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Guitarist Blends Rock, Funk And Metal With Relentless Intensity
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Joe Bochar's latest CD, Anvilhead, embodies the essence of what instrumental guitar is all about. Lacking lyrics, instrumental music has to engage the listener's brain using a combination of melody, dynamics and unpredictability. Anvilhead may not be the most melodic disc at times, but certainly makes up for it in the areas of dynamics and musical surprises. Bochar plays with an abandon few instrumentalists dare to attempt, and goes all out to make sure each song bears his unique musical stamp. From the funky backbeats of "Fleshtones" to the psychotic phrasings of "Burned Beyond Recognition", Bochar's music will have you hitting the repeat button on your CD player in order to relive his insane intensity and energy.
A self-taught guitarist, Joe first picked up the instrument at age fifteen, began playing outdoor festivals two years after that, and decided to sport a solo shot at twenty-three. To achieve his goals, Bochar built a home studio and seriously began to pursue a career in the songwriting/recording industry. Joe's performance and style certainly exude a love for what he does, and the results evident on Anvilhead support and demonstrate that ardor.
Buzz magazine has described the music on Anvilhead as, "arresting quasi-funk metal instrumentations that come across as real barrages, consistently holding your interest through Joe's vibrant guitar playing." Let's just hope this CD is the first of many to come from Bochar's personal studio.
Contact Information
RHP Productions
P.O. Box 6572
Providence, RI 02940
United States
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A True Journeyman Guitarist, Vocalist And Producer
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Bark With The Big Dogs, the newest release from Virginia-based guitarist Ray Wilkes, alternately showcases the expressive vocals and biting guitar work by this experienced artist. Wilkes also recruited noted tenor saxophonist Tom Scott for several tracks, including the jazz-flavored instrumental "The Blue Room At Watson's." The mixture of engaging vocal tunes with soulful instrumental tracks gives this CD a strong appeal to fans of both musical approaches. Wilkes returns to his musical roots on Bark With The Big Dogs, at the same time, the album is diverse and shows a variety of influences. Wilkes' guitar playing is the icing on the musical cake, perfectly complementing the rock/pop/jazz/blues arrangements with every fretted phrase.
Ray began his career early when he started playing guitar at the age of nine. As early as junior high school his talents were sought after by local rhythm and blues bands, and he spent his weekends on the regional nightclub circuit. In the seventies, after completing musical studies in college, Ray engaged in several years of extensive professional touring. Ray has also performed on stage with such notable artists as Debbie Reynolds, Gloria Loring, and the Average White Band. At one time he was featured soloist with the Norfolk Symphony Orchestra
On the CD insert to Bark With The Big Dogs, Wilkes credits, "the wonderful people who believed enough in this project to encourage me and help me to complete it." We should all thank the same people--this record deserves to be heard..
Contact Information
Flat Five Press & Recording Co.
18 East Main St.
Salem, VA 24153
Untied States
Web site:
www.flat5.com
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
