fusionakis

"I've spent the week listening to many of Allan's clips and videos from decades of playing. I can't believe he's gone. He was an amazing player that saw so many harmonic possibilities every time he picked up his guitar. My very best wishes for his family and close friends. He really did become a legend in his own time, and has left an amazing legacy of guitar mastery. We did tour together some, in the good old days, and my friend, Jeff Watson, sent me this picture from online. I'm looking amazed at what he's doing, as usual!" - Steve Morse

AN OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE HOLDSWORTH FAMILY The past few days have felt like a lifetime of a never-ending nightmare. It's hard to put into words the emotions and gratitude that we feel. Without all of the love and support we have received we would be completely lost. We are doing our best to fulfill the wishes of our beloved father. We will be holding a private ceremony to celebrate the life of our dad and we cannot thank you enough for allowing us to do that. We will be planning a public memorial in the coming weeks. I know he's looking down at us and he can rest easy knowing the huge stress that has been lifted from our shoulders. Thank you for all the kind words, memories and donations. We have decided, as a family, to close the GoFundMe campaign. It has more than exceeded its purpose. We cannot express our gratitude to you all enough, it has been overwhelming. In lieu of further donations or flowers, please consider donating to your local pitbull rescue in Dad's name as he was most fond of the breed. We often teased him that Daisy, our pit mix, was actually his favorite child. All Right Then, Then... Our dad was the best! Louise, Emily and Sam Holdsworth April 19, 2017 ------------------ Manning speaking now: As per the family's wishes above, Greg Beaton and I will be closing the fund at some point in the next few hours. If you know anyone who wants to make a last-minute contribution, please alert them.

Αυτό συμβαίνει με τη δύσκολη μουσική... από τη μία δεν είναι για όλους, κι από την άλλη ακόμα και για αυτούς που είναι, δεν είναι με την πρώτη. Και ο Holdsworth έγραφε δύσκολη και πολύ ξεχωριστή μουσική. Υ.Γ.: Παρεπιπτόντως, για όποιον ενδιαφέρεται, τόσο η αυριανή εκπομπή μου στο ραδιόφωνο, όσο και αυτής της επόμενης Πέμπτης, θα είναι αφιερωμένη στον Allan. Όποιος ενδιαφέρεται, βρίσκει τις σχετικές πληροφορίες στα links της υπογραφής μου.

"What a shock to learn that guitarist Allan Holdsworth passed away !!! I was contacted two months ago by Manifesto, the record company which just released a 12-CD box set called "The Allan Holdsworth Album Collection" asking me to send a quote about Allan, which is now included in the liner notes along with other quotes by Frank Zappa, Pat Metheny and other great musicians, all praising Allan's immense talent. Allan has been a big revolution in the guitar world since his beginnings, on top of which his playing was so emotional that he was one of these rare musicians who could deeply move listeners whether they are musically sophisticated or not, and being able to do so with a unique and sometimes complex style of music made him a real genius. His third and last contribution to one of my albums was in "Point Of No Return" from the album The Atacama Experience in 2007, I was always stunned by his playing but that solo moved me to tears when I heard it for the first time. We will miss you Allan !" - Jean Luc Ponty "Today is a very sad day. My dear friend has left us.. Allan was undisputably one of the most original and influential musicians of all time. One of my absolute favourites ,hands down. We're all a little bit better because of what he brought us. God bless Allan Holdsworth." - Yngwie Malmsteen Και τα ας πούμε καλά νέα... Μετά τον πανικό των παιδιών του που δεν είχαν τα χρήματα που χρειάζονταν για την κηδεία, και το στήσιμο του online gofund από τον Greg Beaton, τα χρήματα που μαζεύτηκαν από 2500+ δωρητές είναι πενταπλάσια σε σχέση με το ποσό που χρειαζόταν η οικογένεια. Το τι θα γίνουν αυτά, προφανώς θα αποφασιστεί μετά από λίγο καιρό που η οικογένεια θα μπορέσει να ηρεμήσει, αλλά πιθανολογώ ότι θα δρομολογηθούν διαδικασίες για έκδοση κάποιων έτοιμων κομματιών που δούλευε ο Allan τα τελευταία χρόνια. Ιδού και τα updates στο site (https://www.gofundme.com/allanholdsworthmemorial): 1) So yesterday at 4AM (Sydney time), Louise Holdsworth is on the phone sobbing hysterically (as you can well understand). My wife Eva is sobbing as well. I am just numb. Louise then uttered some words that harrowed my soul - "We can't even afford a funeral. What are we going to do?" "Don't worry about the money", I said. "I'll sort it out". A confession - this was PURE bravado on my part. I really had no idea how to solve this. My own credit card was still recovering from my recent trip to LA. I called Greg Beaton to discuss crowdfunding. He was camping in the Sierra Nevadas. It breaks my heart to tell you that we had a GoFundMe account already set up... in preparation to raise the funds needed to get Allan's final two albums finished. That we were now using this account to pay for his funeral is simply horrible. Greg configured the GoFundMe account using his phone while standing on a mountain trail. Meanwhile I shoot a video with my hair standing up and my t-shirt on backwards. (I'm not good at 4AM... or any other time really) 2) Now it is 24 hours later. I'll be honest, Louise is still barely able to function. I check in with her every two hours or so to make sure she is OK. But something absolutely astonishing has happened. You - his fans - have stepped up in an utterly astonishing way. Way, way, WAY beyond our wildest dreams. Many, many people have asked "What are you going to do with the extra money?". Here's the answer - absolutely NO idea. This fund was always about only one thing, ensuring that Allan Holdsworth received a dignified funeral. To be perfectly honest, I had no confidence we would even achieve that. Louise, Emily and Sam are still too caught up in agonizing grief to think beyond the immediate. Meanwhile I'm just a family friend and it is not my place to decide anything. So I can't tell you anything about what they will do with the money you all have raised. What I can tell you is that there are NO words for how grateful we are. Ridiculously, incomprehensibly, stupefyingly grateful. Our dearest and beloved friend Allan will be buried with grace and respect, and his children will not panic about the cost. That is a kindness for which I have no words to describe. Thank you all. Manning Bartlett Sydney, Australia 17 April, 2017

