We interviewed Eric a month ago on The Jamcast and discussed his musical influences and inspirations. "You become a product of all those that you listen to consciously and subconsciously." Of course, drawing from and just listening to the guitar virtuosos does not mean that you'll become a one. But Eric is one who has blended all of the playing vibes, tones, structures and stylings to make them his own - just like all of the greats have done. The outcome is a signature guitar sound from an undeniable virtuoso.

The first impression that struck me on the title track, "The Unstruck Melody," was Eric's imagination and creativity. The track pulls you in as Mantel flips through radio stations as slices of his songs split between the radio static and traffic reports as he moves through the dial. It's a very purposeful drive through the stations as it takes the listener through a pantone of his guitar sounds - thick acoustic, smooth jazz, hum-bucking country, hard-charging rock, and psychedelic guitar colors. It's a very clever and imaginative opener for the album.

A tale of two Eric's is told on "Tribute," a high-octane salute to another guitar super power. The five-minute fun ride spans burning rhythms and blistering solos. The song picks you up fast and keeps you moving as Mantel's fingers fly across the fretboard. The guitar rhythms are hard charging and the licks are punchy, and set up a perfect platform for Mantel to fly on a major run. If I wasn't holding the jewel case in my hands I wouldn't be able to tell the two Eric's apart - a fitting tribute to Mr. Johnson - and high praise for Mantel's chops. Mantel's range is further displayed down the song list. On "The Real You" he features some very funky and spongy tones and riffs that take you to back to the psychedelic guitar sounds of Haight Street in San Francisco. He could easily stop there, but he is a deeper composer and player and he adds some surprising textures with a some jazzy chords, some hard line rock riffs, and ends it with a few "Framptones" - a very fresh and lively tune. It makes you want to grab the shades, jump in the convertible, push play and hit the highway.

Throughout the CD Mantel's playing is sublime. A seasoned and skilled player, his tone and tasteful placements of notes throughout his songs as all of the "greats" do so well. Mantel knows when to play and when not to, leaving space at the right moments and then unleashing a torrent of riffs when the moment feels right. And when he floors it, you can still hear each note in a very articulate manner. Mantel proves to be very polished player as knows exactly how and when to pull the guitar back to a very balanced and centered place in the songs.

The album flows very well from one song to the next as the transitions are almost seamless, which makes for an excellent listening experience. The clean big and full tones on "Tai Chi" are a delight on the ears. Mantel moves very well from full jazz flavors with brilliant harmonics and intervals and single note runs into a rock inspired romp. The Ying and Yang transcend the song.

"Affectionately Yours" is a beautiful acoustic composition that sets a new mood for the listener. The single note acoustic melodies sweep in and take you to a more introspective space. Mantel's sensitive side comes out as he takes your mind to far away places and then brings you back.

The CD shows off Eric's creativity, imagination, versatility and mastery of the instrument. He is able to pull off jazz, rock, fusion, blues, country, and acoustic fingerstyle with authenticity and authority, all while churning out his own signature sound. The bottom line is that The Unstruck Melody, cooks up a master mix of all of the influences that have made such an impression on Eric Mantel and his music. The twenty-song CD is rife with guitar power and prowess that is a fitting tribute to his mentors.

Pick up the CD - it's an editor's pick!