Maestro Alex Gregory - The Holy Grail Of 7 Strings (2003)Self-released

This is a very special item for guitar-oriented hard rock devotees. Unfortunately, it was going to be published by Sony, but some tragic events prevented Maestro Alex Ferguson from finishing the negotiations, so the album has never been released so far. That's why, on label's place above should be written more detailed message informing you, Dear Readers, that it was self-recorded and never released in addition. Now I think the situation is clear and intelligible.

Moreover, this CD has no officially printed cover, however when the right time comes, it will present the 1988 vintage 7-string Fender Stratocaster prototype that is the title "Holy Grail"! That much is clear this model was the brainchild of Maestro himself. Furthermore, the line-up is full of virtuosic celebrities: Maestro Alex Gregory (Celloblaster, Pentatar, Pentabouzouki, 7-string Fender Stratocaster), Virgil Donati (drums; G3, Ring Of Fire), Matt Bissonette (bass guitar, Pentabass; David Lee Roth), John Levesque (vocals; Wild Horses), Albert Lee (guitar), Nick Dakis (bouzouki) and Mayuko Okai (guitar, Hammond B3).

Such an exclusive company couldn't screw up the music, haha. It is proved by the opener - Deep Purple's "Burn" on which Maestro alongside Albert Lee perform engulfing guitar solos. There are also other covers, but this one is most impressive for me. Both Alex Gregory and his buddy - Albert Lee have attained perfection in fingering beyond any questions. Their fingers slide through the guitar neck effortlessly. Also Mayuko Okai's Hammond parts are uplifting in today's world of pop trash. The stuff is enough various and includes many spotlights like a jazz-influenced track "Motel California" and "Gigue Infernale" with a torrential and firm solos flying into a rage. The latter composition is a reference to the sixteenth century Scottish-Irish dance that was adopted by a French lute composers in the next century. Then it was included in baroque harpsichord suite as its last movement. Another amazing track is "Neo-Django" distinguishing by rhythmic lines. Obviously, its title refers to Jean Baptiste Reinhard a.k.a. Reinhard Django (1910-1953) who was a French jazz guitarist and the leader of a quintet Hot Club de France. The credit for including elements of Gypsy music goes to him undoubtedly.

All the tracks are played eagerly and full of sensible variations and well-thought-out improvisations. A guitar confidence and its mastery can amaze the guitar music fanbase. Maestro Alex Gregory and Co. decimate their rivals, and virtuosic tones lay waste all around us. This music is comparable to Alex's "Paganini's Last Stand" and first solo releases of Alex Masi and David T. Chastain. Mr. Gregory amuses us with his characteristic "penetrating" guitar style and, as always, he is reliable and uncanny. Thanks to such grandiose aces like Alex Gregory, guitar music is automatically turned into art!