lands) will tear you to pieces with his insane guitar playing.  I haven't heard from Jake in a while and its great to see him still releasing music.  Jake's guitar playing on this track is a memorable performance for sure.

    "Echo" track three, from Jimmy Crespo / Dave Ragsdale is a nice slow melodic change to the upbeat driving tunes that are on this record.  Their playing was superb, and they really created a huge atmospheric sound with this remake.  The track is full of life and the guitar and violin playing is top notch.  Dave Ragsdale's violin playing really added to the songs vibe.  It's not every day that you hear hot violin playing with screaming guitar.  Nice combo!

    Brad Gillis's "Summer Song" is a real treat if your a fan of Gillis's monstrous guitar playing.  He throws in some of his own signature guitar licks and tricks all over the place, and man was I impressed.   Brad really spiced up this song and gave it a lot more flare and excitement.  If you haven't heard Brad Gillis's guitar playing you've probably been a shell for the past 20 years!  Remember 80's hits like "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" or "Sister Christian"?  Well my friends that was Brad Gillis in Night Ranger!  These days he's tearing it up with his own solo work and touring with Night Ranger for summer festivals and such.  Keep your ears peeled for Gillis's amazing guitar work, its hard to miss.

   "Friends" song five was remade by Neil Zaza and I wouldn't have picked anyone else for the job.  His style of playing fit this song's vibe so well, it was a match made in heaven.  Zaza is a non stop melodic guitarist and this song accented his style even more.  Neil screams out some amazing leads and plays with so much soul.  Put this one on "loop" a few times, you won't regret it!

VAI SIDE

     Enuff Znuff rocked the house with their rendition of "Yankee Rose."  Enuff Znuff gave the song that 80's Metal feel to it.  Grab your hair spray and lets jam some tunes, know what I mean?  Their version was real fun and upbeat.  Guitar playing was real tight, and the vocal work complimented the song. You'll dig it 150%.

     "Shy Boy" song seven from the Lynch, Harnell an McMaster camp is without a doubt one of the most standout tracks on the album.  Lynch's chops from hell guitar playing dominates this songs vibe and presence.  It's no wonder why George is worshiped by the masses.  To tell you the truth this song sounds like it came right off the "Under Lock and Key" Dokken album.  It has that fast paced rhythm guitar playing and George's super fast licks that made Lynch famous.

     Versailles Records own Richard Kendrick tore it up with his version of "The Attitude Song."  Kendrick turned this song into a chop fest for sure.  With screaming guitar playing and some exciting accents.  He's a guitar player that will always seek to shock you note to note.  I can't begin to imagine his thought process while he's playing.  Great job Richard, your playing really smoked and your chops were tight.

     "Tender Surrender" track eight was performed by Tony Janflone Jr. was another smooth and cool feeling number.  Janflone's guitar playing is really soulful and on top of the game.  He really did this mellow number justice with his knack for creating a bluesy atmosphere.  His leads were really clean, and he jumped from clean to overdriven tones throughout the song which gave it a lot of variety.  He displayed a wide variety of techniques, so listen closely for all those styles merged together.

   Song ten "Tobacco Road"  covered by Corey Craven was a hopping number that rocked my socks off.  The song was for sure one of the most upbeat songs on this CD and it was the best one to finish it off.  Craven's guitar playing is hot stuff and I would like to hear more from this relatively new player.  He has a lot to offer as a guitarist and his skills are smokin'.

     From four alarm fire shredding to soulful melodies, this tribute CD covered all grounds.  With all star appearances from George Lynch, Brad Gillis, Jake E. Lee and more, this tribute album is destined to be one of the best of all time in it's genre.  I have to give Versailles Records a hand for getting together some of the rock industries best guitar players for a blazing storm of guitar madness.  So how about getting Satch and Vai to do a tribute to George Lynch  or Brad Gillis in return? (laughs)  Be sure to drop by Versailles Records and pick this one up now, or check out your local music retailer, it's selling fast.