Allan Holdsworth "Against The Clock"

"Against The Clock" is a two disc retrospective of the career of Allan Holdsworth, pulled from nine recordings, beginning with "Metal Fatigue" (1985) and extending through "Flat Tire" (2001). Disc one features Holdsworth on electric guitar, while disc two features his synthaxe work. Chris Hoard writes in the liner notes, "What I've come to understand in over two decades of watching him perform in the studio and on stage is, that the musical context he chooses to surround himself in is that which propels him most to the very edge and limits of his abilities, and challenges him to surpass them. Hence for Holdsworth the crafting of a studio album more often than not is a matter of running out of time and having to resign himself to casting out something precious and personal upon an unsuspecting and largely uncomprehending world, excepting, of course, his fans and scores of famous names who speak of his music and talents with the devotion of acolytes. "Against The Clock" offers us a lesson in time and music, charting one of the great musical journeys of our time."