eff Kollman is a guitarist with a vision. The vision seems to be getting deeper and deeper. SHEDDING SKIN is the third solo effort by Kollman. This is another impressive disc, the follow up to INTO THE UNKNOWN.
Kollman is also closer that you might think. He is from Toledo, just a short hop from Cleveland. Enough on geography though, let's talk about the disc.
The disc opens with the title track, which is an acoustic piece, or at least for a short time. Suddenly, technology in the form of electricity takes over. The moving pace of the composition drives complicated guitar runs throughout. Also a noteworthy performance by Yngwie Malmsteen alumni Shane Gaalaas on drums throughout the entire disc.
"Fat, Mean, And Nasty" features the Gary Hoey bassist Ray Riendeau, who is currently on tour with Bobby Rock and Neil Zaza. A slower tune that has a memorable melody and interestingly moody bridge and center section.
"Blues For Pop" sounds like the STRAY CATS with a distortion pedal. The rockabilly feel is well performed and shows yet another side to the many talents of Kollman. Roger Burns handles the task of keys along with the boogie-woogie bass of
Kevin Chown.
"Journey Through Life" is a melodic track featuring Roger Burns again, this time on piano. It is well written and heartfelt. "Subconscience " is a short, moody piece, which one would think, is meant to reflect.
"Sheer Drama" and "Redeye Romp" takes advantage of the bass playing of Barry Sparks. Sparks also played with Malmsteen as well as with Michael Schenker. The latter of the two tracks demonstrates both the bass ability of Sparks as well as Kollman
as a slide player.
"Intimate Portrait" and "The Color For Love" are acoustic pieces with a Latin flavor. On the opposite side, "The X Factor" is the
hardest-edged track.
The disc contains 13 distinctively different track in all. If you are an instrumental guitar fan, pay critical attention to Jeff Kollman. His playing is quite impressive.
Jeff Kollman is also an amazing composer and performer that is the featured guitarist in the band EDWIM DARE. Even more impressive is the band COSMOSQUAD with Shane Gaalaas and Barry Sparks. This trio powers through 10 original compositions.
SCHZOID was the debut disc from Kollman. INTO THE UNKNOWN is a very impressive sophomore effort.
BOTTOM LINE: Jeff Kollman is a guitarist that has made a tradition out of entertaining guitar music. SHEDDING SKIN is no exception.
eff Kollman is a guitarist with a vision. The vision seems to be getting deeper and deeper. SHEDDING SKIN is the third solo effort by Kollman. This is another impressive disc, the follow up to INTO THE UNKNOWN.