Constant Companion - Ruthann Friedman

Advantages: Great musicmanship
Disadvantages: Not for everyone

...Of all the guitar virtuosos who release instrumental albums Marty Friedman is one of the most endearing. Not genre specific and Often treading ground in most areas of the rock genre and occaisionally leaving its boundries all together, his use of exotic scale patterns and eastern influenced compostions helped set him apart. Friedman has enjoyed an eclectic career. He along with fellow guitar great Jason Becker formed neo-classical rock band "Cacophony'" in the mid eighties, and although it would be Becker who would deservedly get the plaudits Friedman was noticied by Dave Mustaine who was looking for a new guitarist for his thrash metal band "Megadeth", a band that was rapidly growing. What followed was ten succsessful years with Megadeth which helped shape the heavy metal/thrash genre where they sold 10million albums. Friedman left... Read review

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Advantages: A breath of fresh air to any CD collection
Disadvantages: Not enough people know their name

...Jinrai; a name that is likely to be unfamiliar to many of you reading this, yet a name that you will hopefully soon be mentioning to those around you! Simply translated, the name is Japanese for ‘wind instruments’, so now you may have a clue as to the sort of music this band play. Jinrai are an 8-piece band from Birmingham, who play what can best be described as a blend of soul, funk, jazz and folk. ‘Constant Music’ is their debut album, which was released in April of last year, following the success of their two earlier single releases, one from July 2002, the other from July 2001. The band got together way back in 1997 at Birmingham University, where they performed under the name of Etcetera. It wasn’t unusual to see the band playing at University functions and in local pubs and clubs all throughout the university term. Their... Read review

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Advantages: Relaxing, lovely instrumental album, no vocals.
Disadvantages: only 4 tracks

...which can never faulter in my opinion. What does let this album down though, is the music quality. There is not much difference in pitch and all the instruments can seem as if they are playing at the same loudness. It doesn't quite compare the the superior sound quality produced by record labels today. With only 4 tracks on the CD I am sure you are questioning whether this can at all be classed as an album at all. However each track runs for 8 to just over 20, minutes and the range of instruments that are played in each is fairly diverse. 1. Concerto for Piano and Chamber Ensemble Composed by Constant Lambert Performed by Nash Ensemble with Ian Brown Conducted by Lionel Friend ~ A nice track, but a bit slow and tedious to strat with. Piano background with the inclusion of bells, triangle and chimes. A light hearted and enjoyable... Read review

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