The Sixteen Men Of Tain

Fuse Magazine reviewer Geof O'Keefe, "The Sixteen Men Of Tain finds Mr. Holdsworth performing in a trio setting backed by Dave Carpenter on acoustic bass and Gary Novak on drums. Utilizing his trademark volume swells and sometimes Metheny-esque chordal patterns as a background, he nimbly dances around the melodies of the songs before launching into solos of such speed and beauty as to leave the listener breathless. The opener "0274" is a good example, beginning with a gentle, airy wash of chording and interplay with Novak's nimble, busy (in the best way) drumming. The intensity gradually builds as Holdsworth almost casually starts his solo, increasing in speed and dazzling the ear as his fluid lines often become an aural blur, yet always staying melodically in line with the changing chord patterns behind him." This excellent Holdworthian German-import release does nothing to alter the oft-quoted perception of Sir Allan as a guitar god. Pick it up!