Legacy
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Conquering The Heavy Metal Market
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Stand And Conquer is the title of the latest CD from the Ohio-based, prog/power metal group Legacy. Featuring the blistering axe work of guitarist Darin Moore, the CD offers eight vocal numbers and two amazing instrumentals, "Survival Of The Fittest" and "Battlecry/The Reckoning". Moore combines mega-heavy, Hades-crushing guitar riffs, thrashing, progressive, heavy grooves and virtuosic, technically demanding solos that recall Michael Harris (one of his former instructors) and early Jason Becker. Randy Allen's vocals are also impressive, as this is one vocalist that can actually sing, not just growl, spit and scream like many pseudo-vocalists recording today. Rounding out this formidable foursome are Patrick Palmer on bass and Andy Hall on drums. Clearly this group has what it takes to make some noise in the metal genre - Stand And Conquer is an album that strikes with jagged precision.
As lead guitarist of Legacy, Darin has had over two decades to perfect his craft. After taking formal lessons with several teachers, Darin credits getting instruction from guitarist Michael Harris as helping him shape and refine his playing the most. After spending his time fine tuning his skills, Darin joined local bands Sabre and FTW, which never seemed to get off the ground. In 1999, he finally found a home with the group Legacy. Darin continues to try to expand his skills and enjoys everything from blues, jazz and classical (with a special interest in the neo-classical power progressive metal styles).
Moore also has produced an instructional video, "Building A Shred Arsenal", 90 minutes of licks, scales, phrases, string-skipping ideas, arpeggios, right-hand plucking, and even a section on unique chords.
Contact Information
Darin Moore
317 Ironwood Dr.
West Carrollton, OH 45449
United States
E-mail:
Legacy
Web site:
www.legacyrocks.com
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Greg Skaff
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Guitarist Leads New Organ Trio
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For a great example of bluesy jazz in an organ trio format reminiscent of Wes Montgomery and Pat Martino, look no further than Greg Skaff's CD Blues For Mr. T. Displaying a rhythmic assuredness, a strong affinity for funk and a boppish tendency of blowing at Pentium 4 speed with apparent ease, Skaff completed the CD in record time, opting for musical magic over sterile perfection. Hammond B-3 organist Mike Le Donne is the perfect 'partner in chops' for Skaff, and drummer Joe Farnsworth proves his 'worth as well, even lending a dynamic drum solo to McCoy Tyner's "Inception". Hearing an organ trio in the 21st century is initially a nostalgic experience, but with creative, talented players manning the instruments, impressions are quickly turned towards words and phrases such as "scorching", "clean, yet complex", "strong but nuanced" and "smokin'!" Highly recommended.
Greg only began learning guitar in his mid-teens, teaching himself to play classic rock, R&B, and, most significantly, the blues. Opportunities to hear jazz may have been limited in Wichita, Kansas where he grew up, but organ combos, like those led by Jack McDuff and Lou Donaldson, passed through, making a strong impression on the young guitarist. Perhaps Skaff 's most formative experience, however, came with a borrowed copy of George Benson's "It's Uptown". Overwhelmed by the creative possibilities of jazz guitar, Skaff began listening intensively, transcribing the work of other artists, teaching himself music theory, and perfecting his now seemingly effortless technique. Later, Greg spent five years with Stanley Turrentine's quintet, touring Europe, Japan, South America, and South Africa. Since that time, Skaff has served in the bands of vocalists Gloria Lynne, Ruth Brown, and Kevin Mahogany. He is also a long-time member of saxophonist Bobby Watson's group.
In 1991, Skaff received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to write and perform his own work. He is currently a member of Full House, a group co-led by Dave Hazeltine and Jim Rotondi that can be seen most Thursdays at Smoke Jazz Club in New York City.
Contact Information
Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services
269 S Route 94
Warwick, NY 10990
United States
E-mail:
Greg Skaff
Web site:
www.gregskaff.net
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