The Pilgrimage Of Thingamuhjig

Thingamuhjig, the protagonist of drummer Jeff Bowders' new concept album The Pilgrimage Of Thingamuhjig, finds himself on the same temptation-strewn path first mapped out by John Bunyan in the 1678 classic "Pilgrim's Progress." Unlike the journey of Bunyan's hero Christian, however, Thingamuhjig's quest for ultimate truth is accompanied by a fiercely melodic and rhythmically explosive soundtrack, one centered around Bowders' head-spinning drumming and the solo contributions of some true guitar heroes. "Thingamuhjig's quest is a sincere search for truth that I feel most people contemplate at some point in their lives," Bowders says. "Thingamuhjig represents the individual who wants to know and understand their purpose in life and to live a life at its highest and most honorable level, regardless of what the consequences may be." This is the first solo effort from Bowders, whose nimble footwork and pounding progressive grooves have powered Mr. Big/Racer X guitarist Paul Gilbert through three albums and numerous world tours. Bowders says that the all-instrumental format of the album allows him to pay homage to many early influences. "Ever since I heard Tony Macalpine's 'Maximum Security' album I've been addicted to rock instrumental music." he says. "Then I heard Gregg Bissonnette's first solo album, which really displayed how dynamic and effective the drum performances can be to the overall song; it just planted the seed to one day do one of my own."