Search - James Byrd :: Son of Man

The finest instrumental release....EVER!

strat110 | 02/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's something about James Byrd's playing which is I guess `uplifting'! Pretentious statement? Probably, but no less true for it. On paper, an instrumentalist's album from a guitarist who shreds as if the world supply of shredding were about to disappear like the rainforests is generally unattractive stuff, yet James Byrd is an entirely different entity.`Son Of Man' suggests that James Byrd has hidden powers that most other guitarists lack. In the hands of this virtuoso the mundane physicality of wood and metal is transformed into something beautiful and moving, something capable of transmitting the deepest emotions. Only true greats posses this ability - James Byrd has this quality. Each of the nine songs on `Son Of Man' is a consummate vehicle of expression with Byrd's soul right at the forefront. The guitars swoop, moan, cry and howl in such a way that the vocalist is completely forgotten for the entire 44 minutes running time.Byrd obviously knows restraint and the power that space has. That is not to say that 'Son Of Man' doesn't have its quota of pure guitar madness, it does, only the many moments of calm and shade do a superb job of making you take in the fast passages and appreciate them. However, its the melodies that make this album a complete winner in my book. 'Son Of Man' is the finest instrumental album I have ever heard on a par with Yngwie's 'Rising Force' and 'Concerto'. It slams all over Vai's 'Passion & Warfare' and eats Satriani's 'Surfing With The Alien' alive. You can relate to this album in such a way that you feel every note, and take in every nuance and inflection. This is an album that you know will be with you forever and you will look forward to listening to it every time. 'Son Of Man' is the kind of album you will only discover a handful of times in your life and that perhaps is the main key. You can feel and hear Byrd's devotion to his art and craft through these 9 tracks and that is what really makes this album something special in my book - it has soul and a power that is evident from the very first spin, after that you are hooked. Buy a.s.a.p.."

GOTHIC SHRED ATTACK

dphilips2002 | ROYAL OAK, MI United States | 07/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BYRD FLIES THRU THESE 9 INSTRUMENTALS. "OUT OF THE TEMPLE" SOUNDS LIKE YNGWIE SEEING GOD. NON STOP SOLOING FROM START TO FINISH. NICE PRODUCTION QUALITIES ON BASS AND DRUMS. NOT A BAD SONG HERE."

Guitar virtuoso mania's option!

dphilips2002 | 02/09/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"He is a good player. He has a good technic, feeling, tone. He is very good at speed soloing,but he don't use his speed picking technic frequently in this album. He is concentrate on making variable melody.For example, classical approach and oriental feeling...etc. This unique CD shows his advanced ability to compose for his first solo album. This CD made me very comfortable. If you were guitar instrumental mania,don't miss james byrd!"