By: John Kindred
uilding a serious resume working as a session player with
Michael McDonald, Sixpence None The Richer, Jon Anderson from YES and
Take 6, Michael Elsner has built a strong foundation and placed his
roots down in Nashville. After a decade his experience has given him
credits as producer, session man and touring performer.
Eslner’s first solo effort Stained Voodoo gives him the time to
showcase his talents, pushing him into the spotlight for a change. The
debut CD highlights Elsner strong sense of melody on nine instrumental
tracks. The final song “You Again” features a vocalist but the
underlying musical input of Elsner remains strong.
The honest truth is after your Malmsteens, Vais and Satriainis,
instrumental music more or less is just showboating avenues for
masters of heightened skills on the guitar. Many lack the soulful
attributes to create dynamic musical pieces that truly intertwine
melody and theme to deliver what is considered a song.
Elsner though proves that his musical escapades can incorporate skill,
soul and melody. You know when the lead passages feel like a vocalist
could be singing them that the heart of guitarist isn’t an egocentric
performer. The music is catchy with feel and reminds you a lot of Joe
Satriani. Check out the song “Satch” for his ode to the guitar legend.
Elsner manages to produce a unique tone that sings. Easily music for
the road or sitting back at home and “chillin’” Stained Voodoo has a
feel good vibe made all the better by Elsner’s balanced playing that
taps into funk, rock, blues and fusion.
Hardrock Haven rating: 7/10
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