The title track 2001: A Shred Odyssey is definitive Stump. Its basically 6 minutes of some of the most intense unadulterated shred in its purest form. Just guitar, no drums, bass, keys etc. The energy level is frantic and will leave you exhausted. According to the liner notes this is just 1 take! Here are all the trademark Stump-isms - clean picking, sweep arpeggios, classical references (paganini) and enough attitude to make even the most hardened gansta rapper feel insecure! Impressive.

Bullet Train continues the energetic start with its double bass drum riffage, very Racer X in style and originates from before Joe's debut release Guitar Dominance.

Nocturne is a melodic duet with keyboards. A lot of classical structure in this track and some nice restraint from Joe.

Still I'm Sad sees Joe cover the Yardbirds classic. Taking the cue from Ritchie Blackmore's version on the first Rainbow album this is done as an instrumental. Sticking quite closely to the arrangement of Blackmore's it still a very strong melody. Originally the Japanese bonus track on Rapid Fire Rondo this version is very good, updated with more modern guitar techniques. Nice use of harmonised unison bends add more depth to the track.

The Haunting stems from the Guitar Dominance sessions. It has all the Stump ingredients - classical stylings, heavy riffage and oodles of fret work. The track is epic in every sense, I particularly like the huge powerchords about a minute into the track.

Another track from the Guitar Dominance sessions, Big Bad Groove see the Hendrix vibe coming through with this groovy wah drenched track. Joe keeps the playing pretty much in the pocket and its a nice contrast to the majority of the other material here.

Partita No.1 In A Minor is a lone solo guitar piece influenced by Bach's sonatas and partitas, a very nice melody and lots of neo-classical tricks - pedal points, arpeggios etc.

Tear It Up hails from the Supersonic Shred Machine sessions. Pretty bluesy in a more Purple kinda of way, some nice riffs and lead breaks during the mid tempo sections. You can really hear Joe digging into those strings throughout. The main melody has an almost be-bop fusiony kind of vibe happening. Credit must go to the rhythm section of Jeff Tortura (drums) and Jim Simpson (bass). The middle section sees a Frank Marino effects blitz out that adds some cool "noise" to the proceedings before the main melody kicks back in. The final 90 seconds see the tempo pick up for some cool Purple-isms - a highlight.

The album then goes into live territory for Shredding In Shuffle City. Opening with another bluesy Blackmore vibe with a section of Lazy (from Machine Head) before the main bonzo blues shuffle hits you. Think Stevie Ray Vaughan with a million volts and you're not far off - who says neo-classical dudes can't play the blues?

Psycho Shred Suite/Guitar Cadenza No.2 ends the album with another live track. Joe describes this piece as his "most insanely difficult and challenging piece to date", and who am I to argue? Despite being a major technical workout it still has direction with nice progression into the different sections. It must be said the sound quality is not the greatest here with the drums being pretty high in the mix and bass a little lost, but the guitar is still there. I look forward to the studio recording of this piece.

Overall 2001: A Shred Odyssey is an enjoyable collection of out takes and rarities. No its not as strong as Joe's main studio albums but if you are a fan of the man then this is a worthwhile addition to your collection. New readers interested in checking out his work might be best served with his latest Armed & Ready or Supersonic Shred Machine but if you do throw yourself in the deep end then there are many positives here.

Hot Spots: 2001 A Shred Odyssey, Still I'm Sad, Tear It Up.
Rating: 78%