"Different Frogs, Different Times" features nine cosmic Hendrix-inspired power trio jams. Ducks Can Groove is a cool, Hendrix-inspired instrumental power trio from Sweden featuring authentic, retro-'70s, cosmic, blues-based, Hendrix-ian heavy guitar jams that dig deep on the killer six string groove. Guitarist Stefan Edfeldt is, of course, a dedicated fan, playing the same models of guitar as Hendrix, through electrical equipment of the right vintage. No compromises! No shortcuts! This is a psychedelic throwback into Jimi's lush tonal world!

"Congolmerate #1" is the impressive debut studio disc by Soren Jordan, an awesome, obscure instrumental axemaster from Germany who delivers 10 outstanding, world-class, bluesy heavy guitar tracks that land with serious six string groove. Soren Jordan is a top-shelf player who digs deep into an "old-school", technique with feel, retro-'70s, blues-based heavy guitar vibe complete with all-natural, organic, vintage guitar tones that all add up to a deep, memorable total guitar trip. Jordan's nod to JIMI on the killer, stand-out "Heroism" is a classic heavy guitar statement that is worth the price of admission alone. Highly recommended to fans of Hendrix, Robin Trower, Jeff Beck, Tommy Bolin, Michael Landau, Greg Koch, Plankton, Christoph Lindner and Thomas Blug.

"Ocean Tales" is the superb fifth studio disc by this exceptional, blues-based, Hendrix-inspired, instrumental heavy guitar band from Sweden featuring two amazing guitarists who trip deep, dynamic, world-class, six-string "earth blues fusion" into the outskirts of infinity. Complete with a first-rate, groove-induced rhythm section, strong compositions and a top-shelf production, Plankton stands tall in a class all their own. A cosmic, mind-blowing, retro-'70s heavy guitar journey that is recommended to fans of Hendrix, Trower, Frank Marino, Uli Jon Roth, Tommy Bolin, Gov't Mule & Wishbone Ash.

"Universal Mojo", the latest brilliant new studio disc by Tristan Klein, a phenomenal instrumental guitarist from France, features 11 tracks of remarkable, superb, world-class, inventive, blues-based heavy guitar riffage that sets new standards for truly outstanding Total Guitar music. An incredible bluesy heavy guitar journey, it features special guests Greg Koch, Craig Erickson and Jean Michel Kajdan. Tristan Klein is a gifted axemaster whose exceptional, sophisticated guitar playing is on par with the best guitarists in the world.

Todd Grubbs has started putting up some live in studio videos here and his new CD "Return Of The Worm" is done and will include guest artists Blues Saraceno, Mike Keneally and John Wesley (Porcupine Tree).

Here is a list of discs from the Grooveyard stable of artists at a new lower price - a mix of instrumental and vocal releases:

Randy McStine "Guitarizm"
Thomas Larsson "Harmonic Passion"
Craig Erickson "Rare Tracks"
Sky High "Sky High"
Sky High "Still Rockin'"
Thalamus "Beneath A Dying Sun"

Chris Aaron "Born With The Blues"
Blindstone "Freedom's Calling"
Blindstone "Manifesto"
Greg Chaisson "It's About Time"
Bugs Henderson Group "Still Flyin'"
"Mountain Of Power"
Billy White Trio "Illusionation"

The February-March edition is now online!

Guest "columnpalooza" once again in February with 15 contributions. Our guest columnists bring opinions, guitar instruction, and live/rehearsal tips to the table, and cover areas such as guitar technique, practicing and the changin music business. We've got fifteen fresh articles altogether - thirteen by returning columnists along with two new contributors. Guitar Nine chief Dan McAvinchey marks his return to writing with "Game Over: There Are No More Discs". Canadian guitarist David Martone is back with "Zone Recording: Heading To Europe". Tom Hess returns with a new practicing column called "8 Steps To Developing A Highly Efficient Practice Schedule". Mike Campese puts out yet another technique column, "Speed Picking". Ysrafel returns with another in his series "Why YOU Should Learn Music Theory". Guitarist Scott Allen is back with his column entitled "A Turn Of Phrase". Guitarist Dan Sorber returns after a hiatus with his new column "Creative Melodic Development". Jean-Pierre Zammit also rejoins us with his tips in "Chromatic Stretch, Part 1". Guitarist Mike O'Malley is back with more ideas in, "How To Control A Melody". Marketing expert Christopher Knab returns with his thoughts in "Oh How The Music Business Keeps Changing". Guitarist Tommaso Zillio has some great advice in "Ideas Without Limits, Part 2". Back with more for you is Paul Tauterouff with "Dropped-D Rhythm Guitar Patterns". Our new contributors include Mika Tyyska with "Mr. Fastfinger Turns Mark Knopfler" and Josip Pesut with his "How To Have Productive Rehearsals". Finally, indie marketing and promotions expert Tim Sweeney returns with "Musician's Blind Faith".

