Fans heavily seek the out-of-print music because of the amazing performances by all the musicians involved. Tone Center, a record label from the Shrapnel Record family has been releasing music by instrumental supergroups. UNCLE MOE'S SPACE RANCH is the newest due out this month. Garsed and Helmerich have some pretty impressive resumes in their past. Garsed has played with the rock band Nelson, John Farnham (Little River Band), Bobby Rock, and Derek Sherinian and Planet X (ex- Dream Theater).

On the other hand, Helmerich has become one of the most sought after recording engineers in the L.A. area. He has recorded Bobby Rock, Tribal Tech and Gambale/ Hamm/ Smith, to name a few.

This time, they invited Tribal Tech members Gary Willis on bass and Scott Kinsey on keyboards. Rounding out the band is drummer Dennis Chambers, whose worked with John McLaughlin, Mike Stern, CAB (with Bunny Brunel, Tony MacAlpine and Brian Auger), Niacin with Billy Sheehan.

The disc opens with "Colliding Chimps," a raw, fast-paced vamp that features each of the band members getting a chance to solo. The song begins typically, except that Chambers starts to fire. Willis adds a bizarre bass sound, which is followed by the instruments building. Through the melody, everything returns to the bizarre bass and into the vamp.

"tjhelmerich@earthlink.net" might be a weak attempt to receive more email. Or it might have an ulterior motive. Either way, this one has a bit more Tribal Tech-is feel with the bass and keys. Helmerich, who specializes in two-handed tapping, demonstrates what he is best at. Garsed's solo is a bit crunchier than what guitar followers have come to expect. His clean legato chops still shine through.

"Swarming Goblets" starts heavy, calms down, and flies back at you in unconventional methods. The soloing is clean and crisp by all the musicians. One unmistakable element of the music is the influence of the previously mentioned Tribal Tech. Helmerich concludes the composition with a blinding solo. You can even hear some Edgar Winter mixed in the solo.

As if Dennis Chambers was not enough on drums, "Sighborg" features Australian drummer Virgil Donati to mark out time. This is an ugly tune that combines avant guitar with scratches, grinds and sampled voice. Here is where that engineering thing that Helmerich does shines. The production beats up on the listener with clarity and punch.

Other highlights include "He's Havin' All That's His To Be Had," "Minx," and " I Want A Pine Cone." The disc concludes with "A Thousand Days," which allows Garsed to play slide guitar. Not known for his slide guitar? Perhaps he should be. Helmerich again concludes the disc with another outstanding solo.

UNCLE MOE'S SPACE RANCH may not break new musical ground, but it will push the bar up a number of notches. Although compositionally amazing, that is overshadowed by the performances by each of the musicians. After repeated listening, one will begin to find all the intricacies of the production. Between guitar playing and engineering, Garsed and Helmerich stand out well above the rest.

Bottom Line: Amazing. From performance to composition to production, definitely incredible.