Then! Live in Tokyo

Allan Holdsworth | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 1, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Alternity Records
• ASIN: B0002A2WI6
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Office Product
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #267,078 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Zone I

2. Proto-Cosmos

3. White Line

4. Atavachron

5. Zone II

6. Pud Wud

7. House Of Mirrors

8. Non-Brewed Condiment

9. Zone III

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Live Holdsworth.... Simply amazing, January 12, 2005

By 

Dan A. Bobrowski "boceephus" (California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Then! Live in Tokyo (Audio CD)

A second live release from Allan Holdsworth in one year. This one, however was recorded in 1990, 12 years (to the day) before All Night Wrong. I'd hate to compare the two, because the bands were quite different (Then! is a quartet and ANW features a trio) and each features a completely different set list.

Steve Hunt (keyboards; Stanley Clarke, Mahavishnu Project) uses many of Allan's synth patches and plays many of the Synthaxe parts that Allan originally played on the studio versions of some of these tunes. Steve does a commendable job filling Allan shoes keeping the chording consistent with the originals. Thus, he allows the master to experiment with his Bill Delap Baritone guitars, a breath-taking event! Jimmy Johnson (bass; Flim and the BB's, James Taylor and a host of others) holds down the bottom in his own unique fashion. He gets a few chances to jump into the spotlight and shine. Gary Husband' drums sound huge. He plays with such intensity and control. Any student drummer would be well advised to check this out.

The tunes, nine in all, cover a large spectrum of Allan's career. Proto Cosmos, a Tony Williams Lifetime favorite, is given a rousing performance. Atavachron is simply elevated to another level, which I feel blows away the original. White Line, sans Paul Williams vocals, is wonderfully reconstructed with Allan playing the vocal lines with much more emotion than any vocalist ever could, beautiful. Pud Wud features a brilliant bass solo from Jimmy Johnson, playful and intricate. My favorite moment on the track. Steve Hunt's synth work really comes alive on this tune, as well. House of Mirrors, slowly builds with a gorgeous melody and soft suspended notes cascading and drifting. This is one of Allan's most emotive solos I've heard. Non-Brewed Condiment rocks and pushes the band with muscular drumming and wild soloing.

The improvs, Zone's I, II and III, are phenominal examples of exploration. Each piece is interspersed throughout the CD, beginning, middle and end. They take the listener to uncharted territory, on the spot creations of what only highly skilled musicians can achieve. These tracks are not for the weak of heart nor short attention spans. The push and pull of each instrument creates tension, not to fight for the spotlight, but to add splashes of color onto a spectacular work of art. Curious and inspirational.

This is not a starting place for Allan's work. This one requires some previous exposure to Allan's music. It is a facsinating look at what can be done, on stage, by one of music's most enigmatic guitarists, as well as a snapshot of musical history.

PS: Be sure to have a pint of your favorite ale whilst listening, to salute the master.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate live Holdsworth experience!!!, July 13, 2004

By 

Amon Freon "frosty-chillmeister" (Granite Falls, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Then! Live in Tokyo (Audio CD)

This album captures a 1990 performance when Holdsworth toured with one of the world's most talented electric jazz quartets, including master drummer Gary Husband, bassist Jimmy Johnson, and keyboardist Steve Hunt (Stanley Clarke/Mahavishnu Project). What's unique about this record are alternate arrangements, its audiophile recording quality, and particularly the three improv pieces or "Zones" featuring Holdsworth blistering and growling on a huge baritone electric guitar. Some of Holdsworth's solos on this record are unforgettable--and even with some of the lighter moments "Pud Wud" -- the interplay between the band members is at once loose and locked in. This is instrumental rock, jazz, fusion--call it what you will, but Holdsworth has an approach to the guitar and sound that is one of the most revolutionary of all time, and this is a rare "official" live recording produced and mixed by Holdsworth, after he let it sit in the vaults for a dozen years -- a must have for both the guitar connoisseur and anyone who appreciates Holdsworth's monumental talent.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Alan Holdsworth's Dilemma, October 24, 2004

By 

. (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Then! Live in Tokyo (Audio CD)

Somehow AH found himself stuck between two worlds, where the jazz purists disparagingly refer to him as 'progressive rock', and the rockers miss their favorite cliches.....The problem for those camps is that their attitudes are keeping them from enjoying the greatest lead,(jazz -or- rock), guitarist of the last thirty years or more. Head and shouders above the next best, if you have the ears to hear.