February updates include a new interview with Canadian based guitarist Borislav Mitic.

This edition we're shining the spotlight on four of the most outstanding artists from the eleven years of the Undiscovered series profiles - we're calling it, The Rediscovered. Think of it as the best of the best of The Undiscovered artists - another chance to check in with guitar oriented musicians and bands you may have missed the first time around.

Guitar Nine Records has added another 10 new instrumental guitar CDs to the site in the past two months. This brings the total number of instrumental guitar CDs available to 1911!

CDs are now online and shipping forDavid Stockden, Bernard Alcorn, Patrick Butler, Borislav Mitic, Mr. Fastfinger, Svilen Mikov, Infinite Loop, Will Brady and the Melodic Soloists compilation.

"Melodic Soloists" is a brand-new compilation from the Finnish label Mad Guitar Records, and it offers 17 melodic virtuoso rock guitar songs - with six of the being previously unreleased tracks. With all the technically astounding guitar playing around these days, it’s easy to forget about the songs. "Melodic Soloists" is a showcase of highly skilled modern guitarists delivering emotive, melodic and groovy guitar driven rock music that’s sure to get your foot tapping. This compilation features both recent releases as well as unreleased tracks. All featured guitarists are professional recording artists, so be sure to check them out! Guitarists featured include Mr. Fastfinger, Magnus Olsson, Porty, Scott Allen, Guitarsnake, Roo and Tony Smotherman, among others.

Virtuoso guitarist Toby Knapp returns with an ambitious effort, entitled "The Campaign", as he explores the many styles within the heavy metal genre. Joined by guest vocalists Attila Csihar (Mayhem), Jeff Gruslin (ex-Vital Remains), Deam Sternberg (ex-Into Eternity), and Tom Cline (Noise Auction), Toby shows his wide range of influences from Malmsteen to Holdsworth, and from Fripp to Page. A true masterpiece as Toby conquers the heavy metal landscape on this nine-track effort released on the fast-growing Shredguy Records label. The four (4) instrumental tracks include "Towards Power Unimagined", "Telekinesis". "Plutonium Race" and the title track.

Much of the Leviathan Records catalog has been repriced today, check out the list here.

Korea-based jazz funk fusion band Infinite Loop has released their first album, "Across The Ocean". Guitarist Kimie Kim called on three players, Tagg on drums, Duyoung Yoon on bass and Nokyung Lee on piano to form the four-piece project. During the recording session, they kept the tracks as live as possible - many tracks needing just a few takes. This album is based on improvised jazz, but has various musical influences such as funk, rock and acid. You can hear a lot of jazz solos on groove-oriented rhythms. Band leader and guitarist Kimie Kim attended the Musicians Institute at 19. After experiencing jazz festivals in United States and Canada, He went to Austria to attend the Vienna Conservatory where he studied with Christian Havel. Later He also studied with Mimi Fox and Steve Erquiaga in San Francisco bay area. When Kim came back to Korea, he and drummer Tagg launched the Infinite Loop project. "Across The Ocean" features 8 tracks of instrumentals, with many songs between 7-8 minutes, leaving room for more improvisations. If you like the guitar sound of John Scofield, Pat Metheny, Kurt Rosenwinkel or tne piano/organ sound of E.S.T. and Joey Defrancesco, you are going to enjoy this album.

"Solo Guitar" is exactly what it says it is - Will Brady's new CD filled with fourteen solo acoustic guitar tracks - lyrical and savory! For example, on "Everyday", Brady writes, "This song was the "B" side of "Peggy Sue", the 1957 hit by Buddy Holly. As a kid I bought the single 45 RPM record. Both sides were great but I’ve always liked this tune with it's lilting melody and one-of-a-kind bridge. I was tickled when I found I could play it as an instrumental." Also, for "Falling Slowly", Brady states, "From the 2007 Irish film "Once," this song won the Oscar for "Best Original Song in a Movie." I couldn't get it out of my head so I had to learn to play it. I hope Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova (the composers) would like this version."

New lower price today on great Oz bluesman Dave Hole's entire catalog - check out the list here.

Steve Hunter will be making two appearances at the 2010 NAMM Show in Anaheim, Thursday the 14th of January at 3pm and Saturday the 16th of January at 5.15pm in the Fender/Gretsch hall. If you cannot make NAMM, watch out for clips with 'Steve Hunter and the Hurricanes" on Youtube.