"I'm devastated at the loss of Allan Holdsworth. A rare genius who paved a huge road. Major highlight of my musical life. RIP Allan." - Vinnie Colaiuta "The passing of Allan Holdsworth leaves me bereft & sad. One of the very greatest to ever pick the guitar up. I, for one, seriously do not care about other opinions about him. He was not for everybody-nobody is. I LOVED what he did in the time he was here. Unbelievable Improbable Impossible Weird Beautiful Arcane Wonderful Rest In Peace, Magician." - Vernon Reid "Hello Everyone, I wanted to take a moment to share a few words with you about Allan Holdsworth. I was saddened to hear about his passing and I am sending best thoughts and wishes to his family. It may not be obvious but he was a major influence on my musical outlook. His approach to guitar was so unique and quite honestly baffling, especially to the 13 yeard old me who spent a summer trying to learn licks from his "Metal Fatigue" album. My dad was an admirer of Allan's playing as well. He talked about him in high regard in several interviews. One day Allan came to our house to visit my dad. I don't recall the exact circumstances but it may have had something to do with Chad Wackerman who used to play drums with my dad and also played with Allan. In any case, I remember that I was 13 and I couldn't understand the scales Allan was using or the chords he was playing over. I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions that day and he was very patient with me as I attempted to show him some of the things I had tried to learn. He showed me a few easier licks and some two hand tapping ideas. As the years went by the scales never got any easier nor did the uncommon chords he reached for. Little by little, elements of his approach to guitar entered my own vocabulary and passed through my own musical filters. I believe that Allan's influence on my playing isn't heard as a derivative in terms of playing his licks, it's more of my own interpretation of how to apply the elements that I love in his playing, spontaneous risk and reward, tension and release. His ability to effortlessly move through rhythmic contours with harmonic variety is what all guitarists who've heard him, have marveled at. I was lucky enough to know Allan after my dad had passed away. He was very kind and spoke fondly of the time he visited with my dad. Allan even played with my band on stage a few times. He was so humble and was allergic to compliments. If I mentioned something about his playing on a record or even in the moment while playing together he would say with a smile, "I'm sorry you had to hear that." Not everyone could appreciate the high contrast in his music but those who did, really did! He was most in his element in his own music. I remember that when he played with us on stage he kept saying he was so nervous. It's hard to understand that because he was so gifted as a player but I can empathize because I feel that way when I'm outside my own comfort zone. It produces a tendency to block your creative instincts and rely on patterns instead of opening the door to your greatest musical inspiration. That said, it seemed to me that Allan had total freedom in his playing and it was truly inspirational to me. I am currently making a new guitar solo album called F.O.H. Live In The Moment Part II for my Dweezil Zappa "Others Of Intention" Pledge Music campaign Dweezil Zappa & The Others Of Intention: Music In The Name Of...? auf PledgeMusic. It's a "Shut Up And Play Yer Guitar" Style album. I was putting all of the finishing touches on it but then I heard the news about Allan. Now I feel compelled to find a solo from a recent tour so that I can include it on the album. I would like to pay homage in my own way to Allan. I know I have reached outside my comfort zone on recent tours and sought to get into the zone of "total freedom." With that said, I will be making some changes to the album in order to make this happen. It will cause a short delay which I apologize for in advance but it's important to me to make this tribute part of the record. I think I will call it "I'm Sorry You Had To Hear That." RIP Allan Holdsworth, I will always appreciate your musical voice and your creativity and I'm glad I got to hear that!" - Dweezil Zappa

"REMEMBERING ALLAN HOLDSWORTH Allan Holdsworth has passed. One of a handful of true innovators. For me he was, without reservation of any kind, the John Coltrane of the guitar. Sad that he didn't know it. None the less his contribution to the language of the guitar has been unequaled. Om Mani Padme Hum" - Robben Ford "I was very shocked to hear about Allan Holdsworth passing away. He was a guitarist's guitarist yet much more. His explored wealth of new guitar possibilities will be a wealth for musicians to learn from for many, many years to come. I first met Allan when he played with the band U.K. He always had that identifiable uniqueness to his playing. He was a very sweet, and sensitive person; always searching for brilliance. He left a library of redefined guitar styles with his one of a kind chord voicings and fluid solos. I was sad to hear of his death. My prayers go out to his family and I owe him thanks for showing and daring us to be different, be ourselves and strive for the best we can be." - Eric Johnson

