Allan Holdsworth.

Saturday night was a foggy one here in Manhattan.

I had reserved two tickets for the evening`s second show
at Iridium and i was so excited
to see and hear one of the most amazing guitar players
in recent history Mr.Allan Holdsworth.

First and last time i saw him live it was two years ago
when he was giving a guitar seminar at Manny`s.

But i first heard his guitar sound and amazing playing
way back in 1973 when i bought the first and only recording
by a group called Tempest
where he was recruited by ex Colosseum
drummer Mr. Jon Hiseman for his Cream-clone project.


Later on the same year i`ve got me a Soft Machine
recording titled "Bundles"
where his concept was fully formulated
and even got better on the 1975 Tony Williams Lifetime
first release "Beleive it"

I was thrilled to hear him play "Fred" from that album.

His playing on violinist Jean-Luc Ponty`s 1976 release
"Enigmatic Ocean" still sounds so fresh and so musical as it did
when i first heard the album and i love it.

Holdsworth`s concept continued to expand on the now-classic
release "Road Games" from 1983 and on 1985`s "Metal Fatigue".

Allan Holdworth`s sound is unique and instantly recognizable.
It has a violin like quality combined with oboe and saxophone
and his legato technique is legendary and highly imitated.

After the show i bought his latest release "Wardenclyffe Tower"
where his playing is even better than ever and a pure joy
to listen to.

You`ve got to check him out!