"Hands Without Shadows 2 - Voices" is now available from Michael Angelo Batio. and features more than a dozen guest guitar players. More information here.

Having grown technically since the release of his previous CD "The Art Of Seduction", guitarist Svilen Mikov is back with a heavier sound on "A Poker Game Of Love", which he uses in songs that delve into rock, heavy metal, shred, hard rock and neo-classical. The sensitive side is also evident on tracks like the acoustic "Gravity Of Love". Take Gary Moore's passion, Joe Satriani's clarity of composition, Yngwie Malmsteen's mind-blowing guitar technique, add a touch of Prodigy and Tom Morello, plus a splash of Eastern European folk music and you'll have a good idea of what Svilen Mikov can do with six strings.

The long awaited new album from the Scott Allen Project, "From The Blindside", is available now! Visit scottallenproject.com to hear some samples and purchase this exciting new release!

Finland's Mr. Fastfinger releases "The Way Of The Exploding Guitar" - 14 tracks of instrumental action in bold stereo. Hard rock! Hark and behold, there's more than just flashy riffs and exploding solos. Full of strong melodies and rhythms, energy, joy, feelings and emotions it is. Versatile instrumental music, a mixture of influences and styles. This album is virtually a musical cinema and a true headphone experience. In general, the compositions are simple at their core, but the melodies and textures on top make the music colorful and vivid. You can hear influences from 80's hard rock - sounds to progressive rock. From world music and film scores. Also features burning guest solos by Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Mattias IA Eklundh (Freak Kitchen), Christophe Godin (Morglbl), and Niko Tsonev. Recommended if you like Marty Friedman, Steve Vai and Freak Kitchen. Only for the strong at heart!

Borislav Mitic returns with a majestic new album - "The Absolute" - and the virtuoso Shredmaster delivers his strongest musical statement to date. The idea behind this concept album was to take the instrumental guitar format and give it a new dimension infusing it with pure uncompromising metal attitude but with primary focus on song quality content. Playing-wise, Borislav takes the gloves off this time and brings into the musical arena a wide arsenal of dazzling guitar techniques. He unmercifully unleashes them throughout the album with blinding speed and precision while retaining a sense of melody, reason and phrasing intelligence that he is known for. Each out of the ten songs featured on the album explores a different aspect of metal music taking the listener on a quest toward the essential passion that lies within all true artistic effort - the perfection of creative expression.

Guitarist Patrick Butler's 2009, ten song CD "Responder" features clean, jazz guitar over funky grooves and Hammond B3 backing. Butler started studying with Harry Leahey at age 15. Leahey, nicknamed "Buddha of the Guitar," was a member of The Phil Woods Quintet and was a student of Johnny Smith and Dennis Sandole, whose most famous students included saxophonist John Coltrane and guitarist Pat Martino. Upon graduating high school, Butler spent a short, intense period of time playing and studying with James Spaulding, while Spaulding taught at Rutgers University. He later recorded with The Fatback Band, their album ("Brite Lites/Big City") going gold. Butler then spent the next several years touring extensively and recording two more records with Fatback. Moving to Los Angeles, Butler recorded with Stephen Perkins' acid jazz jam band, Banyan. He also appears on Mike Watt's "Ball Hog Or Tug Boat" on a track featuring Henry Rollins. He is currently studying under Uli Jon Roth at the Sky Academy.

Nebo and his band The Downstrokes will be representing Croatia at the 26th IBC Blues Challenge 2010, Memphis, TN, USA. Nebo won the Croatian competition and will be heading to Memphis with a five-piece band including the great vocalist Mladen Rakas. The band will be playing their own bluesy, rock fusion style songs.

Bernard Alcorn is a Chicago-based jazz/smooth-jazz guitarist whose new CD, "A New Day", contains over 70 minutes of funk-jazz/smooth jazz instrumentals - 10 originals and four unique versions of cover tunes by Earth, Wind Fire, Chicago, the Temptations and the Doors. The influences of Wes Montgomery and George Benson can be heard in Bernard's playing. Other sources of inspiration include Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Kenny Burrell and Grant Green, among others. "With all of those various influences, I decided not to take the "safe" route by doing a one-dimensional project," says Bernard. "On this CD, the listener gets to hear some of the styles I like and use when I play live," he adds.

