By: Robert Silverstein
cclaimed in his native England for his work with his own Chris Francis Band, numerous session work and a pair of solo CDs, the latest of which came out late in 2006, guitarist Chris Francis sounds inspired by Van Halen and Steve Vai. His latest solo instrumental guitar CD blends rock with freewheeling heavy metal guitar shredding to great effect. On Studs N' Sisters Francis puts real meat on these rockers that are enhanced by his daredevil guitar licks. It's not all hard rock, there's some tasty melodic work especially on his refreshing anthemic guitar instro cover of the Madonna classic "Material Girl" while the moog-like guitar groove of "2nd Base" gets it right with a solid Jan Akkerman influence. The colorful liner booklet serves as a program guide for Chris' cinematic, retro-flavored electric rock and jazz guitar instrumentals.
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