Skyrats
| |
|
 |
Wide-Ranging Instrumental Music
|
Skyrats is the new project band formed by Buffalo, New York based guitarist Dave Schmeidler, who is joined by Bill Ludwig on bass and Al Hury on drums. The trio is sending out a preliminary CD-R of three original songs of instrumental music, which is a combination of fusion, blues and rock. Schmeidler is a talented guitar force who has a fondness for playing 'out' of the expected rhythms and scales, giving his solos and riffs an off-kilter but unmistakable edge. At the same time, Schmeidler demonstrates his melodic moments as heard on the CD-R's second track, "State Of Affairs", and the third piece, "The Maze". The songs also are varied in their pace and deliver some unexpected surprises (including several solid bass solos by Ludwig).
Dave uses the guitar and guitar synthesizer to create sounds and atmospheres. His first inspiration was seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show. Dave then spent years listening, learning and playing constantly, forging a unique sound and sensibility. In 1987, he graduated with honors from the Musician's Institute in Hollywood. Dave then returned to Buffalo to play, teach and sell guitars. The band Skyrats was formed in order to provide Dave, Bill and Al an outlet for music they enjoy In addition to Skyrats, Dave also gigs with Electroman, Groovitate and Automatic Man.
The band is currently recording more songs for a full length release in the spring of 1999, with a series of live shows to follow.
Contact Information
Skyrats
c/o Dave Schmeidler
United States
| |
|
Denis Taaffe
| |
|
 |
High Energy Rock Guitar
|
Guitarist Denis Taaffe has recently wrapped up recording fifteen original instrumental rock songs and submitted an advance CD-R, entitled Modern Rock Guitar, Vol. 1: Abducted By Aliens. Taaffe is a fine fretburner, and the CD-R contains many relentless metal/hard rock grooves and some excellent solo phrasing. His compositional style is also noteworthy -- Taaffe uses dynamics to change the mood quickly in songs such as "The Reef". However, the drum machine sounds on the album ranged from mildly distracting to very distracting, sometimes making what should be a heavy groove into a lighter piece. Two of the songs contain vocals, and probably shouldn't, as they add nothing substantial to the performance. All things considered, Taaffe is off to a good start with his initial foray into production and recording.
Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Denis has been playing guitar for the past fourteen years. He has always been a big fan of instrumental rock guitar music and guitar music in general. Denis has always striven to emphasize melodic playing, unique techniques and solid guitar tones in his music. When it came time to record for his first CD, Denis was a one-man recording machine, playing all the instruments (including guitar, bass, vocals and drum programming) and recording the music in his digital 8-track based home studio.
Taaffe plans to manufacture CDs of Modern Rock Guitar, Vol. 1: Abducted By Aliens to be ready for release in late April of 1999. His song, "The Reef" will be included in the Roland VS-880 User's Group Compilation CD.
Contact Information
Denis Taaffe
619 South Ballantine Rd.
Bloomington, IN 47401
United States
|
