The Eric Gales Band 'Picture of a Thousand Faces'
The Eric Gales Band
Picture of a Thousand Faces
Teen guitarists strutting their stuff, it's fair to say, is generally not my thing. And this 1993 release can't change my mind. It's true that this guy along with his brothers are talented musicians, learning to play guitar just like Jimi (left handed & upside down for those unaware), but there are many guitar masters out there that for mine just can't crack it because they just don't have the necessary 'musicality' required to capture an audience.
Don't get me wrong it's not all doom & gloom for this album it does have a few good moments, but they are definitely not sustained. However, I can say that Eric Gales released an album sometime in 2000's, which apparently is a far better & a more mature showing (being in his 20's).
I bought this disc on the back of hearing She's So Heavy (Beatles cover), which I still like, but a solitary track is not going to win me over. I thought this band may have been like a Living Color, but it wasn't the case, although with some guidance the opportunity certainly was there. If you want to hear a solid guitar orientated version of She's So Heavy, by all means check it out 'cause from time to time this cd still gets taken out in my house just to play that track.I'd say that those guitar slingers will probably get into this or for those who like their rock fairly straight up. I'd like to say that those into such electric blues artists such as Albert Collins or even Stevie Ray Vaughn might like this, but I feel there is not even blues or genuine feeling for those listeners. Please let me know what you think if your up for it.
MoogPower Rating = 2
http://tinyurl.com/jm8w4
posted by MoogPower @ Friday, July 21, 2006
5 comments
5 Comments:
Track List:
01 Paralyzed (4:35)
02 Angel of the Night (4:36)
03 Picture of a Thousand Faces (4:56)
04 God Only Knows (5:40)
05 I Want You (She's So Heavy) (7:42)
06 Temple of Deliverance (5:12)
07 Guilty of the Innocence (5:14)
08 Misty (:42)
09 Take a Look (Deep Inside of You) (4:52)
10 Bang That Bell (4:05)
11 Draw the Line (6:31)
I'm with you on this one. Guys like Eric are technically correct, got the chops... but there's something missing. Interesting you mention Stevie Ray, who was obviously an exception, he had both technique AND soul. The fault I'm sure also lies in the production, polished with modern technology to a glistening sheen, but losing all the heart, the little fluffs, the human things, the amp hiss, the sounds of fingers on strings on frets.
Why have Eric, when you can have Otis Rush?
Aaah, so eloquent Captain - agreed wholeheartedly!
I just reckon if this guy had some direction, he could be a different artist. Possible if he understood to drop the rock thing (there are enough/too many Bon Joni's) & get a little soul happening he get be an awesome blues artist.
Alternatively, he could get a little more hot blooded funk throughout his music & he could create a brilliant Living Colour type of thing.
But, I think he lets his technical prowess rule, so yep no Otis Rush (unfortunately), nor much else for that matter!
I'd be interested in hearing his recent effort & it's possible that in 1993 he was trying too hard to create a 'hit' album along the lines of bands such as Aerosmith who were ruling the commercial airwaves in so far as straight up rock's concerned.
Maybe a little maturity has enabled him to draw on his roots a little closer, so that his music is a little more heart-felt & overall more 'earthy'.
Picture of a Thousand Faces is one of my all time favorite records. It is like a bible of guitar licks.
Aaah cool...happy to hear that you are into this one. Maybe I'm a harsh critic at times, b/c I think I was expecting more when I got this when first released.
Cheers 'anon'.
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