Guitar Player's Michael Molenda writes, "For fearless explorers of the musical unknown, a perfect compilation of artistry is a collection of performances that pummels your unsuspecting little ass with shock waves of awe and wonder. Rather than document the obvious - or sate the expectations of the casual enthusiast - every track challenges, puzzles, thrills, inspires, and, ultimately, delights the listener. This strategy is especially critical when dealing with the recordings of bona fide guitar heroes, as those cats are carefully crafted with angelic DNA to shift musical gears, juggle styles, and blow minds. Guitar Masters, Volume 1 aggressively celebrates the art of guitar and bass by serving up 18 tracks of unfettered - and often astonishing - brilliance. And there are plenty of surprises. Metal madman Zakk Wylde unleashing his ferocious chops on a Stevie Wonder tune? The spectacularly innovative Jeff Beck laying sexy licks onto a Toots & the Maytals reggae groove? Jazz bass legend Stanley Clarke trading propulsive funk lines with shredmaster Joe Satriani? On this CD Brian Tarquin and his Jungle Room Studios has done a fabulous job of casting the guitar in all its beatific and aggro glory." Instrumental Guitar (Electric (Heavy)/Hard Rock/Shred), total running time, 77:36