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Multi-Layered Prog
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Inspired by everything from John Lennon to Queens Of The Stone Age, and rejecting the idea of shredded solos and riff-per-minute playing, Pittsburgh area guitarist Shawn Burnette presents 23 Current, with their debut CD Curve Of The Universe. Similar to what he's done with previous bands, Burnette teams with percussionist Andy Reamer and uses a deliberately layered approach to his guitar parts, blending the progressive axe work with his gruff vocals. Mostly vocal with a few instrumentals, you'll hear dramatic mood changes from song to song, as well as surprising twists within the tracks themselves. Nearly all of the songs are written in unique tunings, which contributes to 23 Current's distinctive sound. So instead of thinking a new home wiring standard has been invented, think of 23 Current as an intelligent alternative option in the progressive wars for the open minded, independent listener.
The origins of 23 Current are seemingly lost in a mist of myth. Yet, for Shawn, it was during this hazy era that visualization of the jewel center possibly occurred. This Initiated a contemplation of marrying formlessness and form and that which is of the nature of fire began to unite polarities within, inspiring expression. It was upon remembering promises made under the stars and rediscovering everlasting friendships that an even stronger unification began... the lunar, the solar, the white and the red, crossing and coiling... and now, oh what fun is being had! Incidentally, many new songs are being realized, and it has become evident that the enriching and magnetizing sounds of 23 Current are becoming even more innovative. In the midst of reaching out and to the edge of within, wrathful, awe-inspiring, and energetic sounds (speech) are being created with unique scordaturas in the guitars and basses.
Burnette is currently maintaining a meditative state while exploring his love of horticulture as the next 23 Current project is being revealed.
MP3 Songs
Letters In Stone
Turth And Lies
Contact Information
23 Current
465 Independence Hill
Morgantown, PA 26505
United States
E-mail:
23 Current
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Strong Melodies For Longevity
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As a guitar teacher in San Jose, California who decided to do instrumentals because of the lack of great singers to work with, Russ Pettit has released his CD entitled The Endless Journey. The album impresses upon first listen because you can hear the confidence in his playing as he rocks hard over the eleven tracks. Weaned on guitarists such as Jeff Beck, Robben Ford and Mike Stern, Pettit skillfully takes their influences and puts his own stamp on the rock and fusion music heard on the CD. You can hear that, unlike a lot of his peers, Pettit takes phrasing and melodic interest very seriously, and the results are ultimately very satisfying. You won't hear those long lines that start great and end clumsily or poorly here; Pettit finishes what he starts. A solid recommendation for the music on The Endless Journey.
Coming from a rock and roll background (Stones, Chuck Berry, Who, Zeppelin), it was Randy Rhoads and the music of Black Sabbath that convinced Russ to start playing guitar. At the age of 20 he was practicing up to 8 hours per day, and even had the opportunity to study with Joe Satriani. Now, Russ has been a performer and guitar instructor for over 15 years. He has played and studied in a variety of styles including jazz, blues, reggae, Latin, classical and folk. Russ' compositional style is marked by a focus on melody, because as he says, "I feel that a strong melody gives a song longevity and helps it to transcend generations." His CD represents a culmination of everything he has learned.
Pettit is currently organizing a band to support The Endless Journey in 2007, and will also be hosting clinics for Hamer Guitars.
MP3 Songs
Wayward Bound
The Endless Journey
Contact Information
Russ Pettit
15932 Via Granada
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
United States
E-mail:
Russ Pettit
Web site:
www.russpettit.com
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
