Track Listings (11) - Disc #1| All Artists: Alex Skolnick Trio Title: Transformation Members Wishing: 5 Total Copies: 0 Label: Magna Carta Release Date: 9/14/2004 Genres: Jazz, Pop, Rock Style: Number of Discs: 1 SwapaCD Credits: 1 UPC: 026245230521 |
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Search - Alex Skolnick Trio :: Transformation
 | Alex Skolnick Trio Transformation Genres: Jazz, Pop, Rock
Straight ahead jazz mixed with heavy metal? Welcome to the world of the Alex Skolnick trio. When they first began in 2000, the idea was admittedly a bit far out: an improvisational trio doing creative arrangements of tunes... more » |
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Album Description Straight ahead jazz mixed with heavy metal? Welcome to the world of the Alex Skolnick trio. When they first began in 2000, the idea was admittedly a bit far out: an improvisational trio doing creative arrangements of tunes by groups such as Black Sabbath. Even more unusual was the fact that this combo was led by a former speed metal guitar hero who had traded his electric guitar for a hollowbody archtop (known as a ?jazz box?), moved to New York and studied with legendary musicians through the jazz department of New School University, where he earned his BFA. It was here where Alex hooked up with two fiery young prodigies in their early 20?s on upright bass and drums; the three began practicing composition assignments and jazz standards. Frustrated with the limitations of the jazz repertoire, Alex stumbled upon this concept one night by hearing an arrangement of a Scorpions song in a dream. Arrangements of songs by Kiss, Ozzy Osbourne, the Who and others followed; the group quickly developed a following in such New York City venues as Wetlands and the Knitting Factory. The new trio album, "Transformation" (Magnatude), represents a turning point for the band. Original compositions fill just over half the album along with new arrangements of tunes by Judas Priest, Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, and more. There is some new sonic territory in the covers; from the fiery Middle Eastern section in Deep Purple?s "Highway Star," to the Latin acoustic flavor of Dio?s ?Don?t Talk To Strangers.? Similarly, the originals cover a wide range of styles: from Alex?s ethereal ballad ?Fear Of Flying,? to the surf/blues of ?Both Feet In? (penned by drummer Matt Zebroski) and Alex?s creative composition and title track, ?Transformation,? which combines a driving rock beat with jazz harmony, a rock guitar solo section and a haunting, catchy melody sung by all three members. This melody is enhanced by the cello of special guest Dave Eggar (who has recently played with such jazz greats as Michael Brecker and Dianne Reeves). Another special guest, Grammy nominee Charlie Hunter, comes aboard on his 8-string guitar/bass hybrid for Alex?s funk/jazz composition, Scorch. Similarly Requested CDs
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CD ReviewsSurprisingly great album. BUY IT! Darkslide | New York, NY USA | 03/18/2005 (5 out of 5 stars) "I'm a huge Testament fan from back in the day. HUGE! Like many I was incredibly dissapointed when I learned that Alex, who is and was one of my biggest guitar heroes, left the band. I followed his career through Exhibit-A (his fusion band), Savatage and kinda lost interest because I wanted him to be the same guy he was with Testament. So when he resurfaced a few years later with his new jazz trio I said, "Meh..." and completely ignored the voice in my head telling me to give it a shot. I've been dissapointed too many times. BIG MISTAKE. A few months down the road A friend makes me a CD of guitar music he thinks I'll be interested in and he says to me, "There's a surprise on there for you." The surprise was an unlisted version of War Pigs that was FRIGGIN INSANE. I had no idea of who it was and boy did my friend take pleasure in telling me it was Alex Skolnick's new Trio from the record I had panned. I ran out and bought Goodbye to Romance and re-fell in love with one of my favorite guitar players of all time. Did I mention the band smokes? Matt Zebroski is an incredible drummer with impeccable time, fluid accents and a percussive ability that can go from rose petal soft Animal from the muppets hard in the space of a second. Nathan Peck is another monster. Imagine Mingus with MORE chops. Is that even necessary? I guess Nathan thinks so because he kills on every track. The Trio reconvene on Transformation for another bout of metal meets jazz mayhem. This time the covers range from Dio and Priest to Pink Floyd and a handfull of Skol originals thrown in for good measure. The originals are very good and have become some of my favorite new jazz in a long time. Fear of Flying and Zebroski's Both Feet In are my favorites on the record. Both feet especially is a very touching ballad. I love the covers but their version of Highway Star in particular makes the album worth buying in my humble opinion. So if you're looking for a new addition to your jazz collection, want some musical inspiration or just want to find out what a virtuoso you used to be interested in is up to purchase this record today. You and your ears will be happy!" For drummers, too! Paul Oberlin | Yuma, AZ USA | 11/13/2004 (5 out of 5 stars) "All the accolades and good press for Alex Skolnick have already been said more eloquently than myself in the above editorial review as well as numerous jazz mags and online reviews. Drummer Matt Zebroski deserves special mention. He can swing like crazy or pound his drum kit like Keith Moon. His sound is endlessly colorful, accents, swirls, soft taps, raps, rim-shots. Delicate and whisper quiet to freight train loud. Hi-hat, ride, splash, crash, and a few other cymbals are all used to fullest effect. He's in the pocket, then everwhere, but always back in time and it always sounds right. The icing on the cake is a superb recording. Every nuance is captured, yet the drums never overpower the mix. Does it sound like I'm impressed by this young man? You bet. IMHO Matt Zebroski is a name to watch. " This CD Is A Testament To The Skill Of Alex Skolnick Ken Pierce | Brooklyn,, NY USA | 07/23/2005 (4 out of 5 stars) "Guitarist Alex Skolnick has returned with another unique CD that takes well-known Heavy Metal standards and converts them into jazz compositions. Many will immediately recognize Mr. Skolnick from his stellar guitar work in Testament years ago as well as his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra's East Cost touring company. At first listen you might not recognize some of the tunes until a signature riff or key chord comes into play. I admit that even I took additional listens to it making sure I was in the mode of what the group was trying to deliver. This is really a well-done piece and the level of musicianship from Alex alone makes it worth picking up. While I am not a scholar of the jazz guitar, it certainly shows the skill Alex has and he really placed some effort into making this an interesting CD.
The group also includes some original numbers this time around and they are quite good. Among these pieces I enjoyed "Transformation" and "Fear Of Flying" most. Only six of the eleven numbers being reworked classics of Metal favorites. Among the anthems being "transformed" we have Dio, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Judas Priest and Pink Floyd. I have to say of the reworks I felt "The Trooper" and "Electric Eye" were what I listened to the most. Its just such a unique take on their songs that it could not be helped. This CD is definitely a different medium for fans of the former Metal guitarist but the rock-solid production and killer guitar work will most certainly appease any music fan. Alex is joined on the CD by Nathan Peck (Double Bass) and Matt Zebronski (Drums/Percussion). I was very impressed by Matt's drumming on the entire CD. I recommend this piece to anyone who is looking for that little bit of difference from time to time. It is a mature and intelligent release that if you can keep an open mind musically you will really like it. Jazz heads will like it and I think an open minded metal head can appreciate it as well. Magnatude is a subdivision of Magna Carta who do their very best to bring you excellent Progressive music." |
