Allan Holdsworth: Road Games (2001)

John W. Patterson

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Published: April 12, 2002

Short but sweet . . . This 24:17 length re-release, never before on CD, 80's era solo effort originally appeared as an EP, (extended play), vinyl release. It is a unique mix of great vocals with a more rocking, bluesy jazzy, quasi-mainstream, song-themed, balladic thrust. This release showcases Holdsworth playing less “out there”. Don’t get me wrong — the guitar is amazing, multi-voiced, fusion-fired, ethereally chorded, delightfully crystalline-clear-note flourished, and swooningly embellished. Then add in the vocals of Jack Bruce for that “Cream” flashback or the I.O.U. band feel of Paul Williams’ crooning, back-to-back with killer bass by Berlin and tastefully poised drums by Wackerman and you have fusion-rock bliss.

Holdsworth addicts have waited a very long time for this to appear on CD format. So go for it. I was glad to see it happen but I bet many out there already had this on vinyl-to-CD-R copies at home. I did. Time to get the real deal folks. It sounds great all over again. Orignial album cover graphics and notes are included.

Website: http://www.gnarlygeezer.com

Track Listing: Three Sheets To The Wind, Road Games, Water On The Brain - Pt. II, Tokyo Dream, Was There?, Material Real

Personnel: Allan Holdsworth - Guitar, Jeff Berlin - bass, Chad Wackerman - drums, Special Guest: Jack Bruce - vocals, Backing vocals: Joe Turano, Paul Korda, Paul Williams(lead vox on track 2)

Record Label: Gnarly Geezer
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock