Big Sky

Brett Garsed, Brett Garsed Tj Hermerich Gary Willis Dennis Chambers Scott Kinsey | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 25, 2003)
• Original Release Date: February 25, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Paranormal Records
• ASIN: B0000DK31Z
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #388,016 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Legendary Australian guitarist Brett Garsed serves up a big helping of solo delights on "Big Sky," his latest musical offering. On a large canvas fitting for a grand Monet, Garsed once again paints a musical landscape using large and brilliant brushstrokes highlighted by subtle colors and fine detail. Fittingly titled "Big Sky," the new album satisfies as it delivers extraordinary playing from the trio of Garsed, Ric Fierabracci (bass) and Toss Panos (drums). The trio’s versatility is aptly demonstrated across the CD’s ten tracks of melody-infused instrumental rock music. Rich textures are combined with bursts of sound and other-worldly playing, lending credence to the album’s title. Over an hour’s worth of enjoyment is provided; every track provides a new element or dimension to the music. Garsed has a real talent and this album reveals the ‘substance’ in his playing. His style and technique are varied, but unmistakably Brett. He lets it rip on "Fu’d Fight" and "The Myth" while "Got The Horn" features some truly inspired playing by all three (check out the bass!). A few subtle moments are also included, rounding out a creative and remarkable recording. This album is not one to be passed over.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sublime instrumental guitar music, June 8, 2004

By 

rich (Melbourne) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Big Sky (Audio CD)

Aussie guitarist Brett Garsed should be a familiar name to those with an interest in guitar oriented fusion. 'Big Sky' is Garsed's first solo offering, and it does not disappoint. The musicianship is of course, nothing short of exquisite. Garsed himself has a very fluid guitar style and a knack for conjuring intensely melodic phrasings. Bassist Ric Feirabracci and stickman Toss Panos compliment Garsed wonderfully and never overplay or let their obvious talents get in the way of the song. Garsed's tone is warm and fitting within the context of the music. Needless to say, the album is entirely instrumental. I find the following cuts the most rewarding:

1. Undoing - A biting fusion number. Stunning opening, an excellent example of Garsed's keen melodic sense. The song changes direction half-way through and takes a somewhat more ambient, experimental direction and is very evocative. One of the more challenging cuts on the album.

3. Brothers - Superb ballad. Fierabracci serves up a very fitting bass solo and Garsed's bluesy solo near the end of the song climaxes perfectly. Often i find myself scrambling for the rewind button just to hear the solo over and over.

4. Drowning - Powerful, sprawling and ultimately epic song. Wonderfully evocative. The 'gurgely' tone Garsed uses 4:15 in really convery the sense of someone actually drowning, slipping away under water. Fierabracci's bass runs give a whole new dimension to the song, as does Panos's fitting drumming.

9. Friend or Foe - Probably the most accessible song along with Breathe (No. 6). Quite a rocky, anthemic song. Garsed's melodic phrasing again stands out the most. The guitar lines are very very hummable.

10. Big Sky - The last song of the album as well as my favourite cut. Takes a couple of listens to really unpack, but is well worth the investment. Also the longest song on them album, clocking in at a lengthy 8:43. Despite Garsed's smoking soloing, I find this song quietly reflective and by far the most rewarding song on the album. The band really smokes in the last half of the song. The subtle acoustic strumming is divine and the interplay between the musicians displays the grosse talent each member possess.

Whilst I have failed to mention the other songs, they are still all worthy tracks. F'ud Fight and Got the Horn I find to be strangely reminiscant of Steve Vai, but with a far greater deal of subtlety and less compulsion for pointless experimentation and overblowen guitar solos. GTH also has a really fat, pimping bass solo in it, great fun. The Myth is a nice fusion cut. Conversely, the drumming on Breathe is strangely dull and uninspiring, and i find myself somewhat detracted from an otherwise excellent song. And lastly, Trinity is almost an ambient number that i sometimes find a little testing. These two minor quibbles are perhaps the only negatives to be found on this album.

It goes without saying, guitarists and those with an interest in guitar oriented music have the most to gain from this album. However, that is not to imply that this music is inaccessable. On the contrary, lovers of music in general will find this album has a great deal to offer. Garsed never wanders into the territory of excess, and instead plays primarily for the song, not his ego. Sadly however, very few people will ever be exposed to this wonderful musical statement. Very highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brett is Unique, June 3, 2005

By 

Hoyt Binder (Long Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Sky (Audio CD)

Brett's songs, tone, phrasing and style are beautiful. He should be huge. He can do anything from pop to prog to fusion. Check him out on uncle moes space ranch. Ridiculous. Also check out his playing on Derek Sherinian's planet x. Beautiful playing. My favorite guitarist. His 1st solo albulm is an experience. The ambient tunes are my favorite. Very soulfull.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars big Brett - BIG Sound, February 23, 2006

By 

Stephen Edwards "MR E" (Brisbane, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Big Sky (Audio CD)

Brett never fails to impress me with his skill and sound. I have followed him from his early days at the front of the John Farnham band and now out on his own. Great CD to listen to in the car on a long drive. He even has a new fan in my 18 year old son, who is a budding guitarist.

Well worth a listen to anyone who loves the Prog Rock sounds of Yes, whilst I am not saying he is in that class yet, he sure as hell is knocking on the door...