Mikhal Caldwell -Sneak peak from his upcoming Sony release
Detriot, MI USA
Guitar fans, we are making Shred Zone.com
history here today with one of our favorite columnists Mikhal Caldwell.
He sent in sneak peak of his latest work that will soon be released on
Sony. Mikhal is no stranger to the world of fusion and shred guitar playing.
He's a seasoned veteran that has been around the world playing music for
countless numbers of guitar fans over the years. This time Mikhal is back
with a vengeance, a guitar vengeance I should say. He brings a new dimension
to the fusion genre. Caldwell combines plenty melody, shred and just down
right scary guitar licks for an out of this world performance. Wither
its complex counterparts, harmonies, or infectious melody lines Caldwell
tears it up. So without further delay lets starting talkin’ about
the music.
"X-man" is a speedy fusion number
with some serious chopfests! Mikhal sets his fretboard on fire with a
blazing main melody. He cranks up the wah wah and uses it a major tone-blending
tool, which creates a soulful atmosphere that will numb your senses. This
song has a huge vibe and Mikhal did an excellent job with the arrangements
and compositions. Many fusion artists are hard to fallow, but Mikhal never
strays from a solid song structure. He restates his melody lines throughout
the track, but kicks them up a notch every time. Also, keep your ears
peeled for his shred god runs, licks and movements. This guy is just plain
freighting!
"Leap of Faith" defiantly has
a vibe of its own and Mikhal uses many different guitar counter points
and melodies all at once. He overlays leads, licks and rhythms all together
for a colorful blend of guitar diversity. I was seeing stars after being
Caldwell TKOed me with a fusion knock out punch. The song writing is superb
and inspirational as well. I sometimes have a hard time identifying with
fusion guitar playing, because its always so wide open. Some artists are
a challenge to follow along with, but Caldwell is the type of guitar player
that anyone could get into. His songs are very complex, but they still
have a normal rock-writing format. Check out his balls to the wall soloing
midway through the track for his dive bombs, tapping and speed licks.
Shred doesn’t get any better than this guitar fans.
"Tears made of Diamonds" is the
evil fusion jam that will scare the pants off even an experienced guitarist.
The main melody line is breath taking, with Mikhal wowing his audience
with top-notch soulful shred. I really liked the presence of smooth melody
lines; they just seemed to flow so well into each other. Caldwell's licks
seemed to pour right out of his heart and fall into the right places.
He really stands out from the crowd when it comes to fusion players. If
you're into monsters like Frank Gamble and Al Demiola you’re going
to love Mikhal Caldwell's virus like guitar player. He sneaks into your
system and spreads his melodies until you crash from a system shock. I
was left speechless after hearing the guitar counter parts that he used
in this song. When I say counter parts I mean, different revolving lead
lines that are played over each other for an onslaught of guitar magic.
"Return of Dr. X" is a laid back
jam with upbeat and tricky leads. Mikhal uses some interesting melody
lines that will take a listener to a whole another state of mind. Caldwell
effortlessly cranked out lick after lick and I bet he did them in his
sleep. This track is very melodic with a lot of emphasis on hooks and
mind-boggling licks. Mikhal has some mad skills when it comes to writing
complex guitar parts. I think it would take me at least two years to learn
this song front and back!
Mikhal Caldwell is a vibrant guitarist
that stands out from the crowd of boring instrumental guitarists. He blends
many playing techniques, theories and soul for unforgettable performances.
After hearing this, I now fully understand what his music is all about.
It's about strength in melody, complexity and simplicity in compositions.
I couldn't begin to imagine how the priceless pieces were written. Mikhal
is defiantly a guitar player for true guitar players. I really respect
what he does and if there were more artists on this playing level the
music world would be a better place. Without a doubt in my mind I give
this upcoming album a legendary status, because of its inspirational melodies
and godlike musicianship. These songs are off the charts and I can’t
wait to hear the rest of the album. Keep the fusion induced shred fests
coming my friend, we just can’t get enough of them!
Website: www.mikhalcaldwell.com
Reviewed By: Nick Martinelli
~3/12/03
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