Ed Vick
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Instrumentals Blending Rock & Jazz
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Taking advantage of 20 years of guitar playing experience, Connecticut-based musician Ed Vick has recently released Set In Motion, an instrumental collection of eight smooth jazz and rock tracks. Interestingly, tracks such as "Feeling Better" have a more "fusiony" feel, as Vick uses an overdriven sound and some deft string skipping to create a memorable solo. "Catwalk" features flowing chromatics and some clean comping, while the following track, "Journeys" reintroduces the overdriven, sustained guitar sound once again - to great effect. The use of multiple guitar tones within a track certainly enhance the listenability of the CD - add to that a strong sense of melody, along with a solid production, and you've instrumental record that really grows on you, and that will certainly stand up to multiple listenings.
Ed originally got started in music when he was seduced by the sound of the guitar. Once he heard "Stairway To Heaven" he knew he had to become a guitarist. His early favorites included Jimi Hendrix, Aerosmith and Led Zeppelin. Ed started out playing clubs and parties, but in the late '80s, he developed his songwriting with a progressive metal outfit called Emissary. The band played extensively, and opened for groups such as Dream Theater and Dokken. When Emissary disbanded, Ed developed an interest in jazz and blues, which led to his joining a jazz/funk ensemble called Mixx. His jazzier influences include Al Di Meola, Frank Gambale, George Benson, Allan Holdsworth, John Coltrane and Miles David.
Vick currently teaches over twenty students each week. His future goals include making a living with his music and being the best player he can be.
Contact Information
Ed Vick
P.O. Box 26216
West Haven, CT 06516
United States
E-mail:
Ed Vick
Web site:
www.edvick.com
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Dennis Lotka
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Burnin' On All Instrumental Rock CD
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Getting together with bassist Dave Waterbury (formerly with Spirit), guitarist Dennis Lotka has recently completed Dreamland, an all instrumental rockfest, featuring twelve energetic, uptempo numbers. Fans of Van Halen, Schenker, Satriani and Blackmore will warm up to the tunage found on the duo's debut - tracks such as "Seven" and "Alien Hokey Pokey" jump out of the speakers and command the attention of even the most jaded air guitarist. Lotka later tones it down with change-of-pace numbers such as "Prelude - Bach Suite #1" (played on acoustic guitar), before putting the hammer down with aggressive tracks such as "Oh Yes". Dreamland is paced quite nicely, with varied material that never strays too far from its hard rock base. Clearly a six-string talent to be reckoned with, Lotka will find many new fans with his original instrumental offering.
Hooked on the guitar since age 11, it wasn't until Dennis attended his first concert (Black Sabbath) that he knew what he wanted to do with his life. He formed his first cover band at age 15, and has been in many groups since then, notably, an all original band, Da Vinci's Cradle, in 1991. For years Dennis played in tribute bands, but realized tributes were not advancing his career, so he formed Area 51 in 1997. They recorded a 6-song EP "Area 51 - Access Denied", which turned out well, but went nowhere. At that point, the group disbanded, and Dennis decided to focus on a solo project.
Lotka hopes to use Dreamland as his calling card to get auditions with established acts. He also hopes to get a small label interested in financing more instrumentals so he can leave his day job.
Contact Information
Dennis Lotka
12150 Oxnard Street #5
N. Hollywood, CA 91606
United States
E-mail:
Dennis Lotka
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