Search - Vince Mendoza :: Highway 154

Awesome Guitar Jazz/Fusion Sound

george eliseo | San Diego, CA | 02/07/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Even after just one spin with this disc, it's impossible not to appreciate the attention to detail that every note was given and realize the obvious sweat equity invested here. Eight instrumental tracks showcase Mendoza's prowess with the varieties of sound capable from an electric guitar, its amps and accouterments. Excepting High Spirits, which is a purely acoustic track that makes you want to go out and buy an Ovation guitar and jam that shine off of the steel strings.As for the rest of the CD, the title track; Highway 154, another favorite of mine, has a frosty jazz/fusion sound to it as do two other tracks; Bizarre and Elaine's Song, respectively. The tracks Strangely Romantic and EXP both show their rock lineage, without making a jarring transition from the overall fusion sound on the balance of the disc.The same can be said for Freak Dream and Everything, which are two songs that defy to be pigeonholed. Imagine Eric Clapton kidnapped by the Rippingtons and forced to do their bidding. Kind of like that...The whole CD hangs together very well and flows with a graceful melody and tonality that never rushes or jolts. Sometime musicians perform a song in such a way that it showcases the talent of the player instead of being true to the integrity of the song, itself. That doesn't happen here. The purity of the song always prevails, no extraneous notes or flourishes, just the sounds that contribute to the clarity of the total effect.Even among those that do not consider themselves jazz or fusion aficionados, the music created here should be appealing to anyone who enjoys the sound of a guitar played not only expertly, but also by an artist who appreciates the full potential the instrument has to offer."