By: Robert Silverstein
icking things off with an opening track described as 'Herb Alpert meets Eric Johnson', Blue Electric Cool is the third solo album from L.A. guitarist Curtis Fornadley. From the striking CD artwork to the sharp studio sound, there's alot of fine guitar ideas on the 13 track CD. Earlier albums from Curtis-his self-titled '99 album and 2001's Room 137-offered a fine intro to his melodic jazz-rock instrumentals and his 2004 CD, Blue Electric Cool continues to perfect his sound. Highlights include the kick-ass "Fire In Her Eyes", which sounds like a post-modern, rockin' Ventures style rave-up, "Acid Exp. #2" evokes a fascinating new Acid Jazz sound for Curtis, while a Metheny-inspired 'quiet storm' sound of smooth instro guitar jazz filters through on several tracks including the 7+ minute title track. With it's Bolero-like power chords, "Spanish Surf" reflects a penchant for the '60s guitar instros while Prince as an inspiration comes knocking in the humorous "Tasty Burger" and, Al DiMeola too on the breakneck pace of "Race With Jesus on PCH." Commenting on his own personal favorites from the album, the guitarist adds, "Blue Electric Cool is very diverse; each song has it own sound and vibe. On the psychedelic side I like "Acid Exp #2". I can listen to that tune without thinking about the fact that I wrote it and played on it. On the pure musical show off side, I think "Race with Jesus on PCH" came out better than I thought it would. "Street Walkin'" is a favorite because it mixes so many elements seamlessly; great horn parts, a great grove, with plenty of room for the guitar to shine without being annoying. A favorite tune from a composition and arrangement perspective is "Nothing Can Bother Us Now". Cool as ice and true blue, Blue Electric Cool features Curtis in excellent form on a number of electric guitars including Fender Custom Classic Strat, Tom Anderson Strat, Ovation acoustic and Les Paul. Backed up by fine players like Dave Hill (bass) and Rob Chismar (drums), Blue Electric Cool reveals fresh musical ideas spin after spin.
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