Audio CD review:
Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza - Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza - Snap, Crackle & Pop...Live!

Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza - Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza - Snap, Crackle & Pop...Live!

Band: Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza Title: Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza - Snap, Crackle & Pop...Live! Rating: Release Date: 19 January, 1999 Media: Audio CD Tracks: 1: Intro 2: I Wish 3: Fearless 4: Lightworker 5: Guitar Intro 6: I'm Alright 7: Quadzilla (Drum Solo) 8: Walk This Way 9: Jungle Boogie 10: Amazing Grace 11: Hailin' 12: The Duel 13: Guitar Solo 14: Bass Solo 15: Hailin' Reprise 16: Bonus Track (Radio Interview with Bobby and Neil)

Customer Reviews Excellent musicianship, No taste Trust me, I enjoy some over-the-top musicianship, but this music just leaves you bored. This album is all flash and no taste. There is no art, just chops. Admittedly, these musicians are some of the most talented that I have ever heard. If you are into that kind of thing, this is all you, buddy! Personally, I would pick up some cds from similiar bands that have both musicianship and creativity, such as Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Joe Satriani, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Chris Poland, King Crimson, etc. . Peerless musicianship, intensity, and groove!! Where to begin showering praise upon this gem. Live instrumental rock at its absolute best. . . Neil Zaza combines the melodic instinct of Satriani with advanced technical mastery and intensity. Showing diversity in his compositional side is the album's intro, which sounds like an sparkling electric sitar. His shredding is furious and creative (see his guitar solo), but another side is revealed with a sensitive rendition of "Amazing Grace", with guitar tones to die for. His song "I'm Alright" is ultra-melodic featuring hooks to rival the best of Satriani. Another Zaza track, "Hailin'", breaks down into jaw-dropping solo spots for Zaza and Dickens before making a reprise. Bill Dickens' ranks up there with the finest bass players I've ever heard, in many ways. Despite his unfathomable virtuosity, his playing within the context of the songs is very tasteful and understated. His note choice and timing complements each song perfectly, and even his mind-blowing speed is just a means to an end. Then his bass solo comes along. . . . and it's simply disgusting -- I still don't comprehend how it is humanly possible to play the bass like this (no, really). Even the incredible Victor Wooten is in awe of the Buddha -- that's saying something, I think. Bobby Rock is easily the _grooviest_ rock drummer I have ever heard after Nick D'Virgilio. His jazz knowledge creeps into play at times during his interplay with the Buddha. On disc 1, 19-minute drum solo "Quadzilla" is probably the single most impressive thing I have heard on a drum kit. His four bass drum, four high-hat setup allows for incredible ambidexterity and there is so much musicality and groove to his playing. Wild single-stroke snare rolls, double-stroke bass drum rolls, 32nd note furies, tribal beats, Latin percussion pieces. . . you get the works and it's all awesome. His drum kit would probably fill up my entire living room. Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" starts off the set, injected with a funky breakdown where the musicians play off of each other. Each also gets chance to nab the spotlight, so the crowd gets a short-but-sweet taste of everyone's instrumental domination before things REALLY get crazy. Some Bobby Rock songs follow, "Lightworker" and "Fearless", both scorching instrumental rock. A funkified version of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" ends disc 1 after the colossal drum solo. On disc 2, "Jungle Groove" is a funky jam-like song. Performances on everything are jaw-dropping technically, but these guys also lend an good ear to song and structure. Simply a great, great album. A must-buy for any fan of instrumental rock or anyone who wants to hear the most amazing bass playing on the entire planet. oh yeah, the bhudda is the best bassist I've ever heard Rarely do you come across someone this fast with such good understanding of what he's playing. He plays faster than most guitar players, and has incredible jazz knowledge. . You can see a complete list of all Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza discography, or go back to the Bobby Rock & Neil Zaza tabs