Juan M. Valero - De Todos Modos... (2006)Self-released

Hahaha, hahaha! I could have been strangled by my own laugh when I learnt that Juan M. Valero, coming from Barcelona (Spain), doesn't consider himself a virtuoso guitar player! I realize that many virtuosos are modest people, but, fortunately, the reviewers (like me) feel up to finding expression and disclose their unnecessary modesty, haha.

Well, this humble Spaniard started to play on classical guitar at the age of fourteen, but then switched over to electric axe that could be used in a heavy metal band - Mazo. On his debut solo album, Juan plays all guitars and the rest instruments. The crucial feature of "De Todos Modos..." is a melodiousness that overflows out of every tone. On a few tracks we can hear some bit references to a Spanish folk dances, but Juan has more ideas up his sleeve. For instance, "Pipop" includes melodic turbulent chops and progpower prowess. The third number "Wahikiri" is a little bit Satrianish cut, however "Despierta" is a real shredding classic! Here we are also able to find more subdued, romantic and balladish tracks like "En Un Suspiro" for instance. Do you remember Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "La Marcha Turca" from "Piano Sonata in A-major"? Mr. Valero just performs a rollicking interpretation of this track making me think of Borislav Mitic's guitar manner. Another classically dyed number is riveting "Invencion Numero 3". It is a short instrumental composition of indeterminate structure and usually founded on a polyphonic basis.

I admit that only first minutes of "De Todos Modos..." were enough for me as a spark of Spaniard's musical credibility. Although the production isn't sleek, the tracks are overpowering indeed. He is a consummate master of solo fluidity and faultless in execution. Moreover, Valero's guitar solos are melodious and flashy. I can only guess Juan has made the most of guitar effects in order to achieve so amazing results. A Spanish guitar style can be compared to the likes of Herman Li and Cyril Lepizzera, but the best description of the contests is an instrumental heavy guitar music with mad arpeggios and progressive ornaments. "De Todos Modos..." is nothing, but a merry Virtuosing, haha! I'd like to express my idealistic hope that such a music will ensure itself a longevity in our hearts. Now, I am patiently waiting for Valero's next solo release whose title is "Melodic Fantasy".