"Late Arrival" is certainly an appropriate title for Chicago guitarist Bernard Alcorn's first CD release. Although he has been playing professionally for over 20 years, involvement in another career kept him away from a total commitment to music. Having earned a degree in psychology from Roosevelt University in Chicago, he worked as a social worker and vocational rehabilitation counselor for several years before becoming a full time musician. Jazz (both straight-ahead and smooth-jazz) is the label often used to describe Bernard's music. However, like many versatile artists, his music mixes other styles. Bernard's style has been compared favorably with the styles of Wes Montgomery and George Benson, two of his early influences.

From listening to his sister's love of Def Leppard, British guitarist David Stockden developed a longing to do what he saw on TV. Play guitar! He began playing guitar at 12, studying classical guitar with a local teacher for three months before his love of rock and metal took over and left to teach himself the music that he desired to play. His influences in the early days were Def Leppard, Ozzy, Motley Crue, Megadeth and "any other stuff of that ilk". Stockden discovered Joe Satriani and Steve Vai through guitar magazines, and knew that there was something about this type of music that pushed his buttons, hence the instrumental approach on his second CD, "Reflections Of Themes", a follow up to 2005's "True Intent".

The December-January edition is now online!

Guest column bonanza once again in December with 14 contributions. Our guest columnists bring business expertise, guitar instruction, and compositional skill to the table, and cover areas such as guitar technique, live performance and artistic integrity. We've got fourteen fresh articles altogether - eleven by returning columnists along with three new contributors. Canadian guitarist David Martone is back with "Zone Recording: Recording Vox Videos". Tom Hess returns with a new column for players called "How To Make A Great Guitar Solo". Mike Campese puts out yet another technique column, "Moto Perpetuo Continued". Guy Pople returns with another in his series "Harmonic Alchemy: Rhyme Of The Augmented". Guitarist Scott Allen is back with his column entitled "Behind: From The Blindside". Guitarist Kole returns after a hiatus with his new column "5 Priceless Composition Tips for the Young Composer". Jean-Pierre Zammit also rejoins us with his tips in "Trills Workout". Guitarist Mike O'Malley is back with more ideas in, "Single String Scales". Marketing expert Christopher Knab returns with his thoughts in "The Value Of Creating Community In The Music Industry". Guitarist Nick Layton has some great advice in "Improving Your Phrasing, Part 4". Our new contributors include Draven Grey with "Building An Army Of Fans Every Time You Perform", Tommaso Zillio with "Ideas Without Limits, Part 1" and Lou Lombardi with his "Songwriting Tips". Finally, indie marketing and promotions expert Tim Sweeney returns with a practical matter in "A Musician's Best Friend To A Headliner Spot".

December updates include new interviews with Italian guitarist Simone Fiorletta and American bassist Ben Kuzay.

This edition we're shining the spotlight on four of the most outstanding artists from the eleven years of the Undiscovered series profiles - we're calling it, The Rediscovered. Think of it as the best of the best of The Undiscovered artists - another chance to check in with guitar oriented musicians and bands you may have missed the first time around.

Guitar Nine Records has added another 8 new instrumental guitar CDs to the site in the past two months. This brings the total number of instrumental guitar CDs available to 1927!

CDs are now online and shipping for Gerald Gradwohl Trio, Matt Kroll, Eric Roberts, Tommy Ermolli, Simone Fiorletta, Salvatore Russo, Toby Knapp and Glenn Cannon.

Australian fusion/jazz guitarist Glenn Cannon is back with "Clockwork" for 2009. Cannon has put together numerous talented musicians for this followup to 2004's "Leverage". Luke Howard mans keyboards, while Gavin Pearce holds down the low end. Tim Wilson doubles on flutes and saxophones, while Danny Farrugia kicks it on drums. Jarvier Fredes contributes percussion layers, and Jon-Erik Andreassen adds drum programming to the mix. As Darryn Farrugia has previously wriiten, "Compositionally speaking, Glenn is a composer of immense talent who manages to intertwine complex chord changes and intellectually stimulating melodies without ever sacrificing musicality. His influences are vast but emerge in the form of an individual with something fresh to offer."

Steve Hunter will be making a rare live appearance playing a blues set at NAMM in January 2010.

As a prelude to the January 2010 release of Toby Knapp's CD "The Campaign", Shredguy Records has made available Toby;s 2006 release "Polarizing Lines" here at Guitar 9. This overlooked gem is a masterpiece in instrumental guitar music. The ex-Onward (Century Media Records) guitarist and Shrapnel Records recording artist shows his versatility on ten all instrumental tracks and proves that he is one of metal's most melodic shredders! A nice appetizer to the much anticipated release of "The Campaign". All songs written, performed and produced by Knapp.