Customer Reviews

Perspective

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Neoclassical Rock is a genre that has produced a plethora of instrumental virtuosi, with emphasis on speed, showmanship and dazzlement. I liken modern talents such as Malmsteen and Vinnie Moore to legends Paganini and Liszt, who's historical innovations were performance oriented. They set new benchmarks for the way instruments were played.

Jason Becker has done his fair share of this, having shredded his way through two Cacophony albums and his first solo record "Perpetual Burn".

What makes "Perspective" such a milestone record is the sheer compositional power of the album. I haven't heard any other album in the genre come close to this. This is one of the most beautiful instrumental albums I own and it keeps getting better with every listen.

"Perspective" is not really a rock album. You don't find much of the traditional bass and drum backbeat here. Beyond the fantastic guitar work, the texture is realized by keyboard arrangements, and quite listenable orchestral samples.

Fans of Cacophony that were in it for the sheer speed may not find what they're looking for on "Perspective". However those that liked Cacophony for their longer instrumental arrangements will appreciate what Becker has done here.

Jason Becker is an exceptional musician who has moved away from being a Paganini, and is showing himself, in fact, to be a serious composer more likened to Beethoven or Brahms. In this sense, not only is this work "Neoclassical", it has actually redefined the genre.

This cd is a true gift from god (JASON BECKER)!
END OF THE BEGINING is the ultimate composition of this album and
I think this song is the most melodic thing i have ever heard in my life,i realy mean it...11 minutes of magnificent music,a direct injection into your hart and after all that's what music is all about.
I personaly recomend this cd to enyone who is a true music lover,a guitarist or not.If i could choose another title for this album it would be "THE ART OF MUSIC"

Thank you JASON!

First of all "THIS IS NOT A SHRED RECORD"!!
Don't expect any lightening fast solos on this record therefore
if you are a shredhead which ONLY like to listen fast solos be aware of this record.However if you're a MUSIC lover then Perspective will definitely please your ears.I'm not going to mention Jason Becker's story cos it's nothing to do with the record,I'm sure that Jason didn't need you to buy Perspective because of sympathy but for your apprecciation.Perspective is no doubt one of the GREATEST record of all time,It's a very varied album which have as much music elements as you can think of like
African/Tribal percussions on Primal,that beautiful guitar concerto End of the Beginning,the Eastern influenced Empire,a bluesy rework of Bob Dylan's Meet me in the Morning...etc.Check this great record out,I can't think of any reason to diss this record off!!

Ignore the negative reviews, they were looking for a shred album. Its disappointing to know so many 'shredders' have such closed minds when coming to music.

Perpetual burn was the first cd I ever bought and Jason is a constant source of inspiration for me. I listen to perspective everytime life throws some problems at me and find inspiration to solve my problem by listening to the songs.

Ethereally beautiful at times, intense at others, but beautiful all the same. This is no Perpetual Burn or Cacophony I can gurantee you, but the music on here communicates not with chops or blistering solos, but with inspiration from above. Jason's composing talents, inner strength, indominable will and spirit have culminated in this beautiful cd.

I heard he is releasing another cd like Raspberry Jam, can't wait.

This album caught me by surprise. For anyone reading this review who doesn't know the Jason Becker story - the dude is really sick with a medical condition that supposed to be terminal in a matter of years. So this album was made under all sorts of terrible circumstances.

Which is what makes it such a surprise. I figured that it would be a bunch of second rate shred licks that hadn't found their way onto either the two Cacophany discs (his band with Marty Friedman) or his earlier Perpetual Burn release.

How wrong I was. This shows a guy proving he had a lot more to offer musically and the limitations set on him have made him really reach out. The first track, Primal, is excellent stuff and he probably couldn't of written it earlier in his career. In a short review it's hard to go into specifics, but this album has all sorts of different stuff on it. Blues style numbers, computer assisted tracks, old curiosities from his earlier days, the lot. All loving put together with inciteful liner notes.

Great stuff from a man worthy of anyones respect.

