CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Andy Timmons Band
Album: Resolution (2006 Favored Nations)
Tracks: 11
Artist website: http://www.andytimmons.com
REVIEW OVERVIEW
Andy Timmons has been around for a long time. He was a member of the band Danger Danger and has an impressive catalog as a solo artist. Resolution is a record that I love listening to. It’s packed with emotion and expression. The tones on the record are amazing. I love how focused every aspect of Resolution is.
The titles of the songs, as well as the title of the album, raises one question for me: what has Andy been going through? I am guessing that a lot or reflecting has been going on.
If you’re not yet into instrumental guitar records, this is not a bad one to start with. If you consider yourself a fan of the guitar, then this album belongs in your collection because Mr. Timmons is a superb guitarist.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Gone, Helipad, The Prayer/The Answer, Headed For The Ditch
PLAY BY PLAY REVIEW
Track 1 – Deliver Us
Awesome way to get an album started. There’s energy and finesse in this track.
Track 2 – Helipad
This is such a cool track. It’s filled with an emotion of excitement, as if waiting for that chopper to take off from that helipad. I remember the first time I rode on a helicopter and feeling the same excitement conveyed in this track.
Track 3 – Ghost Of You
I wonder who is haunting Andy in this song. Who is speaking to him from the great beyond? Moreover, what is possessing Andy to play with such fervor? Wow!
Track 4 – Resolution
This is a pretty track. However, as pretty as it is, it gets just a little repetitive. The playing is superb though.
Track 5 – Redemption
Interesting track. It’s high energy and celebratory.
Track 6 – Lydia
Such a pretty melody. Very expressive in places.
Track 7 – Gone
Written as a reaction to what was unravelling on that unforgettable morning in September, 2001, this track is really expressive. This is one of the greatest solo guitar ballads in my opinion. It easily ranks right up there with Vaughan’s Riviera Paradise, Santana’s Europa, Satriani’s Always With You, Always With Me, and Vai’s For The Love Of God.
Track 8 – Move One
Very cool up tempo track. This will definitely get a crowd excited. I really like the B section and the funky stuff.
Track 9 – Beware Dark Days
Awesome energy in this track. Sometimes I have a hard time believing that this is really just a trio.
Track 10 – The Prayer/The Answer
This intro has got to be one of the prettiest solo guitar intros ever written. This track also has one of the prettiest melodies ever written.
Track 11 – Headed For The Ditch
I really love this track because it is so different from the rest of the album. I also love that this track gives Andy a chance to show off his native “southern” guitar skills.