"Scorching Licks, Legendary Guests, and Unstoppable Rock Energy"
Brian Tarquin is an Emmy Award–winning guitarist, composer, and producer known for his extensive work in smooth jazz, hard rock, and guitar fusion.
Continuing Tarquin's long-standing tradition of using benefit releases to raise funds for charitable causes, Tyranny of Tone was launched with a mission to support emergency relief for California Fire Foundation / LA Firefighters.
“Tyranny of Tone featuring Joe Satriani” opens with an immediate explosion of sound: cranking guitars, pounding drums and bass, and that distinctive Satch guitar tone, full of color and energy. If the intent was to create a blast-off feeling, it sure did. Over five minutes of guitar pyrotechnics to kick things off was the right way to start with Brian and his special guest contributor. This track has many transitions and layers that fellow musicians and listeners will appreciate.
“IG NITE featuring Steve Hackett” starts with some interesting, funky sounds before launching into guitar runs. The rapid playing and tapping techniques come through clearly. The background synths create a bed of rhythm and movement that enhances the razor-sharp notes the guitars produce.
“Out of the Ashes featuring Gary Hoey, Joe Deninzon & Hal Lindes” takes you on a different journey, starting with atmospheric, tasteful guitar playing. Now, four musicians combine their talents and chosen instruments. Notably, Deninzon’s unique electrified violin playing is immediately distinguishable once it arrives in the composition, giving it that Jean-Luc Ponty nuance. Its complex layered sound makes it memorable and worth a second listen.
“Dead Reckoning featuring Gus G” raises the bar again for energy and tempo. This features an absolute juggernaut of a rhythm section and some very intense guitar playing with a distinct wah-wah effect. It reminded me of something you would hear from Satriani’s Surfing with the Alien album! Pure rocking energy on fire here!
“Atom Smasher featuring Bumblefoot & Stu Hamm” has screaming guitars and a dramatic drum intro. This is totally different from the previous tracks, with Hamm's bass taking center stage. Bumblefoot adds his amazing rapid-fire licks, too, creating an eclectic wall of sound. Powerful and explosive!
“Intergalactic Burn featuring Bruce Kulick” shifts direction once again, sounding like something you might hear on Jeff Beck’s Blow by Blow. The voice box, funky backbeat, and jazzy keys make this a treat for fusion listeners. I wouldn't have anticipated this from Kulick, and it's a nice surprise. Many facets of both artists come through here.
“Übermensch featuring Doug Rappoport” brings back the highly technical, wailing guitar lines, with the bottom end supporting it all on a strong foundation. The guitar takes many directions here, showing how diverse each player can be. From hard rocking to bluesy stretches, this smolders and burns with the hot embers of relentless rock music.
“Visions of the Eternal Flame featuring Karen Briggs” takes on a distinct jazz rock fusion tone and color. You will still hear scorching lead guitar licks to ensure the rock element mixes well with the jazz vibe and the rhythm playing behind it. Briggs and her violin add another facet of musical expression, reminding us of jazz-rock's beginnings in the early 70s and beyond. Excellent composition.
“Phoenix Rising featuring Carl Verheyen” wraps up this compilation of guitar maestros, violinists, keyboardists, and amazing rhythm sections. This ends with all those elements merging into a real classic rock-jazz mix. The bass is strong, and the percussion is varied and tasteful. Tasteful guitar lines are a feature here.
Tyranny of Tone is a force to be reckoned with. The album unites a diverse roster of musicians, each delivering extraordinary performances that range from explosive rock to sophisticated jazz-rock fusion. With so much to admire musically, the project stands out not just for its artistry but also for its commitment to a worthy cause.