Michael Harris Review of "Sketches From The Thought Chamber" @ iTunes By: Keith Langerman uitarist extraordinaire Michael Harris is back, axe a blazin' and better than ever with his fourth instrumental guitar tour de force "Sketches From the Thought Chamber" , which offers conclusive proof that Harris is either the best, or certainly one of the best guitarists on the scene today! This album absolutely smokes! Out of the starting gate we have the complex progressive composition "Prognosis" with its fluid, jazz styled yet heavy as hell rhythms, and from this point on ass incredible as it may be, the whole disc just keeps getting better and better. Then, we have "Neuro-Transmitter", a heavy prog workout featuring slashing rhythm guitar work and amazing leads courtesy of Harris. As a change of pace, there's the aptly titled "Regroovination", a funky blues workout which shows that Harris can get down into a heavy groove with the best of them! Moving right along, we next encounter "Two Worlds Beyond", yet another heavy jazz influenced progressive composition which features amazing spacey slide guitar work. Then Harris shows his remarkable diversity once again on the acoustic based "Shibboleth" where his prowess on acoustic guitar shines through loud and clear. "Voyage ToXyrethius" is yet another amazing stop on our musical voyage, followed by the manic neo-classical "IdeoSymphony", a complex instrumental which gives Yngwie a run for his money! Then, for an incredible trio of compositions to close the proceedings there's the short, yet very effective acoustic piece "Madfingers", the Vai-like rocker "Eat Your Words" and my own personal favorite "A Soul's Torment", which is one of the most soul stirring pieces of music I've had the pleasure of hearing in some time! Excellent musicianship abounds on this release, which is the norm for any of his previous outings, but it's my belief that the ultra talented guitarist has topped himself once again here. Joining Michael on this amazing musical journey is the immensely talented rhythm section of bassist Adam Nitti and drummer Mike Haid, as well as his brother Brian Harris, who all turn in incredible performances! While Harris is certainly a master at coming up with incredible, fiery lead work, his rhythm playing is just as fully developed, along with the very fine compositional skills on display here. Michael Harris is one of the finest guitarists too many people have never heard of. There's simply not one slightly weak track on "Sketches". Do yourself a favor and pick this one up, you WON'T be disappointed! © Keith Langerman / Guitar 2001 Magazine Prognosis Neuro-Transmitter Regroovination Two Worlds Beyond Shibboleth IdeoSymphony