Το μήνυμα του παλιόφιλού του Gary Husband νομίζω τα λέει όλα για τα τελευταία χρόνια του Allan: "Yesterday I received the most devastating news of the passing of my spiritual and musical brother Allan Holdsworth. And along with that news came the realisation I had now witnessed the conclusion of the last chapter of probably what will always be known by me as the most significant musical relationship of my life. The journey that began in the later 1970s in a studio in London - a first time ever trial playing situation for us - where time and space seemed to evaporate and give vent to suddenly this otherworldly, uncannily effortless, intense communication and empathy of the nature and height I could have only dreamt possible. I remember wondering afterwards, as we were packing our gear, if we'd ever reach that again or even get to play together once more. And it did. And we did. And though the albums IOU, Metal Fatigue, Atavachron, Sand, Wardencliffe Tower, Then, Hard Hat Area etc, that serve to document the handful of decades we were able to develop together, I have vivid memories, still, of the experiences of many incredible improvisational musical heights together, in many live settings, of the kind I will not experience the like of again. With Allan I had the invitation to literally invent. I knew it was totally unique music. Yet strangely it was music I felt - almost as naturally as if it had come through me. The unique harmony, the unique signature pushes & pulls in tempo, the pauses and the inherent rubato, up alongside all the straighter grooves that all felt so completely natural to me I was mystified at so much of the confused reaction the music provoked in people. I had no idea why it was regarded convoluted, complex or unusual. So not only was this the most comfortable playing situation for me I also was afforded the luxury to approach and form all drum approaches to the pieces from my own imagination. Occasionally I'd come up with something, and I'd quickly know if it wasn't an instant success. But mostly it was. And little was said, virtually nothing ever rehearsed, and it just all got recorded that way and performed that way while expanded upon live. IOU was to essentially document as good as possible version of pieces we had been performing for a good while. But from Unmerry-Go-Round - the wonderful piece where I worked alongside Allan to form the rhythmic structure - it was about an approach to drum composition - how the drums worked conceptually - as much as it was also the playing side of things. This started to really expand particularly on the recordings for the albums Atavachron and Sand. I would love to elaborate on all these periods. Perhaps in the form of a book sometime. Jumping to the more recent years, from 2000 on, a lot was starting to deteriorate and crumble in Allan's life. This had started to manifest in the form of a growing acceleration in alcohol consumption. And this would be influencing everything from this point onwards. I was party to a lot I cannot and will not divulge in a Facebook post. All of us were - all who worked together with Allan. And from that point, we were starting to become very concerned. What would also start to materialise with Allan was a deterioration of creativity. Allan's marriage collapsed catastrophically, and this brought even more excesses. Nevertheless, his playing was always central and his fleeting fluidity always still apparent. But from this point he was no longer in any way sober on gigs. The details of our years with him since - the self-medicating his ever increasing, spiralling and perpetually heightening suffering are, as I clarified, not for these pages. All I can say is that as I always promised him, I was always at the other end of a phone. Always there. This would never be enough. And it became inevitable to me that Allan was fast-tracking towards more and more emotional destitution. Fast forwarding to the most recent and last time I would get to perform with Allan, in 2014 along with Jimmy Haslip I was aware - for the first time ever - things were definitely no longer well with him also as a musician. The self-medication had accumulated significantly, and I was mortified to discover this was now, finally, becoming very apparent in his playing. From this point, and through many unpleasant extra-musical episodes and manifestations later it has been tragically apparent and somewhat inevitable that drastic measures would have to be sought. But, as ever, the closer we were, to Allan, ultimately the more ineffective we proved to be. And so, now the moment I/we all feared, dreaded and anticipated has arrived. In all it's dreadful sadness, the story has come to a close. I have a feeling I will never again recognise musical endeavour in quite the same way without my brother Allan Holdsworth in this world. I will just have to hang on to it - keep in constant touch with my little part in the legacy of his trajectory, our shared one, the seed of that creation and keep the essence well in tact, together with us all that've been through many years in music with this genius. I guess I'm speaking for all Allan's players - from way back, to my times starting it with him, through the decades and even into these last few years. I pray with all my heart, my brother, that your suffering is eased and healed. I pray that your passage, into eternity, will be now smooth and complete. You'll always be such a huge part of me, dear Allan. I love you, and I always will love you."

