When I first heard Chris Steberl's latest release, REASONS FOR A DECADE, I
was certainly struck with his melodic agility. He takes several Classical
standards, and gives them the Rock/Fusion twist. The CD opens with a
gripping version of Mussorgsky's "Nightmare on Bald Mountain." If you're not
a Classical fan, you might know it as the last movement of the original
"Fantasia," where a monstrous demon attacks a peaceful village - Go Walt!
Chris also touches on other classical styles with the "Third Movement of
Vivaldi's Summer Concerto" and "Mozart's 25th Symphony in Gm (Amadeus)."
Chris (and partner in percussion, John Homan) also perform original cuts -
"Trance Mission," "Neptune Island," "Sahara Skies" and "Silk'n'Honey." On
all cuts, Chris shows a fine command of the instrument, and nails the work as
a fiery note marathoner. The record will definitely be required listening
for aficionados of the lyrical school of speed fretting.
When I first heard the record, thought immediately of the touchstone fusion
band Return to Forever and Al Di Miola's work with Go! However, Chris does
not site these bands as inspiring him directly. He does mention as
influences Yngwie Malmsteen, Tony Macalpine, Eddie Van Halen and Mozart.
Chris picked up the guitar at age eight, with the support of his parents. He
studied steadily, until his own style began to emerge at around the age of
fifteen. He did the band circuit, learning the ropes of live playing,
finally starting his instrumental band, Alcazar when he turned 24. The band
performs not only originals and classical pieces, but also covers the likes
of Malmsteen and Racer X. Alcazar has opened for Drama Theater, Tony
Macalpine, Greg Howe and Foghat, among others.
Over the years, Chris has released a number of records, with an
ever-rotating clientele of supporting players. With a former member of
Stryper, Chris wrote material for Christian Rock singer Tammy Winters,
culminating in an album released to good reviews.
Chris continues to grow, citing as a goal "to become a well-rounded musician
in all areas of music, and to continue developing (my) talent as an
instrumental guitarist." REASONS FOR A DECADE has had quite a good run on
MP3.com, with 6 of the 7 songs spending time in the top 40 instrumental
charts. Keep an ear open for Chris Steberl - he is a slick lick player with a
future.
When I first heard Chris Steberl's latest release, REASONS FOR A DECADE, I
was certainly struck with his melodic agility. He takes several Classical
standards, and gives them the Rock/Fusion twist. The CD opens with a
gripping version of Mussorgsky's "Nightmare on Bald Mountain." If you're not
a Classical fan, you might know it as the last movement of the original
"Fantasia," where a monstrous demon attacks a peaceful village - Go Walt!
Chris also touches on other classical styles with the "Third Movement of
Vivaldi's Summer Concerto" and "Mozart's 25th Symphony in Gm (Amadeus)." 