Guitar Nine Records - "Choices" Review Featured In Music Monthly, July, 1998

Bob Margolis

Review of "Choices"

By: Tim J. Nelson

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lean, crisp and a great aftertaste. "Gravity" starts out this 1997 release by Bob Margolis in a style very reminiscent of Jeff Beck's studies in jazz fusion. Several of the cuts could have been lifted off Beck's "Blow By Blow" or "Wired" records. If you are open to upbeat instrumentals and session-jams (or "TV music," as my childhood friend referred to Beck), then this is a nice showcase for Margolis' finger-style and his colleague's versatility. Choices is a fine guitar study and it has solid grooves, as in "Liberation People." This up-tempo song takes the listener on a hectic, yet rhythmic ride through busy urban city streets. Hang on for the ride-it's worth it.

Margolis doesn't mind switching gears (and the guitar toggle-switch) and laying down some jazz progressions. Apparently, his fans like this mix of musical styles when they go to see him live-his Monday night show at a White Marsh area club is quite popular. This artist is quite obviously schooled in music and has an innate sense of melody and composition. "Camp Vamp" is a scale busting display of Bob's fretboard fury and, again, I can't help but think of Beck (Jeff, not "Devil's Haircut") or Larry Carlton. Margolis does seem to have a style all to his own, however. "Vamp Camp picks up where the previously mentioned song leaves off and is a funky blues jam with Bob talking back to Dave Gorrie's lively bass.

This well known guitar Baltimore guitar teacher has proved to be an excellent role model for his students. Margolis produced Choices with Paul Story and they recorded at Solo Studios in Fairfax, Virginia. Other players on this project include Steve Sachse on bass, and Wes Crawford and Steve Barke on drums. These songs are an excellent background to a backyard picnic or as a main course for guitar enthusiasts. It ends way too soon and leaves you wanting more-like all good things in life.