Στους μουσικούς κύκλους (όχι μόνο ανάμεσα στους σπουδαίους συναδέλφους του, αλλά και σε εμάς τους παίχτες δωματίου κλπ) ήταν ένας θρύλος. Σε κόσμο τώρα που δεν έχει παίξει ποτέ κανένα όργανο, και δεν έχει ψαχτεί μουσικά σε βάθος, όχι ιδιαίτερα. Τα άλμπουμς του πρέπει να υπάρχουν σε συλλογές μουσικόφιλων σαν και μένα (εννοώ σε μορφή αγορασμένων δίσκων, κασετών και cd, και όχι free ιντερνετικών κατεβασμάτων), και όχι σε πάρα πολλές από κει και πέρα.. οπότε εκ των πραγμάτων, εφόσον ο ίδιος ήταν κατ'επιλογήν του εντελώς μακριά από το συνήθη τρόπο που συνάδελφοί του βγάζουν τα προς το ζην (μαθήματα, sessions), και ταυτόχρονα τελειομανής όσο κανέναν, λογικά υπήρξαν περίοδοι που ζοριζόταν οικονομικά (όπως για κάποια χρόνια μετά το διαζύγιό του το 1999, και από ό,τι φαίνεται και τώρα). Παρόλα αυτά, ήταν ασυμβίβαστος και έμαθε να λειτουργεί με αυτό τον τρόπο... αφότου άφησε την Αγγλία και τις ιστορικές συμμετοχές σε συγκροτήματα που ακολούθησε σε όλη τη διάρκεια των 70's, εγκαταστάθηκε στην Καλιφόρνια, φτιάχνοντας στην πορεία το δικό του στούντιο ("The Brewery") που έκανε τα πάντα εκεί (μεταξύ άλλων και ευρεσιτεχνίες, όπως ανέφερε πριν ο fusiongtr με το "Juice Extractor" της Rocktron)... μέχρι και τη δικιά του μπύρα που την διένεμε σε κάποια μέρη τοπικά στην Καλιφόρνια. Με λίγα λόγια, ήταν ένας μερακλής τελειομανής Κύρος Γρανάζης που ήθελε να κάνει μόνο τα πράγματα που του άρεσαν (μπύρα, ποδηλασία, μουσική και δεν ξέρω γω τι άλλο), και είχε μάθει να προτιμάει το ζόρισμα παρά τον όποιο συμβιβασμό. Μοναχικός δρόμος, αλλά αυτός ήταν o Holdsworth.

