I have been aware of the genius of this man for quite sometime. He is an excellent guitar teacher. After you listen to the original tunes that I just heard, you may wish to go visit his website at http://jeffswanson.com/ for a quick lesson. According to his students, he offers a very unique and engaging approach to learning guitar. One which seems to somehow combine their own passions to keep learning more interesting.
Jeff Swanson, to my knowledge has been playing guitar since his early teens, and his years of obvious hard work have now culminated in a recently released 5-track CD available at CDBaby.com for the mere pittance of $4.95 per download. Jeff has just announced that is now available through XBox Music, as well. It was this announcement that brought this music delightfully to my attention.
From the very first track of "Event Horizon", Jeff's influences are quite apparent. Personally, I hear "Gates of Babylon" era Ritchie Blackmore on opening title track, but though these influences be readily heard, there is an air of brilliant originality in Mr. Swanson's style and songwriting ability that gives his work a very fresh "feel".
There is no lack of diversity in his songs, either. This is something I personally love, variety from one track to the next, and the ability to span a wide range of musical genres within one is a big draw for me as a music fan. This CD certainly delivers on that.
A favorite track of mine so far would be "Fear" because it delivers the chunky in your face metal of which I am so fond. Then, there is a beautiful ballad, "Wendy Lee". I would love to hear a rendition of this one with vocals. I mentioned to Jeff that this is the only point on which I find his music lacking. Perhaps it is the singer within me who craves this; however, for the music stands very well on it's own as instrumental rock. The more I listen, the more I feel the lack of vocals actually gives it a "mood" that I really enjoy.
The 4th track, "Ever After" brings us full circle back to straight forward rock and roll. The CD then ends (rather soon, in my opinion...I'd like to hear more, please, Jeff) with a soft and soothing track called "Twilight". The pervading words when I hear this song are "lilting refrain", simple as that.
If you enjoy instrumental rock and phenomenal guitar virtuosity, you should really give Jeff Swanson's "Event Horizon" a listen.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jeffswanson1
If you are ever in the Southeast, you may want to look him up for a lesson or two. He lives right here, in Greensboro, North Carolina.
http://jeffswanson.com/
Photos Courtesy of Jeff Swanson, 2013.
No comments:
Post a Comment