Adam St. James, editor for Guitar.com writes in the liner notes, "Eric Mantel is a player with not only chops to spare, but the soul and touch of a true "guitar master." But the fact that Eric is equally at home throwing down in the vein of Vai-Johnson-Satriani, or rippin' it up Nashville session-star style, or soulfully grooving through a set of jazz changes, only adds to the "WOW" factor. Mantel has been amazing Chicago and Midwest audiences for many years, as I found after moving here not too long ago. His debut album, "Montage", chock full of blistering riffs and showcasing an already jaw-dropping talent, appeared years prior to the ascendance of Vai-Johnson-Satriani. That he may have led that pack out of the starting gate is not unthinkable, had the ears of the industry been turned in Eric's direction before now. But good things do come to those who wait. With The Unstruck Melody, this largely undiscovered guitar virtuoso and musical daredevil-wizard stands poised and ready to make the leap to international stardom. And with this CD, you're now poised to catch him. Enjoy!"
| 1 | The Unstruck Melody | 3:11 |
| 2 | Tribute Instrumental Guitar | 4:41 |
| 3 | The Simple Things | 6:37 |
| 4 | The Real You Instrumental Guitar | 4:02 |
| 5 | Tai-Chi Instrumental Guitar | 5:32 |
| 6 | Shine On | 3:52 |
| 7 | Under A Different Light Instrumental Guitar | 4:16 |
| 8 | Merry-Go-Round | 4:11 |
| 9 | Why So Lonley | 4:07 |
| 10 | Exit 10 Instrumental Guitar | 3:42 |
| 11 | Intermission Instrumental Guitar | 0:46 |
| 12 | Gloria | 3:52 |
| 13 | Affectionately Yours Instrumental Guitar | 3:50 |
| 14 | There Are No Words Instrumental Guitar | 3:56 |
| 15 | Wings Of Fire Instrumental Guitar | 4:37 |
| 16 | Only Want Your Love | 3:36 |
| 17 | True Home | 4:03 |
| 18 | Finger Pickin' Country Instrumental Guitar | 2:18 |
| 19 | The Unstruck Melody (Reprise) Instrumental Guitar | 1:21 |
| 20 | Don't Let The Day Go By | 5:17 |
| 21 | Untitled Track | 1:12 |
-
Interview: Eric Mantel
February-March 2006