Και κάποιοι αποχαιρετισμοί φίλων και θαυμαστών του από τα social media (η λίστα θα ανανεώνεται): "I am deeply saddened to hear the news about my friend and musical guitar genius Allan Holdsworth’s death. I loved him. I’ll never forget the first time I heard him was on Jean-luc Ponty’s Enigmatic Ocean. His solos and tone on the first tune and that album are what stands in my mind as some of the most beautiful brilliant guitar playing ever recorded. From there I went on to discover more and more amazing guitar playing with Tony Williams Lifetime and his solo albums were mind-bending. I was about 17 at this time. A kid from Canberra, Australia and by this time had been playing guitar since I was 5 or 6 yet I had absolutely no idea what he was doing and I had absolutely no idea how to even begin playing like that. He quickly became a genius I classified as inimitable. I loved what he stood for. I loved his uncompromising musicality and innovation on the guitar. He carved a path where no one had gone before. To lead is MUCH harder than to follow. He led. He led multitudes of guitar players and indeed players of all instruments into wildly new possibilities. He bent our ears. His music was deeply complex, like an Einstein equation on a blackboard that often times left most listeners bewildered, confused, uncomfortable, disoriented….but for those of us who had spent many years playing and studying music, revering those unique humans that go far beyond what we think is possible, we got it! I wrote Allan a letter many years ago praising him as highly and as eloquently as I could because, I got it. I wanted him to know that I got it and I told him, because I wanted him to know, that what he had achieved was brilliant, genius, art in its highest and purest innovative form and that I loved him for it. I told him also that, whether or not the world, that often celebrates talentless, insipid, pointless and over-hyped pseudo music genius’, understood or valued his greatness, I most certainly did. We had a deep understanding and mutual respect for one another. He was a gentle, self-deprecating fellow who was full of the British quirky wit. My first encounter with him was on my first Elektric Band tour. I was new (1986). Allan Holdsworth Trio was opening for us every night of the tour. So I had to go on after his genius guitar playing every night. It was an incredible trial by fire for me. I was a huge fan even back then and was in awe of him really. Alan was so funny and me, being Australian, we had an instant rapport, the ice was quickly broken and it led to decades of paths crossing. None was more special than the “Truth In Shredding” album. The title was named by Mark Varney, the label owner, who was a huge fan of both Allan and myself. His dream was to put us together on an album. We both hated the title…shredding indeed! Anyway, the album deal stipulated that Alan and I must play a solo of at least 3 minutes in length on every track. I had to time the solo chord sequences and count choruses to add up to over 3 minutes…anyway, it was a great experience working with him and mixing and watching his process. He was the most meticulous person with tone. He had no problem tweaking for hours on a solo tone. A true perfectionist and master of audio as well as the guitar and music. I remember being inches away from his hands on the guitar and thinking to myself, what on Earth are you playing? I couldn’t even understand it even from that kind of proximity. It was as if an alien had landed from another planet. He would often say the same thing about me and every time he did I would throw it right back at him. This would pretty much be our banter and how we greeted each other every time we saw each other. A back-and-forth of praise. “Allan you’re a genius! He’d say: “No you! Me: “No, no…YOU! Alan “No YOU”…etcetera, and then laughter and hugs. He could play through ANY chords, even 10 chords a bar like a hot knife through butter. All those genius chords, chord-melody, heads to his compositions were truly like modern Classical music and then he would proceed to solo over them in a truly other-wordly way. His linear playing was as spectacular as his chords. No one plays like him, many have tried imitating him, but no one really came close. He was way ahead. Way ahead. Still is. Maybe in 50 years from now, when the world catches up, people will appreciate him more. I hope so. He was sadly under-compensated throughout his time on this planet. Sadly, like many under-appreciated geniuses in this world, he died penniless. It hurts my heart to know this. So sad that the world couldn’t support such a great artist while he was alive! There is a crowd -funding link below to support the family for the memorial services. Please give generously, I will be. Allan, you will be missed. NAMM 2017 was the last time I gave you a BIG hug and told you how great you are. Sadly I won’t have more opportunities to do that. Your legacy will live on through your music and the influence you have had on the music community. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace my brother in arms." - Frank Gambale "My hero and friend passed away today. His music will surely live forever. Rest in Peace Allan Holdsworth. We will miss you." - Kurt Rosenwinkel "I always found myself speechless with Allan's otherworldly musicality and soaring virtuosity. And now, sadly, I find myself speechless with his passing. #allanholdsworth #rip #mostinnovativeever" - Greg Howe "R.I.P. Allan Holdsworth. You remain an enormous inspiration to me. Your beautiful music will live on forever." - Joe Satriani "Allan Holdsworth RIP We are very sorry to hear that Allan passed away this weekend. He was an astounding player who continually defied the norm, ignored the perceived path and outplayed everyone! He was often discontent with his own performances, performances that others would have been quite content with! Also a true guitarist's guitarist." - Steve Howe on behalf of YES "Goodbye Allan Holdsworth, until we meet again" - John McLaughlin "Allan Holdsworth’s unique contribution to the electric guitar is unquantifiable. I remember him saying to me once that his goal was to create a catalog of music that was undiluted. Well, that he did…. Dear Allan, you were extraordinary and from all of us who you've touched so deeply with your brilliance, we are grateful. Rest in deep peace my friend" - Steve Vai "It will take days, and then years, and possibly the rest of my life to process the news I just received. One of the great geniuses (I reserve this combination of words for about as many fingers as I have on one hand) has left our plane of existence.... Allan Holdsworth thank you so much for what brought to this world!!!! Words cannot express the inspiration you brought to so many with your fearless pursuit of a truly unique MUSIC with it's own set of parameters and systems of integrity (to which you always held yourself up to, and never felt satisfied enough to say you had achieved!! Although we KNOW that you did!!). On this Easter Sunday feel as if I have lost a family member... one of my true musical fathers. I'm finding it hard to write this last line without getting choked up, but...RIP Allan Holdsworth...to say you will be missed is an understatement" It will take days, and then years, and possibly the rest of my life to process the news I just received. One of the great geniuses (I reserve this combination of words for about as many fingers as I have on one hand) has left our plane of existence.... Allan Holdsworth thank you so much for what brought to this world!!!! Words cannot express the inspiration you brought to so many with your fearless pursuit of a truly unique MUSIC with it's own set of parameters and systems of integrity (to which you always held yourself up to, and never felt satisfied enough to say you had achieved!! Although we KNOW that you did!!). On this Easter Sunday feel as if I have lost a family member... one of my true musical fathers. I'm finding it hard to write this last line without getting choked up, but...RIP Allan Holdsworth...to say you will be missed is an understatement" - Jonathan Kreisberg "With enormous sadness I write to express my condolences to Allan's family on the loss of a much-loved father and grandfather, my friend and colleague. For several years in the 1970s, through my own band and 'UK', I listened to him nightly, launching sheets of sound on an unsuspecting audience, changing perceptions about what guitars and guitarists should or could be doing, thrilling me half to death.I would have paid to be at my own gig. Allan wasn't easy, but if it was easy it wouldn't have been Allan. Like all creative musicians he was restless and relentless in pursuit of 'the perfect sound', the one that he couldn't get out of his head, the one that would never leave him alone. Now he will be at peace. Still, my guitar gently weeps. " - Bill Bruford "I cant believe it! Allan Holdsworth, legendary guitarist of our generation ! He changed the game + was the sweetest guy ever... RIP" - Steve Lukather "It's been comforting and healing in part by reading all of the tributes and stories today of everyone meeting and hearing the master perform his one of a kind music. All of the picture post are so wonderful to see as well. So many people have been touched by Allan Holdsworth's genius and art. A lot of His fans have been listening to his recordings or video today and talking about what they witnessed at live concerts. This evening I've been playing through his compositions to help the sadness and pain. One that I play often is Funnel's. He wrote this for the QueensMary Jazz festival, ( the Three Funnels on the Queens Mary) Allan was playing with Michael Brecker, Stanley Clarke and George Duke ,they were all asked to bring in a tune. Allan had no "tunes" to bring in so he wrote this song. He told me they didn't play it although Brecker really wanted to have a go at it. Imagine the notes between Allan and Michael if they had played it. Too bad it didn't happen. So Allan instead recorded it on Atavachron. It's one of my favorites. We will always have his music. Thank-You Schnell Meistor!!! - Steve Hunt (ο οποίος παίζει στο FB και 2 συνθέσεις του στο πιάνο σαν αποχαιρετισμό) "Brother Alan Love to you and your sincere genuine style of playing your guitar

