Many will surely know the name Daryl Stuermer, guitarist with fusion violinist Jean Luc Ponty (1975-1978), Genesis (1978-1992), and a member of Phil Collins' band since 1982. In addition, Stuermer has recorded an impressive body of solo work, starting with Steppin' Out in 1990 on the GRP label. That album was a stunning collection of jazz-fusion instrumentals, showing that Stuermer was more than just a sideman, and could deliver the goods as a distinct solo artist with impeccable guitar chops. Throughout the 90's and up until recently the guitarist recorded a bunch of albums for Urban Island Music, and now finds himself on Quebec's Unicorn Digital, with his first release for the label titled Rewired-The Electric Collection. The CD is a collection of some of the best songs that he has recorded over the last 16 years, newly edited and remastered, and features hard hitting electric guitar pieces that show off his wonderful tone and tasty chops in rock, fusion, jazz, and progressive rock formats.
If Daryl is going to use this batch of songs for the direction he is going to stay focused on for the near future, then we are all in for a treat. These ten tracks are simply breathtaking, whether the guitarist lays down lyrical & melodic beauties like "Wherever You Are", Celtic flavored jigs such as "Highland Hip Hop" & " American Fields", or symphonic fusion barn burners like "Determined", he's on the mark over and over again. His tone is as sweet as Ronnie Montrose, and his technical expertise as commanding as Eric Johnson or Joe Satriani. Listen to him rip on the rockin' fusion cuts "Yin Yang Boogie" and the Elektric Band-ish "Road Warrior", two mind-blowing and tasty treats that show the guitarist shredding with the best of them, the latter also featuring some dazzling keyboard work from Kosha. For catchy instrumental rock, it doesn't get better than "Deadline", an addicting number with memorable guitar and keyboard harmonies, and rock solid rhythms. Other musicians on the album include such familar names as bassist Leland Sklar and percussionist Luis Conte.
If you've never heard any of Daryl Stuermer's solo material, this is a great place to start. Once you have, you'll scratch your head and wonder why the hell Mike Rutherford played most of the lead guitar work for Genesis all those years after Steve Hackett left. Overall, this is wonderful stuff, and here's hoping Stuermer has some new material for us relatively soon.
Track Listing
1. Yin Yang Boogie
2. Road Warrior
3. Determined
4. Deadline
5. American Fields
6. Morning Train
7. Wherever You Are
8. Highland Hip Hop
9. Transatlantic
10. The Least You Can Do
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