Presence

Greg Griffin, a guitarist from Ohio, serves up his 1997, mostly instrumental hard rock CD, Presence, which (like his self-titled CD) showcases a wide range of rhythmic grooves and fleet fingered solos, accompanied by the drumming of co-producer Ron Westphal. Griffin is also fond of the guitar interlude ("Path To Peace", "Reminisce"), which he uses to help the album breathe, and sets the stage for further guitar mayhem. Two vocal tracks are also featured with guest vocalists - "Until Tomorrow" and "A Song Of Life". Griffin is a deceptively good axeman, and he displays an uncanny knack for writing instrumental rock that manages to be uplifting without being too sentimental or corny. Fans will admire his restraint at times, as the blazingly fast passages come out of nowhere to dazzle and astound.