Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Allan Holdsworth: Hard Hat Area
Allan Holdsworth: Hard Hat Area
By Track review of "Low Levels, High Stakes"Holdsworth demands the utmost from his drummers. Here, Gary Husbanda legend in his own righttenders the polyrhythmic vehicle on the blithe, yet torridly gravitating "Low Levels, High Stakes." Here, the guitarist's melodically resonating legato lines bespeak joy, lament, and ominous events as the band commences with surging intensity, abetted by bassist Skuli Sverrisson's recoiling bass parts. Husband peppers, prods, and goes for the gusto as the band ascends towards a towering zenith, shaded by keyboardist Steve Hunt's supply melodic synth lines. Naturally, Holdsworth tears it up during the bridge atop the drummer's crackling tom rolls and vicious cymbals hits, but finalizes via the opening harmonic interval executed by Hunt.
The digital sanitation and remastering effort activates a more dynamic soundstage. And while Holdsworth's storied legacy contains innumerable shining moments, pieces such as "Low Levels, High Stakes" and other tracks on Hard Hat Area supply the bracing refresh of a minor classic.
Track Listing
Personnel
Allan Holdsworth
guitar, electricAllan Holdsworth: guitar, SynthAxe; Steve Hunt: keyboards; Skuli Sverrisson: bass guitar; Gary Husband: drums.
Album information
Title: Hard Hat Area | Year Released: 2012 | Record Label: Moonjune Records
< Previous
There Were Big Stars At This LA Party...
Next >
Everything Must Change
Comments
Tags
Allan Holdsworth
CD/LP/Track Review
Glenn Astarita
MoonJune Records
United States
Gary Husband
Steve Hunt
Hard Hat Area