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Ray DeTone - Strange World
Dancetone Music
Artist: Ray DeTone (www.raydetone.com)
Title: Strange World
Label: Dancetone Music
Genre: Rock
Audio: The Journey Begins (RA)
Guitar rock. Mostly instrumental. 3 word-songs
including the title track, 'Strange World.' This is a
star's cd. The opening 'Gateway' should demonstrate
that, with its Brian May over the top layering. Though
certainly the most interesting, ambitious and Fun has
to be the famed Aaron Copeland tune, 'Hoedown.' Okay,
that's the composer who scored the Beef - It's What's
For Dinner tune. But before this dead guy got into
commercials, he wrote some Pulitzer prize winning
symphonic Western music representations. Never before
have I heard 'Hoedown' covered on a rock cd. Thank God
the first time was with a DeTone brilliance.
When classical music gets covered by a master
guitarist, you have to call it progressive in nature.
However even the follow up 'The Journey Begins' is of
that ilk with definite irregular rhythm flavor,
spurned on by Steve Morse (prog!) drummer Van Romaine.
Ray's elegance in the acoustic guitar break proves the
man can conquer whatever punctuation he touches. A 5
minute work of art.
For those interested in a 'Hard Ride,' check out the
only-electric stance of Ray in the saddle. Bass hooves
provided by the ever-working Rick Mullen. Technically,
Ray demonstrates on this track and the entire disc
that he can do anything, and often does.
'King's Court' is a beautiful acoustic sideline with
Ray and no one else. Lasts 2 minutes and is incredibly
peaceful and rich in its vibrant tone. Not as show-off
as Steve Howe, and equally as proficient.
Time for credits now. Do you have a few minutes? Ray:
Was voted #1 artist on Billboard's Talent Net
Played guitar for Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell
Had his last cd released in Japan by Zain Records
Has recorded with members of bands of Billy Joel, Iggy
Pop, Steve Vai, Billy Squire
Studied music with Steven Tyler's dad
That's all right off the bio, and there's much more
than that. But who cares. The point is this is some of
the best guitar music going, especially if you see the
instrument as an extraordinary tool with the ability
to make sonic symphonies and Strange Worlds out of
nothing but talent and fingers. Ray's got more than
his fair share of both.
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