Frank Gambale - Resident Aliens Live Bootlegs (10 tracks) +Album Reviews

Hardcore Virtuosity

Thelonious | 09/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frank Gambale's Resident Alien-Live Bootlegs is XXX instrumental pornography, and that is meant in a positive way. Gambale is an innovative guitarist whose astonishing musical depth is matched by equally fearsome technique. There are some who would say that the long solos from all the musicians concerned are akin to an adult film where all of the "money shots" have been edited together for pure slobber value. Others would contend that unfettered virtuosity, far from being self-indulgent instrumental wanking, is actually the ultimate form of musical expression. I tend toward the latter view. Gambale is one of the best fusion guitarists ever, combining a shredders chops, a jazzman's musical sophistication, and an innovator's vision into an awesome musical whole. He belongs with the elite group of fusion instrumentalists that includes Henderson, Morse, Holdsworth, McLaughlin, Lane, and DiMeola. These CDs are not for people who think that expression is determined by restraint. If you appreciate virtuosity, and lots of it, buy this."

My favorite Gambale

David Blair | Jersey City, NJ United States | 11/29/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Gambale makes no apologies for his take no prisoners over the top guitar playing. But unlike many guitaritst that play a million technical notes that dont say anything, Frank does. Few people can solo for 15 minutes and keep it interesting, and he does. It seems franks playing has grown with more musicality, and creativity, with time. The million notes a second are impressive, but now there is also a very musical feel to this. A very tricky balance to obtain. There is a feel and smoothness as well as some really tasty melodies and melodic movements with different feels for different songs. In short I can listen to this double CD of guitar solos completely through 2 or 3 times and not get bored or fatigued, but do get inspired."

It ain't bragging if you can do it.

David Blair | 08/24/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Hot stuff. And this is really just a jam session so it sounds like Frank & Co are in your living room. As usual, FG is playing "can you top this" much of the time and after 50,000 or so arpeggios it can get a bit fatiguing.But the simple fact is, he can do it! Not just play fast, but play over any chord, any progression. Live. On the spot. Blues--of course, but also Coltrane. And it is...effortless! FG doesn't think "Hmmm...what can I play over that progression..." He knows. I'm making it sound so mechanical but its really spontaneous.Except for Scott Henderson, Allan Holdsworth and (maybe) Robben Ford I can't think of anyone who can play rock & blues well AND play jazz and fusion on this level. Prepare to be impressed."

Frank's Best Solo Effort

Jeff Arenson | Colorado Springs, CO United States | 03/06/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Frank Gambale has been an exceptional sideman with many fusion greats. He excelled with Jean-Luc Ponty, (tour only) Chick Corea Elektric Band, and Vital Information. He also is amazing on many 'All-Star' collaborations on Tone Center such as the Gambale/Hamm/Smith and MVP recordings. He makes a great case for being the greatest fusion guitar sideman of all time. He also is, in my opinion, one of the greatest fusion guitarists period and deserves to be placed into the lineage that includes the likes of Mclaughlin, Dimeola and Holdsworth.
The problem, for me, has been with his solo recordings. You never know what you're going to get with Gambale. His early recordings paled compared to the Elektric Band, "The Great Explorers" sounded like Satriani at times, but he has branched out from those early CD's. His compositional style has vastly improved and lately he has penned many a great fusion song. Frank has always been amazing live and his early live CD, entitled "Frank Gambale:Live" was the best thing he had done on his own. Frank released this 2CD set a couple of years ago and ,like on the previous live recording, Frank unleashes all of his guitar wizardry. Both discs don't emphasize composition, instead this is live fusion and the trios grab the ball and run with it.
The formula is simple. The band starts out the tune and then Frank demonstrates his ability to mesmerize and all of the songs turn into extended jams. There are covers; such as Coltrane's "Equinox" and Grolnick's "Nothing Personal" both of which are incredible. The members of the rhythm sections are given opportunities to shine and there are also moments of interplay that are great. The disc also features various Gambale originals. All of these songs also become extended jams are there is even a live version of a song from the first Gambale/Hamm/Smith Cd.('Lydia's Love Van") The various trios are comprised of musicians that aren't household names to most fusion fans. They are all very good musicians and although they don't blow me away, they are more than solid and very entertaining. They do seem to inspire Mr. Gambale and he seems to play at greater heights as the songs evolve. Frank goes beyond his typical amazing self and enters new levels of inspiration. The disc does contain a rerelease of the Gambale original "New Boots". This song isn't live and was originally on the then unavailable "Truth In Shredding" Cd.
The whole purpose of these 2 discs are for the listener to hear Frank unleashed. This release is all about the virtuostic displays of Gambale and there are plenty of them. If you like fusion jamming then these discs were made with you in mind and you'll love this. There are also moments of interplay between Frank and his rhythm sections that make jazz/fusion the genre that it is. Gambale fans should pick this up and won't be dissapointed. If you don't own any Gambale, try this one out. I haven't heard a solo release by him that is any better."

Search - Frank Gambale :: Resident Aliens: Live Bootlegs

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CD Reviews

	Frank Gambale Resident Aliens: Live Bootlegs Genres: Jazz, Pop Track Listings (4) - Disc #1 Equiniox Dreamtime The Shores of Bahia Lydia's Love Van - Frank Gambale, Gambale, Frank Track Listings (6) - Disc #2 Nothing Personal Gonanna Logic The Wow!!! Walkin' the Wombat True Blue Blues New Boots [*] - Frank Gambale, Gambale, Frank
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