Μερικά σχόλια για τον Allan κατά καιρούς: "I’ve known Allan and his music for 30 years now, and after all this time he still amazes me. His concept is still advancing with his playing, and his technical prowess, which is phenomenal, is in complete harmony with his musical direction—and this is a very advanced direction. I recall a show I saw him at in London about 14 years ago. After the concert I said to him, ‘If I knew what you were doing, I’d steal everything, but I don’t know what you are doing!’ Allan laughed." - John McLaughlin "Holdsworth is the best in my book. He's fantastic. I love him." - Eddie Van Halen “Allan’s beautiful and unique chord voicings have always had an impact on me. His approach to guitar is one of a kind. He pushes the limits of the boundaries of electric guitar, and his lead phrasing would make Charlie Parker smile. His playing is essential listening for any guitarist, of any style, so they can see that the only limits we have are the ones we put on ourselves.” - Eric Johnson "I saw Allan Holdsworth when I was about 14 in 1978. I never dreamed a guitar could be played like that and that really changed my whole life. If I hadn't had seen Holdsworth I may have just continued to play some blues and rock music and might have even given it up later or something, but when I saw him at 14, that really inspired me to try to play guitar in my own way at another level." - Shawn Lane "I believe Holdsworth is incredibly important to the language of jazz guitar... He’s overlooked because stylistically he’s in the fusion camp very solidly, but if you get beyond that and you listen to the actual content of his playing and how he’s relating to harmony and lines, you’ll discover a guitarist that is virtually unsurpassed in terms of harmonic and linear sophistication, which is totally applicable to every modern jazz guitarist. Furthermore, I think that Allan Holdsworth and John Coltrane have a lot in common in terms of their linear conceptions. They’re obviously very, very different and have qualities that place them in totally different zones, but I see a connection between the language that Coltrane used and the technique that Allan Holdsworth has developed. I’m heavily influenced and inspired by Coltrane and the language that he used, and Holdsworth is definitely a touchstone for how to do that on the guitar." - Kurt Rosenwinkel "I totally agree that Allan is one of the greatest guitarists ever - his work on the mid-70's Tony Williams records was revolutionary and changed everything for guitarists everywhere. It is a real mystery to me why he is not a household name. but it really doesn't matter, his contribution is large and i think all musicians know it. - Pat Metheny "I think Allan Holdsworth is the John Coltrane of the guitar. I don't think anyone can do as much with the guitar as Allan Holdsworth can." - Robben Ford “I put Holdsworth up there with Paganini and Liszt. Terrifying.” - David Lindley “Allan really changed guitar playing. The legato techniques and ‘sheets-of-sound’ approach influenced not only jazz guitarists, but also a whole generation of metal players. And aside from all the technical stuff, he’s a master jazz guitarist. Check out his version of ‘How Deep Is the Ocean.’” - John Scofield “I had the good fortune to be able to offer a vehicle for Allan's music back in the late 70's, with three very successful albums that showcased his astonishing ability. Even from here in the UK, the sound of US guitar players across the pond sitting up and taking notice was deafening. To this day, his solo outing on "In The Dead Of Night" by the group UK remains one of the most perfectly formed, intelligently paced and brilliantly executed 3 minutes of liquid guitar bliss you are ever likely to hear. He's been refining his wok ever since. After three measures you know its Allan, or someone trying to sound like him. He's the leader in a field of one... ... Allan wanted to sound like John Coltrane. Problem was he’s playing guitar, not saxophone, so he had to figure out a way to get a similar ‘sheets of sound’ equivalent on guitar. The scales and intervals he chose were also all unusual, and he didn’t become just one of the great scalar improvisers overnight. He worked like a dog on Nicolas Slonimsky’s Thesaurus of Scales and Melodic Patterns. Then, when he’d run out of notes he’d reach for the whammy bar and send shivers down your spine.” - Bill Bruford "One of the most interesting guys on guitar on the planet is Allan Holdsworth. I really respect his playing." - Frank Zappa “Allan plays legato parts like a violinist. His right hand might as well be a bow, because his left hand is like Paganini’s. You can call his playing whatever you want to, but it will still fry your brain if you try to figure it out. John McLaughlin, Michael Stern, John Scofield—all of us just scratch our heads and go, ‘Damn!’” - Carlos Santana “I have always considered Allan Holdsworth in a league of his own. In my obnoxious must-analyze-everything teenage years I remember walking out from a concert with the man, very frustrated. I simply didn’t get how he was able to pull it off in such a smooth, delicate way. The stuff his fingers were doing didn’t have anything to do with what was coming out of the speakers (at least not to my tiny intellect). Nowadays, I simply let the playing happily floor me. I believe he is from another planet.” - Mattias IA Eklundh "The voice I have as a musician I have formed in no small part as a direct result of my now twenty-five year association and relationship with Allan. While our individual approaches have naturally changed, shifted and evolved independently, separated by distance and long passages of time apart, we always come back together, almost mystically, in this strange, uncanny but perfect unity. It'll always be fresh, new, different, but just inextricably connected. It's about a relationship so close it even transcends physically playing together on a regular basis and keeps growing. I feel really and truly blessed to have that with Allan." - Gary Husband "I saw Allan play last night at the Baked Potato and I must say that, without a doubt, he is truly The Grand Master..." - Frank Gambale "... Besides being emotionally swept away by Allan’s use of melodic color, most of the time I am utterly stunned and confused as to how he is playing what I am hearing. His chops and inner ear completely defy my own inner musical eye and reasoning and I’m left in a blissful state of humility and surrender.” - Steve Vai “As Frank Zappa said, ‘Writing about music is like dancing about architecture,’ so just listen to Allan Holdsworth and experience the pure beauty of his unique musical language, which goes beyond all clichés. He is a true master, and remains unsurpassed.” - Alex Machacek "Allan Holdsworth also has a strong style. A long time ago, Jens took me to see him in a small club in New York. I had to take my hat off to him." - Yngwie Malmsteen "His influence is just that he's such a drastic unyielding individual. You know, 'I'm going to do my thing and I'm going to do it the best I can." - Steve Morse "Following Allan was one of the toughest things I ever had to do, as any guitar player can imagine. The set was based around the monumental solos that he had been doing, so I had to try to fill those shoes! He has been ahead of the game for over 30 years and is the preeminent guitar soloist of our generation (if not any). When I first heard him in about 1973, I was amazed by the ambition and direction of his playing. I was edging along a similar path myself but he was far ahead, and so was a source of inspiration and aspiration. Since then he has developed and refined the ingredients that were already there with outstanding single-mindedness, dedication and concentration. His playing now is completely controlled and mature and his mastery of the elements that he is interested in—harmony, line and tone—is unique and puts him in the very top league of the greatest soloists in guitar history. That’s why guitarists should care!!! - John Etheridge "Hearing Allan’s guitar playing for the first time was a cathartic experience for me. His guitar sang, it pushed musical boundaries, and it rocked. His brilliant approach to harmony is completely original, beautiful and spellbinding. His technique and improvisational skills make him a true guitar god, the jaw dropping kind, and the kind that influences many a player in all styles of music... ... To witness him playing with Tony Williams’ band, a Gibson SG around his neck, Small Stone Phaser and Marshall stack in tow, at the intimate club My Father’s Place in Roslyn, NY, was something I’ll never forget. He ripped a hole in the guitarist’s-space-time-continuum that night! And we’ve never been the same... ... Allan Holdsworth changed the way people play the electric guitar, both musically and physically. He is a true genius." - Joe Satriani "Only the elite musician wishes not to imitate. Originality and finding your own voice are the only beacons that the elite musician follows. Allan is one of these musicians.” - Jeff Berlin "... To my taste, guitar doesn’t lend itself to playing fast as well as other instruments. I think the possibilities of approaches to doing it are limited in comparison to instruments like the piano, the saxophone, or the drum machine. Something about the guitars physicality in correspondence to our muscles and hand angles just doesn’t seem to offer the potential for expression at lightning speeds that those other instruments do. To me, he [Allan] is one of the few people who totally overcomes those limitations and is totally expressive whilst playing fast and makes it sound natural, relaxed, and effortless—and, at the same time, exciting and intense. It always sounds like there’s a musical/emotional idea there and it never sounds like he’s playing scales or exercises, which almost all flashy guys of the last 25 years generally seem to be doing a big percentage of the time, though I’m no expert... " - John Frusciante “Allan has the touch. Maybe it’s those extra- long fingers of his. No one can listen to him without being affected by his tone and fluidity. A superb player who is a joy to hear.” - Adrian Belew Δεν ξέρω αν έχασα κάτι στην κουβέντα, αλλά αν αναφέρεσαι στο Holdsworth, ήταν μόνιμος κάτοικος Καλιφόρνιας από τις αρχές της δεκαετίας του '80.

