One
of my regrets in life is that I never got around to seeing master
guitarist Allan Holdsworth work his fretboard magic in person. For me
and others who share my predicament, this album is the next best
thing, and it is a wonder.
Although
this was originally released in 2003, the set was actually recorded
in 1990, and it shows a musical visionary and genius in the
improvisational brilliance of the moment.
Aside
from the interesting but otherwise nonessential explorations of the
composed-on-the-spot "Zones," the collection features a
choice selection of artist and fan favorites, which generally hew to
the overall structure of the studio originals but allow plenty of
leeway for Holdsworth to take off on ecstatically dizzying flights of
frenzy.
And
take off he does, especially on “White Line” and “Non-Brewed
Condiment,” which are the best versions of those tunes and, dare I
say, among the most amazing and awesome displays of lead electric
guitar playing ever recorded.
For
diehard Allan Holdsworth fans, this is a great closer to the
incredible, must-have, 12-CD box set, The Man Who Changed Guitar
Forever! The Allan Holdsworth Album Collection.
For
those who don’t want to do a deep dive into the box set or the 2-CD
artist-curated retrospective, Eidolon: The Allan Holdsworth
Collection, but want to hear great guitar by an exceptional
guitarist, Then! is as close to an excellent, compact
“greatest hits” collection as you can get, as well as a fantastic
record of Holdsworth’s prowess live.
--Raj
Manoharan
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