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Instrumental Rocker Finds Niche
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No, not "The Da Vinci Code's" Dan Brown - this Brown is an instrumental rock guitarist from the St. Louis area who has released his debut CD, entitled The Awakening. Packed with nine driving tracks geared towards the Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson and Gary Hoey enthusiast, Brown lets it rip, peppering his original melodies with high-octane soloing based on tight, propulsive musical chops honed in the many groups he has been a part of. Ballad tempo tracks such as "Never Alone?" show off his well-structured and tasteful side, flowing from the ethereal to the heavy with seamless efficiency. Interludes such as "Morning After Her" allow the album to breathe with a smattering of acoustic shimmer. Brown has an excellent first release here, which also features Anthony Kaid (drums).
Dan, a 22-year-old musician, captivated audiences all across the country as lead guitarist of the national touring act Mostly Crue, and was a member of other established acts such as Rock Bottom and Surreal Zeal. Now about a year into his solo career, and with the release of his first CD, The Awakening, a small Midwestern tour will begin in June and continue through the end of the year. With planned radio and TV appearances, Dan is quickly making a name for himself all over the world.
The tracks on The Awakening took about a year to complete, All songs on the album were recorded by Brown and drummer Anthony Kaid in their home studio.
Contact Information
Dan Brown Jr.
2046 Chablis, Apt. D
Maryland Heights, MO 63146
United States
E-mail:
Dan Brown Jr.
Web site:
www.danbrownjr.com
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Intense Brazilian Instrumentalist
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Brazilian metal man Carlos Lichman submitted his three song demo CD-R, the appropriately named Intense Guitar Playing. All instrumental, Lichman chose these tunes because they were well accepted by the audiences at his workshops and master classes. The opening track "Drug Dealers" is a heavy quick hitter in the Paul Gilbert and Jason Becker tradition, with double-bass drumming setting the stage for fiery, hi-volume sweeping and a snarling solo befitting the title. "Heavy Influence" follows, a longer track more in the progressive rock vein, and it blazes with ultra-fast solos, and intense, in-your-face arpeggios influenced by Michael Angelo Batio and Francesco Fareri. Closing out the demo is the title track, a groove-fueled hard rock track with tough guitar sounds, funky wah-wah and slamming, bowel-bruising solos. Lichman is well on his way to his goal of writing the most intense melodic guitar songs yet.
Carlos was born in Porto Alegre City, Brazil. He began his musical education as a classically trained guitarist; his subsequent rock recordings retain a pronounced classical influence, incorporating elements of jazz, fusion and MPB as well.
He recorded the "Wake up the Dragons" EP with Neverland (heavy metal) in 2001. Local radio stations accepted this EP very well and Neverland had great opportunities to play in big events. However, the group dissolved and Lichman decided to concentrate on his instrumental solo career. Influenced by Steve Vai, Marty Friedman, Paul Gilbert and Richie Kotzen, Carlos recorded a demo CD called "Planet Rock" in 2003, where Carlos' songwriting and guitar skills shined.
Lichman currently organizes guitar workshops and master classes, develops background music for plays and movies, and gives guitar lessons. He also writes guitar columns for several web sites and a music newspaper.
Contact Information
Carlos Lichman
Rua Tenente Ary Tarrago, 1990/405-Bloco 'C'
Cep: 91225-001
Brazil
E-mail:
Carlos Lichman
Web site:
www.carloslichman.com
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
