Customer Reviews

Escape from Hollywood

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a guitarist raised on country and bluegrass. In high school I got into Led Zep, the Stones and Rush. But more than 10 years ago, I really got into instrumental "shredders" like Satriani, Vai, Johnson and Morse. Even while I played this heavy stuff, I stayed in touch with my roots and dabbled with the blues.

Four months ago, I heard "Hanging at Tom and Rita's". I was floored and ordered the CD. And I was not disappointed. Every track is special and very exciting to me. The Hellecasters combine jazz, country and instrumental shred in a way that really appeals to my taste, especially given my appreciation of great instrumental guitar.

Their technical ability is indescribable and all three bend their unique styles to orchestrated harmonies and sophisticated improvisational flights. Joe and Steve would be humbled.

If you like instrumental music, this CD is one of the best I ever heard. Contains a variety of styles...great music for cruising. I haven't heard any of their other CD's but I'm going to check them out. This CD is NOT BORING!

That guy obviously doesn't appreciate fine talent. This is an awesome follow-up to their awesome debut "Return of the Hellecasters." These guys mostly play country-style, but "Danger Man" starts it off and displays various styles all rolled into one, including surf, which is great! "Mad for Mothra" is a cool song that sounds like it could be in a Mothra movie. There are some really cool songs on this one, but by far, "Inspector Gadget" is one of the coolest, catchiest songs they've ever done! My favorite from the whole album, which is entirely enjoyable. So, if you enjoy guitar music and are willing to try something different, buy this now!

For their sophomore effort, the Hellecasters have continued the musical soundscapes they explored in their first CD. Check out track 10, "Le Journee Des Tziganes" (wish I could pronounce it!) for some unbelievable percussion.

Also handed to me by a guitar bud from work (thanks Alan Johnson!). Trust me, this is good for what ails ya. Definitely NOT boring. Semi-reminiscent of Steve Morse and Dregs in one of their country moods, at times, but still with a sound all their own. Very smooth. I can't wait to get my hands on their other stuff!

Unlike the other reviewer, I consider this to be my least favorite Hellecasters album. First, of course, I must state the obvious. Will Ray, John Jorgenson and Jerry Donahue are outstanding guitarists who can play any style. Their instrumental styles are all distinctive, yet they blend well together. Their recorded output is required listening for fans of guitar instrumental albums, and the telecaster in particular. This album, too, is required listening. Contrary to the narrow-minded opinions of those unfamiliar with Danny Gatton, Roy Buchanan, Albert Lee, Arlen Roth and the other masters of the telecaster, the instrument is capable of a broad range of sounds in a broad array of genres.

That said, this is my least favorite Hellecasters album. Return of the Hellecasters and Hell III are both more cohesive albums. Return of the Hellecasters is the most country of the albums, and Hell III is the hardest rocking album. This album is probably the most diverse, and that works both in its favor, and against it. This album is well worth hearing to get a sense of just how much range telecasters have. However, some of the tunes, like the Inspector Gadget theme, cross the line from fun into kitsch. Other tracks sound a bit dated, and similar to the heavy metal shredders of the 80's and 90's that I never really liked. (Of course, if you are a fan of Satriani, Vai et al., those tracks won't bother you). The album itself winds up sounding a bit jumbled. There are, of course, brilliant moments here, and if you have enjoyed any of the other Hellecasters albums, you will find plenty to appreciate here. This is a good album. However, it just doesn't quite measure up to the other two Hellecasters albums for me. Those new to the Hellecasters should start with Return of the Hellecasters.

Further listening: there is a new Hellecasters-style outfit called The Bendegos, featuring Matt Rae and Forrest Lee. Also, look into Twangorama, which is a bit more jazz/rock fusion-based.

A friend of mine turned me onto these guys and I was blown away. This is a great CD to drive to, except you might have the tendancy to start going over the speed limit without realizing it...

Of the three they put out, this is the best. So buy it, enjoy it and prepare to be amazed.

I bought this CD because I heard an unbelievably good guitar solo on a song from "Papa Nez.. A Loose Salute". That solo was played by John Jorgensen and I had to hear more. When I finally found the Hellecasters, I found out that JJ was not the only Telemaster out there. These guys are all too good. The backup band is incredible. My only complaint (request), would be to get a good singer and put the Hellecaster stamp onto the old standards. It is hard to fill an entire album with intrumentals and keep the energy going (but they do).

This will always be my favorite Hellecasters CD. I typically use instrumental music to read and study by, however, much like music with lyrics this particular CD is just as distracting! It's that good. It makes me want to get up and dance. From the fun of Inspector Gadget, to the power of Valley of the Pharaohs to the laid back, sippin' a cool one of "Hangin' At Tom and Rita's every tune is to be enjoyed to the fullest! And you will learn to do that each time you listen to this CD. If you long for quality in your listening pleasure, then this CD is a must for your collection!