Allan Holdsworth "Wardenclyffe Tower"

"Wardenclyffe Tower" opened a stunning new chapter in guitarist Allan Holdsworth's solo career that blossomed during the '80s. As a producer and composer, he explored an expanding galaxy of guitar-controlled synths blended with his famed legato-lead stylings and an ever evolving array of chordal colorings. "Wardenclyffe Tower" is stocked with further electric guitar innovations, including two tracks featuring Holdsworth's family of mutant, baritone guitars, which he affectionately describes as "exceedingly large and long, with manly tones." "Wardenclyffe Tower", like "Secrets", features contributions from world-class musical collaborators, including long-time bandmates like drummer Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Andy Summers, Men At Work) bassist Jimmy Johnson (Flimm and the BBs, Dory Cayimi, etc.) drummer/keyboardist Gary Husband (Level 42), and keyboardist Steve Hunt (Stanley Clarke). Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting, Tom Scott, etc.) also contributes a whirlwind solo performance on the album's one vocal track, featuring vocalist Naomi Star. The sum of Holdsworth's production realizes an enchanting rhythmic and harmonic chemistry - or alchemy - potent with unexpected melodic twists and turns. The spontaneous, fiery dialogue of group live performance is framed in Holdsworth's meticulous, state-of-the-art production techniques.