Bernhard Reinke's Roller Coaster: Moving Images

Reinke's songs include heavy fusion like "Mauna Loa," slow ballads like "Once," light Holdsworth-style chordal tunes like "Du Vent," syncopated grooves like "Angel on my Wing," and clean guitar romps like "On the Road." He rolls through melodic jazz heads, but he isn't afraid to rip out a rock-style lead or fingerpick clean, almost country music chord lines. The arrangements move through extended lead passages, occasionally stretching too long like in the closing track "Paravan."

Reinke is equally adept at shimmering Allan Holdsworth-style chords, percussive clean lines, fat jazz melodies, and searing fusion leads. His slick guitar sound moves through chorused leads and chiming clean chords. The stereo spread on the guitar sound dominates the recording, relegating the keyboards and bass to largely minor roles. The bass drum and toms punch through for a more modern, rock-style sound. The electric bass has a woody growl, and occasional slap bass adds a touch of smooth jazz funk.

Bernhard Reinke's smooth guitar work carries Roller Coaster through ten tracks of solid modern instrumental jazz which should appeal to fans of versatile electric playing.

Comments