These days virtuoso, when referring to guitar players, is a rarely heard word. Sometimes it’s hard to believe that just over a decade ago, the ideas of what a guitar hero stood for would change overnight.
While the current popular trend may be to grab hold of a drop-d chord and hang on for dear life, there are still those whose love for complexity drives their need to supply technical exhibitions for those out there that still believe. Elliot Holden is one that still believes and continues to feed an ever growing audience hungry for days of yore when the likes of Vai, Satriani, Van Halen and more ruled the guitar roost. But Holden is more than just mere technical proficiency. Even more so than his hero Eric Johnson, Holden fills each jazzified rock chord with enough soul and substance to appeal to those less interested in the skill, and more seeking the groove. This is never more present than on his second official release “Radiance”.
Holden starts things off with “Canon”, a track that has been a staple of his shows for many years. Sometimes sounding like a skills routine for classical training, Holden plugs in for a rendition that would make Pachebel proud.
Just as the classical foot gets tapping Holden and crew, bassist Keith Jenkins and drummer Eric Hargrove, rip smack into “Diesel” a rollicking rocker reminiscent of 80’s style classical guitar rock. One would figure that Holden would have fit nicely with the legions of Mike Varney guitarists minus the cookie cutter mentality.
“Gwen” is a beautiful piece, though almost a footnote to the groove blues tunes “Ghetto”. Complete with lyrics and featuring Holden’s patented duel voice/guitar vocal styling, “Ghetto” stands as the most accessible track on a great cd.
The rest of “Radiance” veers into a cruise control mode as Holden drops the soft groove that almost defies one not to wanna close the eyes and smile. It’s the cool groove, you know the one. Lays down the chill mode so effective that you can’t figure out where you end and the seat begins. One in total harmony.
So those out there needing someone to say “I’m not worthy” to. We might have your guy. Guitar hero, um virtuoso, Elliot Holden!
To take a listen check out http://www.elliotholden.com