WOW. Really, there is so much variety in this album that it stunned me. I can't say that I like all the songs in here, but I can say that Jason Becker truely is a genious. He has what very few people in this world do, complete open minded-ness.

It starts with Primal, an interesting blend of something that sounds like an Indian ritual thing. Being a diehard shred fan, this came as a surprisel. But you know what, I really like this song. Its very catchy, has nice melodies. I realize just because songs arent played with a guitar doesn't mean that it isnt good.
Next comes Rain, which is a very relaxing song that he wrote on a rainy day. Short, smoothe guitar solo, no shredding, just smoothe.

Next comes the highlight of the album, and perhaps the greatest song of all time. Keep in mind that I am a metalhead, down to the bone. The End of the Beginning has touched me more perhaps more than any other song *ever*. It starts with a beautiful piano solo for bout a minute or so, hinting at the main melody. Then, a majestic guitar/orchestral(on the keyboard) composition, all written by Becker IN HIS WHEELCHAIR. AMAZING!!! He himself did not play the guitar in this song, as his condition did not allow him. An 11 minute composition that I think ranks up there with anything Mozart has ever done. Seriously. I cannot say enough about this song and it is worth the purchase of the album alone.

Higher is a beautiful song that features no guitar whatsoever. It is all sung by the voicestra. No lyrics, but singers that have very smooth voices. They sort of go: ah lah lah doo. A cool song. It was originally written on guitar, but you know how that goes, Becker's condition wouldnt permit him.
Blue is actually played by becker is it is was one of the first written and not a difficult song to play. It's blues, plain and simple. Good song.
Life and Death, another classical composition, was the last written on the album. Says Becker, "The title speaks for what was on my mind at the time." So sad.
Empire is a really different song, very Japanese feel to it. I like it though. Serrana is another definite highlight. It starts with a backwards acoustic guitar intro played in reverse. Cool effect. Then the classical sounding part of the song comes in, very cool. Listen for the keyboard simulated trumpet sound. That totally shredding solo is what Jason would play live in Cacophony concerts. Amazing, not only technically but its very melodic.

Meet me in the morning is the only album featuring lyrics, a Bob Dylan cover. A bluesy song, kind of like blue.

And there you have it, a masterpiece of an album. Keep Jason in your prayers please, and support him and his family by purchasing this album. Half of the money goes to an ALS foundation thing. We love you Jason.

Jason Becker is quite simply in the highest rank of prodigous talent. His guitar playing prowess takes you to the next level of musical enlightenment. Like the all time great classical composers, Becker studied his predecessors, mastered his instrument and created a new music saturated with feel and technical brilliance in a very heightened compositional context. I've heard that he now suffers from physical complications, and it breaks my heart to know that he can no longer play his instrument, especially at his young age. Becker's music rejuvenates anyone's love of the guitar and reminds us all of the value of music in our lives. Jason, you are the man!

I'm a longtime fan of Jason's. It's great to hear him continuing on despite his obstacles. The music is amazing as a result. It reaches deep into your emotions and pulls out things that are hard to find. Keep it up Jason. You're an inspiration to me as a composer and guitarist.

This music is so amazing it cant be put to words. Jason Becker is the mozart of our time. Buy this album if you want to hear amazing music by a true musical genius.

Jason Becker is not the best metal guitarist, or the best progressive music guitarist--he is simply the greatest guitarist who ever lived and this disc is a testament to the undying creativity of a truly great man. "Perspective" features compositions written by Jason over a five year period and assisted by fellow musicians. For those of you who don't know Jason, Jason has been living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for over ten years now, and despite his physical complications, he has led a very successful life and has remained a prolific composer and musician which makes Jason all the more inspiring. Perspective shows some more of the type of great compositions that we heard on "Perspective," but also shows some of Jason's more recent interests such as world music and features more classical textures. "Primal," "Rain," "End Of The Beginning," all of these pieces are magnificent. The musicians who assist Jason are top notch players, such as Foreigner vocalist Steve Perry, the great Eddie Van Halen and a few fellow guitar gods. Jason directs the players superbly making them play his compositions with great skill. A truly amazing album from a truly amazing man.