Customer Reviews

Greg Howe

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just sitting back listening to this album (on vinyl no less) and felt compelled to write a review.

This is one of the greatest instrumental rock/metal guitar albums ever. Take an incredibly talented innovative guitar player, add one of the best rock bass guitarists in the world and one of the craziest drummers out there - and lets face it to play on this album you have to have these types of credentials or you wont keep up with Mr Howe - and top it off with music that takes you somewhere instead of being a technique lesson and you have Greg Howe's debut album.

There are a number of albums out there that changed the course of history in instrumental guitar playing and this deserves to be in that list. Buy it and discover what's possible...

Super technical fretwork here !!! Showcases some really catchy melodies a mix of Raw technical metal,Funk & jazz. Out of Easton, PA, this fella should teach music at G.I.T. or Berkley. There is no equal to this shredder's class, in original compositions. The first of many astounding releases from an artist, that should have been marketed better.He embarrasses most high fame studio & live performers. Check it out, you won't believe your ears !!!

The first thing that struck me about this album was that the music actual had groove, and a great sense of rhythm, something lacking in the majority of shred cd's. The phenomenal guitar playing only complements this- you never get the impression that he's playing too many notes. This in main part being because most of the lead work is so melodic, with quite a unique use of tapping, producing a distinctive, and beautiful flowing sound. A truly fantastic guitar tone- one that I always try and aspire to. Most triumphant!

Greg Howe is definitely the best to be discovered by Shrapnel, mainly because never went down the boring neo-classical route but opted for groove and fusion. Along with Howe II's 'High Gear' this is his best offering, helped in having a crack rhythm section. I'm amazed at the energy he has in sustaining such clean fretburing soloing but at the same time maintaining a keen sense of melody beneath the shred. The one slight nag I have is that he could have done with varying the tone a bit more, which could have got a bit boring if the album had been longer. Nevertheless, he deserves the recognition afforded to the big names of shred.

Much has been, and will be said of this album as more people listen to Greg. A definitive groove with guitar ranging from funk to downright metal shred. A quick listen reveals NOTHING about what this album can not only do to your ears, but your heart and soul as well. Tasty, soulful, gripping, and oh yes, watch out for that burst of speed that comes ripping through at that right moment. You know the rollercoasters going over the hill, you looked on at how high it was, but once you're on it its an indescribable rush. Much like Gregs playing. Those of you that simply MUST have a voice with your groove check out "Now hear this" and "Howe II" with Al Howe Gregs brother laying Vocals on both albums. Every album (and Im having to rebuy them due to the fact I didnt have the foresight to get them on CD instead of cassette, and wore them out QUICKLY)is a treasure of songcrafting. The guitarwork will hook the musician, the music will hook any listener in hearing distance.

Greg Howe's debut was released in the midst of the "Bach and Roll" era, the time of Yngwie Malmsteen, Vinnie Moore, Tony Macalpine, etc. What set him apart for me was that he rocked, grooved, shuffled and jammed thru the entire CD. He proved guitar virtuosity did'nt have to be confined to classical formats. His style, phrasing, and beautifully wide vibrato technique moved me. He and Paul Gilbert represented what was for me the cream of the shred crop. Great song writing and catchy melodies. Buy this CD!

This is definately shred at it's best. Although it's a guitar album there's plenty of melody and catchy hooks here. He doesn't just rip for ripping sake. His tone is INCREDIBLE! He's my hero!

This CD is one of the best "guitar" Cd's I've ever gotten. I remember hearing this guy's name in the mid-90's, but how is he not up there with the Vai's, Satriani's, Petrucci's etc. Do yourself a favor and get this CD...its awesome. I won't even get into each individual song because I like them all. WOW!!!!!

Greg Howe says that he is influenced by VH but I find he has his own unique style. The tracks are beutifully grafted on this album and the speed changes in the fret work are jaw dropping. I liked Greg Howe in his super metal band HOWE II, but have never really got into any of his funky guitar play. This is a good album anyway, and well worth the money!

Greg Howe really expands my horizon in playing guitar.....his composition, chord progression, scales, etc......just broaden my view. I have 3 of his cds....greg howe, hyperacuity, and tilt (his collaboration with Kotzen).....and they are very cool....especially this one, i like it best!!!i'm planning to get parallax (based on the reviews)....
I've been playing guitar for 12 yrs.....and for rock/fusion style my influence/source of inspiration would come from Greg Howe and Frank Gambale.
Trust me.....just buy this cd, and i promise you'll be blown away to paradise!!!