Πάγωμα... Αντί για το νέο άλμπουμ, να πληροφορείσαι ξαφνικά για το χαμό του Allan. Αν μπορούσα θα πήγαινα και στην κηδεία, πραγματικά. Αισθάνομαι πολύ τυχερός πρώτον που τον ανακάλυψα σε νεαρή ηλικία, και δεύτερον που κατάφερα και τον είδα 2 φορές ζωντανά... θα έχω να το λέω μέχρι να γεράσω ότι είδα τον σπουδαιότερο μουσικό που έχει πιάσει κιθάρα από απόσταση ενός μέτρου. Αν είναι τέτοιο σοκ για μένα, φαντάζομαι πώς θα είναι για τους μουσίκαρους που ανέκαθεν τον συντρόφευαν, και ακόμα περισσότερο για την οικογένειά του. Από μένα μερικές στιγμές από χαρακτηριστικές περιόδους του σαν αποχαιρετισμό (και σαν πρόταση γνωριμίας σε όσους δεν έχουν ακούσει): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRkkJKf-hnA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHXBNqGYLo0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNSrxuHKKVg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvzm3ZTjnR0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U43Y8AN-kZk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYzipotLMZQ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNAHOcZ6NxM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmvQ2GNdozU Και λίγο live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWU_yFFsNtc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w64EEwgAUEY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZffRCejJojs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JkWAbnvgF3Y https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhJbU1zbOeE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iINA9sjORCI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGynK7Zo8BA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yll1FS-YcT0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMZBtoWgX7g

