Phil Dirt - Reverb Central - PO Box 1609, Felton, CA 95018-1609 USA Valery Shapovalow - Valerock 1968-1998


Picks: Mustang, Dance, Danger, Nostalgie, Guitar, Moonlight, Surfing, Sail, Flying, Friend, Train, Work, Ce la vie, Apachi, Genius, Pipe, Voice, Apachi, Genius, Pipe, Roll Over Beethoven, Ventures
Track by Track Review
Rock (Instrumental)
The drum machine accompaniment does not detract from the excellent guitar work and well suited backtrack. The keys are pretty tame, but the guitar work shows quire a bit of flair. This is the Shadows' "Mustang."
MOR Rock (Instrumental)
Bouncy Euro guitar pop with shiny guitar and a fluid melody in the MOR mold. The backtrack is a little bit carnival, while the lead is Anglo-rock.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Danger" is a little moody, though it's mostly pretty and optimistic. The break is the moodiest part.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Nostalgie" is a soft piece with a melancholy melody and light weight backtrack. Tasteful in a Euro guitar vein.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Guitar" reminds me of a softened and matured "Dance On," with a kind of post rock feel. Very pretty.
Rock (Instrumental)
Hinting of uplifting Caribbean island pop, "Moonlight" is rhythmically interesting, and floats a romantic melody. Very pretty.
Rock (Instrumental)
Though the song is titled "Surfing," there's nothing about it that connects it with the genre. Having said that, the echoed guitar lines do present a kind of ocean image. An enjoyable song.
Rock (Instrumental)
Soft and romantic, maybe a little sad, "Sail" sports a very nice melody riff. If you like the Euro adult pop sound, surely this will please you.
Flying 
Rock (Instrumental)
The haunting melody line of "Flying" brings forth images of a pond with reeds swaying in a soft summer's breeze. It also has just a touch is island vacation about it.
Friend 
Rock (Instrumental)
"Friend" is a slow and romantic piece, all set for a sunset liaison. Pretty and flowing, with a fully relaxed sound.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Train" is a faster song with a basic rock riff structure that works well for the melody. Not aggressive, but fast paced and fun.
Rock (Instrumental)
"Work" is a little bluesy, a little playful, and sports a nifty guitar riff. Well written, with an infectious hook.
Ce la vie 
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a soft song with a breezy feeling abut it, perhaps a lazy afternoon. Very pretty to the point of almost fluffy.
Rock (Instrumental)
Jerry Lordan's beautiful melody converted to an updated version of the way Valery Shapovalow played it way back in '68. Pretty, lush, and beautifully played.
Rock (Instrumental)
This classic song is playful and easy on the nerves. The guitar work is mature and very smooth. Simple fun.
Rock (Instrumental)
The Shadows' often covered "Peace Pipe" is very smooth here, with lines that flow from the guitar like water from a spring. Very pretty.
Voice 
Rock (Instrumental)
"Voice" is a very soft and romantic piece of music, with an orchestral sound to it. The guitar almost cries.
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a very well played traditional version of "Apache" based largely on the Shadows' version. Excellent whammy and damped chords. The drums are a little rough at times, but there's no question that this is live and immediate. very cool!
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a very pretty song with a shimmer in the guitar and catchy melody line. The warmth of the style and performance is at odds with the time and place of the recording. Very cool!
Rock (Instrumental)
The Shadows' pretty "Peace Pipe" floats as it should. Very reverent, with excellent guitar work emotionally delivered. The arrangement is just right, and the spirit of the band perfect.
Rock (Instrumental)
This is a rousing hard rockin' instrumental treatment of Chuck Berry's "Roll Over Beethoven" as if the Beatles were the Shadows. Hard edged and showing some of the distortion of the late sixties.
Rock (Instrumental)
The Ventures' playful "Barefoot Venture" is very well covered with heavy echoed guitar. Excellent chords and great period playing. Very cool!