usic creativity just got a kick in the ass - his name is Rob Sbar. Fusion meets Jazz Rock with a heavy heaping of Prog elements all grace this superb first release from one of the world's truly creative musical innovators. No stranger to instrumental guitar, Rob has been showcasing his mind blowing chops and compositional genius since the tender age of 16. Since that time Rob has continued to study and learn a diverse arsenal of guitar techniques and compositional skills that put him at the forefront of today's best fusion virtuosos. As a guitarist of truly frightening skill, Rob has earned himself a Master of Arts Degree in Music from Rutgers University. Rob has also studied under the tutelage of Greg Howe and world renowned composer Charles Wuorinen.
Many styles can be heard throughout "Wagon Wheels and Atom Bombs". This is extremely mature music played flawlessly with spirit and emotion oozing from every note. Many influential elements enter into Sbar music, ranging from eclectic jazz to progressive metal. Imagine Frank Zappa's mind combined with Allan Holdsworth's guitar skill and you start to get the picture of what you are in for. Rob is especially at home with fusion compositions that incorporate strong melody whilst also stepping outside of the box. His timing, emotional delivery and high virtuosity combine to make all of the tracks on "Wagon Wheels and Atom Bombs" true guitar masterpieces. Rob Sbar is one of the most unusual guitar instrumental composers ever to grace our presence. Not since Vai or Gambale has there been such extraordinary sounds produced from the electric guitar.
All the compositions found throughout Wagon Wheels and Atom Bombs are written with a carefree spirit that takes the listener on an unbelievable journey into - uniqueness. Never one to repeat himself - Sbar seems to be able to pull mind numbing sequences and runs out of no where all the while keeping the main theme and structure of each song flowing along like a well oiled gear. Sbar seems keen on keeping the listener a little off centre - he commands you to pay attention as he weaves his way through compositions with plenty of twists and turns. Highlights of the CD include:
- "Lexical Gap" - an avant-garde shred feast with its arpegiated sweep sequences and speed picking.
- "16 Shades of Grey" - a groove oriented track that incorporates a funk vibe and some cool fret board tapping.
- "Media Induced Paranoia" - fusion meets prog slam fest with a pumping rhythm.
- "Diet Soda, Chinese Food and a Single Yellow Daisy" - solid jazz offering with eclectic single note lines and odd meter rhythms.
This entire CD should send out a shock wave of epic proportions to all musician / guitarists worldwide. Rob Sbar has transcended from somewhere not of this earth delivering one eclectic mix of beautifully strange and enjoyable tunes - a masterpiece of originality and technical prowess!
usic creativity just got a kick in the ass - his name is Rob Sbar. Fusion meets Jazz Rock with a heavy heaping of Prog elements all grace this superb first release from one of the world's truly creative musical innovators. No stranger to instrumental guitar, Rob has been showcasing his mind blowing chops and compositional genius since the tender age of 16. Since that time Rob has continued to study and learn a diverse arsenal of guitar techniques and compositional skills that put him at the forefront of today's best fusion virtuosos. As a guitarist of truly frightening skill, Rob has earned himself a Master of Arts Degree in Music from Rutgers University. Rob has also studied under the tutelage of Greg Howe and world renowned composer Charles Wuorinen.