oastline, by Brazilian guitarist Miguel Mega, is an all-instrumental offering of highly refined fusion, with rock overtones and a very cool grove vibe. This is a high energy; up-tempo offering that is full of insane chops, high intensity, speed and true improvisational moments. This is Miguel's third CD to date and his first with a full band. Playing guitar since the tender age of 15, Mega has been driven to learn and incorporate as many styles of music as he can into his guitar arsenal. Mega has a superb sense of melody and drama, which are both displayed abundantly throughout the 10 tracks on Coastline. Mega is a strong technician with a clean picking technique that adds power to all his solos. Influences range from DiMeola, Santana to Jeff Beck.
Many styles can be heard throughout "Coastline". This is a very mature realization of music played flawlessly with spirit and emotion oozing from every note. Many influential elements enter into Miguel's music, ranging from Al Dimeola to Jeff Beck. Mega seems especially at home with all out improvisational fusion compositions that incorporate strong melody whilst approaching the unconventional. His timing, emotional delivery and high virtuosity combine to make all of the tracks on "Coastline" true guitar fusion masterpieces.
All the compositions have been written with uniqueness in mind. Never one to repeat himself - Mega seems to be able to pull mind numbing sequences and runs out of no where all the while keeping the main theme and structure of each song flowing along like a well oiled gear. Mega seems keen on keeping the listener a little off kilter - he commands you to pay attention as he weaves his way through compositions with plenty of twists and turns.
Highlights of the CD include:
- The way cool title track "Coastline" with its Satriani like rock vibe and fusion shred madness. The song incorporates some ultra tasteful string bending along with some of the best use of touch harmonics that I have ever heard. A groove oriented track that gets the toe tapping.
- "Como Yo" a Santana like dance groove with a Latin feel incorporating some fine emotional soloing. A cool Sax melody intertwines throughout the song while Mega rips Latin flavored fusion licks - Awesome!
- "Maresias" - melody and soul unite to carry this laid back track. A showcase of tasteful guitar soloing that utilizes almost every technique one can think of.
- "Vaibration" is the CD's all out high-octane rocker that at times reminds me of Pat Travers. Smoldering taped runs combined with some cool octave sequences drive the huge melody of this song.
- "While You Were There" is an all-acoustic number. Very pretty in texture with sonic clarity and technical delivery that would make John McLaughlin proud. A nice reflective counterpoint to end this outstanding CD.
This entire CD should send out a wake up call to guitarists worldwide. Miguel Mega has arrived and he's here to play! A jazz-fusion lover's delight. Mega delves into many styles on "Coastline" and comes up with a masterpiece of originality.
oastline, by Brazilian guitarist Miguel Mega, is an all-instrumental offering of highly refined fusion, with rock overtones and a very cool grove vibe. This is a high energy; up-tempo offering that is full of insane chops, high intensity, speed and true improvisational moments. This is Miguel's third CD to date and his first with a full band. Playing guitar since the tender age of 15, Mega has been driven to learn and incorporate as many styles of music as he can into his guitar arsenal. Mega has a superb sense of melody and drama, which are both displayed abundantly throughout the 10 tracks on Coastline. Mega is a strong technician with a clean picking technique that adds power to all his solos. Influences range from DiMeola, Santana to Jeff Beck. 