The Generation Ibanez Project  (by Nick Baldrian)

This is the brainchild of guitarist Eric Sands who has shared the stage with the likes of Van Halen, Sheryl Crow and Steve Vai. Project Ibanez, features is a compilation of instrumental songs performed by various artists. We start of with two tracks from Eric Sands himself. 'Moe' and 'Hanglider' are both supreme instrumental tracks in the tradition of Vai circa'Passion And Warfare', Satriani and Neil Zaza. So if you like them you will love Eric Sands, both these songs are superbly constructed and performed, making for an all new guitar hero star. Next up we get two songs from Rusty Cooley which are more aggressive and possibly influenced by Marty Friedman and Zakk Wylde. The second of the two songs 'Dominion' is a striking neo-classical piece which bring back memories of Tony MaCalpine. Next up is two tracks from Alex Lessertisseur which mess around with samples and Indian influences, and then we get to hear a really kick arse piece called 'Plastic Sin' which reminds me of Randy Coven and Blues Saraceno and is utterly fantastic and dead catchy. This track is performed by Ken Burtch. 'Release' performed by Eric Nelson is a little on the techno side which spoils the songs feel, whilst Steve Stavropoulos is another marvellous talented player with a style of his own. Both his songs 'Stagger Street' and 'Threshold' are very inspirational. Adam Fox is next and is nothing sensational and like Eric Nelson his style is suffered because of the use of samples etc.. Matt Brabender finishes the album off, his song is pretty good and the melodies just flow, he's an excellent player and his ideas make his song sound inspired by Satriani. This cd is pretty cool and showcases some fine guitar talent, especially Steve Stavropoulos, Matt Brabender, Rusty Cooley, Ken Burtch and Eric Sands. Eric Sands is currently recording a track for the Jason Becker Tribute cd due out in April.

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