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: Rob Balducci
Album: Violet Horizon (2009 Favored Nations/Sweet Dance Music Entertainment)
Tracks: 14 + 1 bonus
Artist website: http://www.robbalducci.com
OVERVIEW
The last word that one would use to describe Rob Balducci is “n00b”, he is the furthest thing away from that adjective. It is clear that he has mastered his instrument and knows how to
use it. This album is a wonderful sonic ride that takes the listener through well built themes into awesome harmonic landscapes. … and the solos aren’t half bad (grin).
If you like instrumental guitar albums with an edge, this belongs in your collection.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Friction, The Essence
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Violet Horizon
Very cool psuedo rubato track. Awesome guitar tones!
Track 2 – Friction
I really like the energy and the themes. Very well arranged!
Track 3 – Devil’s Juice
Interesting track. Lots of different things going on here. It features Dave Weiner as a guest.
Track 4 – The Essence
What tone! I’m definitely taking note of this. Beautiful main theme. Don’t be fooled by the beginning, this track unfolds into quite a powerful and rockin’ tune.
Track 5 – Liquid Soul
Really digging the groove on this.
Track 6 – Shape Shifter
Cool stuff going on here.
Track 7 – Trinity
Very pretty melody.
Track 8 – Choke
A bit repetitive in the themes. Almost neo-classical. Must be the arpeggios. Cool ideas.
Track 9 – Float (I Remember …)
Very pretty rubato track. The title definitely fits.
Track 10 – My Desire
This track is filled with very expressive playing.
Track 11 – Bal’s Groove “Thang”
Pretty cool 6/8 thing.
Track 12 – Shine
There are some very nice ideas here. I got the feeling that some of them could have perhaps been worked on a bit more. Cool track nonetheless.
Track 13 – Sleestack
This track features Guthrie Govan as a guest. I love the energy in this track.
Track 14 – Violet Horizon – Reprise
(See notes from track 1)
Track 15 – ILU 9-5 (Bonus Track)
Cool track. Very dreamy. Could have possibly served the duty of the reprise track but understandably the reprise track serves as a bookend.