Knaggs: Steve Stevens

Steve Steven's latest signature model by Knaggs guitars. Joe Knaggs is a former PRS employee who is currently running his own manufacturing. Nothing near affordable, be informed.

Steve Stevens: Memory Crash

I've always known Steve Stevens to be Billy Idol's guitar player. He's one of those no-nonsense rock guitarists who delivers loads of attitude.

Having agreed to do an instrumental record for Magna Carta, we'd thought that Mr. Stevens here is just another one of those fretboard speedster with very little emotions in the playing, if any. But Memory Crash is a collection of fun & melodic guitar tunes with liberal inclusion of his shred work. There's a strong focus on what works for the songs, finger gymnastics are just passing considerations, so if you look forward to a workout-type Rusty Cooley release- it's the exact opposite. We can also hear Mr. Steven's schooled flamenco guitar execution so if you wish to dismiss him as a get-by player, this is proof of capacity. Great Les Paul tones, Mr. Stevens- I like.

Black Light Syndrome

Before there was Liquid Tension Experiment, the was Black Light Syndrome. However, the material compositions manifested by Tony Levin, Steve Stevens & Terry Bozzio were mostly off-the-cuff recordings. I am more intrigued by improvisations as opposed to planned recordings for the spontaneity & showcases of the thinking musician; someone who can adapt to the playing style of others without a prior need to study their methods. To me, this is how we spot gifted people. The instrumentals in BLS are lengthy & very artistic, so if you are after some technical highlight exclusively, be informed that this aspect of playing is only a peppered inclusion here. This is  also your opportunity to hear the players' deviation from their traditional, professional commitments, for instance, Steve Steven's flamenco guitar works in addition to his more established signature ray-gun guitar effects.

This is actually a re-purchase for me, the original CD I own is now beyond saving; it will skip in the middle of play, giving off a rude, high-pitch click. *SIGH*