Description

I.R.S. Records released several “Guitar Speak” albums starting in 1988, with this album, in their “No Speak” series. Not only is this the first in the series its probably the best or at least my favourite of them all. It features 12 songs made especially for this album from 12 guitar legends and all of them are instrumental (see the changed I.R.S. logo on the cd layout). Unencumbered by rock vocals, this album provides an opportunity for these great musicians to demonstrate their prowess and versatility in letting their fingers do the talking. The tunes run the gamut from outright rockers to soulful melodies. These players are masters of their art; this is rock and roll at its best. You have here guitar legends like Alvin Lee (Ten Years After), Randy California (Spirit), Eric Johnson, Leslie West (Mountain), Ronnie Montrose, Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music), Rick Derringer, Pete Haycock (Climax Blues Band), Steve Hunter (Lou Reed, Alice Cooper), Hank Marvin (The Shadows) and Robbie Krieger (The Doors). The 12 melodic songs run from heavy, to funky, to almost fusion. Eric Johnson’s “Western Flyer” is probably the heaviest song I’ve heard from this great guitarist. Too bad he didn’t follow this route more. Fans and guitar lovers out there need this one

Track list:
1. Alvin Lee -No Limit
2. Randy California -The Prisoner
3. Eric Johnson -Western Flyer
4. Leslie West -Let Me Out’a Here
5. Ronnie Montrose -Blood Alley
6. Steve Howe -Sharp On Attack
7. Phil Manzanera -Sphinx
8. Rick Derringer -Sloe Moon Rising
9. Pete Haycock -Danjo
10. Steve Hunter -Urban Strut
11. Hank Marvin -Captain Zlogg
12. Robby Krieger -Strut-A-Various