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The Interview By MikeBlackburn Part I The history of modern instrumental electric guitar music is marked by three watershed events. In the mid seventies Al Dimeola's stunningly articulate alternate picking and searing scalular runs sent amateur and professional axe slingers scurrying for the woodshed! In the late seventies Edward Van Halen dropped the jaw of the collective community with his mind blowing and ultra modern sounding attack and technique. In the early eighties, Mike Varney's initial US metal attack and the subsequent unleashing of a phalanx of armed and dangerous instrumental six string monsters with names like Malmsteen, Macalpine, Howe and Vinnie Moore on his Shrapnel label gave the famished and eager young guitarist access to previously unimaginable displays of sheer bombastic virtuosity. The players had always been there, they just had previously had no vehicle to display their wares other than hopefully through a successful band experience. The accumulated effect of these events continues to manifest itself in instrumental guitar music to this day, almost three decades later. There has been a price to pay. Every guitar hero has had to endure the caustic barbs of those infinitely less talented and the economic realities of the musical landscape as did the master classical composers in their time. For every successful slinger there are dozens who have practiced and perfected their craft in the quest for their dream only to be left by the wayside. Yet, as it did during those romantic classical times, the dream continues! It is the dream of leaving an indelible mark on our musical times, of being accepted and recognized as a singular and unique voice within the craft. And of course ultimately, of leaving a definitive statement for all of eternity. Roy Marchbank has fought this battle, paid the price and he yearns to fulfill this dream! Inspired by artists like those mentioned above, he stands poised, on the eve of the release of his first solo instrumental project “Widowmaker's Highway” to make his singularly unique and definitive statement. Could this be the next watershed event? |
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