Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA  | Zanshin is a splendid album! Consistently high quality writing and playing throughout. The guitar tone is superb! Recommended. |
Picks: Zanshin, Turkish Gold, Truthtrance, The Martyr, Raskolnikov's Revenge, Carioca, One Armed Man, Al Ghayb, Disenchanted, The Curse, Haulin' Honda, Musume Doseiji, The Khazar
Track by Track Review
Surf (Instrumental)
Dribbling double picked guitar plays splendidly in this fine instrumental. Splashy and attractive, with spunk and great tone. The guitar fills every nook and cranny while the drums and bass provide a solid foundation. There is some really nice drum work here.
Surf (Instrumental)
Superb Middle Eastern riffs and whammy, along with dripping springs and a perfect rhythm section give "Turkish Gold" an enduring and endearing sound. The guitar sparkles and charms. I really like this!
Surf (Instrumental)
On the slow and gentle side, "Truthtrance" contains lovely whammy chords and a delicate melody. Much more than pretty, it carries you across a glassy calm sea where the sun warms you back. Very cool!
Surf (Instrumental)
Dark double picked lines, big chords, and splashy guitar very well played. This all rides atop a fine rhythm track. The sound of "The Martyr" is just lovely, and its spunk infectious.
Surf (Instrumental)
Hints of Russian music, soft keys, great drums, and superb guitar flair. "Raskolnikov's Revenge" is wonderful, with superb dribbling double picked guitar and a spectacular sound.
Surf (Instrumental)
This traditional song is picked with muted flair and panache. "Carioca" is all too fun, and is inventively executed via the delicate muted guitar and light rhythm section. Really nice!
Surf (Instrumental)
"One Armed Man" simple sparkles via muted splash and gorgeous tone. The tom toms are very cool here, and when combined with the bass, provide a very effective rhythm rack. Big grins!
Surf (Instrumental)
Middle Eastern mystery and surf speed, with superb guitar lines where the lead and rhythm patterns are intertwined in a single delivery. Dribbling double picking and whistling keys.
Surf (Instrumental)
Slow and sultry in a Spanish beach sort of way. Romantic and luscious, with glorious sound. The drums roll and the bass plays a blue mood under the exceptional guitar work. This is amazing!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big wave crunch and power, Middle eastern adventure, and moody bass. "The Curse" is a fine track with plenty happening. Great drums, and the imagery is rather strong.
Surf (Instrumental)
The Hondells' splendid "Haulin' Honda" (Richard Podolor) is done really nicely. It doesn't copy, but rather interprets the song as if it was a band original. Very easy to like.
Surf (Instrumental)
Excellent drums, pumping bass, and angular guitar tone create a much edgier sound than the rest of the Zanshin album. This is a cover of a Terauchi Takeshi and Bunnys' song that's heavily inspired by The Ventures' "Bumble Bee." Great listening with volume at 11!
Surf (Instrumental)
Big drama and splash in this busy guitar exercise in Russian themes. "The Khazar" is a fanciful and exciting piece of music dripping surf from every corner. It's very adventurous and fun.
