ndy Gerome is more than just a guitarist. He grew up in the area, and now resides near Nashville. What makes Andy Gerome of interest to this paper is the fact that he grew up in the Cleveland area. Currently he is in support of his new CD, MILES OF HORIZONS, on Town Hall Music.
MILES OF HORIZONS is a 1999 release, which consists of ten instrumental compositions, progressive rock and possibly fusion. Call it what you want, it doesn't change the way the disc sounds. Also, don't let the cover fool you. Despite the fact it look like a new age release, with the scene of a desert, it plays more like being trapped in the mid day desert sun...hot!
The disc opens with the growl of "The Creature," which quickly showcases the ability of drummer David Northrup. Northrup's use of different cymbals offsets the melody and numerous effects extended by Gerome.
"Selena" is an airy intro to "Del Sol," which features Gerome on acoustic guitar. Also nice keyboard work by Scott Hallgren. "Mind Over Matter" is a bit crunchier than the previous cut. Heavy distortion with more of a blues feel is in order. Add the bass of Roy Vogt and the organ of Rick Seratte to round out the cast of characters. Once again the guitar work is well performed.
"Fields of Yaru" introduces "Far From Cairo," which takes you to far away lands. "Fields Of Yaru" is a freeform guitar solo which sounds like Eric Clapton from a Lethal Weapon movie. "Far From Cairo" is a moody piece that features yet another bass player and keyboardist, Joel Perry and Johnny Neel. Nicely done.
Belly Achin'" and "Cruise Control" are two rock driven compositions with consistent impact and yet non-predictability. The disc concludes with "Blues D'ville," which is the bluesiest tune on the disc. All of the compositions were written by and performed by Andy Gerome.
Now here are some of the things you didn't know about Andy Gerome. Did you know that he played in the Cleveland area for years working with guitarist Danny Powers (from the Michael Stanley Band), Neil Geraldo, and many other of Cleveland's finest musicians. He is currently trying to find a venue that is open to instrumental music with which he can bring his band to the area.
Finally, he is a recording engineer working with Michael McDonald of Doobie Brothers fame. He has worked with Madonna's band as a guitar tech. The list goes on and on. Despite this resume, MILES OF HORIZONS is a very entertaining disc with little room for improvement. About the only thing that can be improved is that the disc is short. As Allan Holdsworth once said, you always leave them wanting more. In this case, that statement definitely holds true.
Bottom Line: A great instrumental disc from a musician originally from the Cleveland area. Very intriguing.
ndy Gerome is more than just a guitarist. He grew up in the area, and now resides near Nashville. What makes Andy Gerome of interest to this paper is the fact that he grew up in the Cleveland area. Currently he is in support of his new CD, MILES OF HORIZONS, on Town Hall Music.