α) Boss FV500-H volume pedal (αγοράστηκε 2009 αν θυμάμαι καλά, μπορεί και λίγο νωρίτερα... τότε ήταν και η εποχή που άρχισα σταδιακά να ξεφεύγω από πεταλιέρες, midi controllers και rack για να πάω προς πετάλια) β) Fulltone Gold Deja 'Vibe (αγοράστηκε μεταχειρισμένο το 2011, κατασκευής 2001 όπως φαίνεται στις φωτογραφίες) Γενικά είμαι της λογικής όσα δεν παίζονται να φεύγουν.

Μία επιλογή είναι κάποιο από αυτά (και πολλά ακόμα): JHS Angry Charlie ή AT (Andy Timmons signature) Wampler Pinnacle Maxon SD9 Ωστόσο θα μπορούσες άνετα να χρησιμοποιήσεις τη βάση του Boss BD-2 που έχεις, και σε συνδυασμό με ένα πετάλι τύπου ή συγγενές με tubescreamer, να πάρεις το high gain distortion που επιθυμείς. Η σειρά για να γίνει αυτό είναι: πετάλι τύπου tubescreamer --> Boss BD-2. Το μόνο αρνητικό που μπορώ να πω είναι ότι είναι πλαστικούρα στην κατασκευή. Αλλά για μένα αυτό δεν είναι καθόλου πρόβλημα, γιατί αυτός είναι και ένας από τους λόγους που το κάνουν πανάλαφρο. Επίσης στο μηχανισμό της κίνησης είναι ό,τι πιο βολικό έχω παίξει (το κουμπί θέλει μια έξτρα πίεση για να πατηθεί, σε αντίθεση με το 95% των πεταλιών που καμιά φορά αν δεν το προσέξεις εκεί που είσαι στο ρυθμικό πάνω κάτω μπορείς να το κλείσεις). Αν τώρα στην πορεία προκύψουν θέματα, θα κάνω μια βόλτα από δω να τα αναφέρω. Αλλά είμαι αρκετά αισιόδοξος ότι δεν θα συμβεί κάτι τέτοιο. Μια φορά έκανα τον κόπο, από τότε και μετά copy-paste και λίγα λογάκια έξτρα. Και γω νομίζω ότι έχει περισσότερο νόημα κάποιος να εξηγεί τα βασικά (π.χ. αν πάρει κανείς το δικό μου στήσιμο και του Tamtam - τον αναφέρω γιατί και αυτός πρόσφατα έγραψε το σχετικό μακρυνάρι του - καμία σχέση, και εκεί υφίσταται και το ενδιαφέρον του πράγματος).

Οι λίγες αλλαγές σε bold, και 1-2 γενικές φωτογραφίες με το φως της μέρας.

Ναι, καταλαβαίνω. Επίσης μου επιβεβαιώνεις και αυτό που πίστευα για τα buffers αυτής της σειράς της DigiTech, μιας που είναι κάτι που θα τιμήσω κι εγώ στο άμεσο μέλλον. Ακολουθεί και το δικό μου update... Πετάλια (τα χρωματισμένα είναι συνδεδεμένα στις 4 λούπες του ProgLooper) Πριν τον ενισχυτή: Electro-Harmonix Wailer Wah WOBO ProgLooper [πάντα ενεργή κάποια/ες από τις λούπες] T. Jauernig Stalker boost T. Jauernig Gristle King overdrive/boost Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive Mod overdrive (Mod 3, clean blend control ελεγχόμενο από Option Knob GloKnob) ExpressoFX BUF1 buffer BigFoot Engineering Octo puss octave MXR Micro Flanger Vertex Landau Stereo Chorus Boss FV-500H volume pedal JAM The Big Chill tremolo Effects loop του ενισχυτή: Fulltone Deja'Vibe BBE Sonic Stomp sonic maximizer [πάντα ενεργό, για αυτό τοποθετημένο εκτός pedalboard] ZCAT Hold-Delay-Chorus (χρησιμοποιείται μόνο για τη "Hold" λειτουργία) TC Electronic Flashback X4 (πάντα ενεργό - presets ελεγχόμενα από Ernie Ball VP Jr. 25k expression pedal) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Βασικοί Ήχοι - Συνδυασμοί στο ProgLooper: 1) Κρυστάλλινα καθαρά για συγχορδίες και αρπίσματα Κιθάρα --> T Jauernig Stalker boost --> Vertex Landau Chorus --> Boss FV-500H volume --> Ενισχυτής [1ο κανάλι] --> BBE Sonic Stomp --> TC Electronic Flashback X4 delay 2) Καθαρά για solo παίξιμο και για ρυθμικά Κιθάρα --> T. Jauernig Stalker boost --> Boss FV-500H volume --> Ενισχυτής [2ο κανάλι] --> BBE Sonic Stomp --> TC Electronic Flashback X4 delay 3) Overdrive τύπου Plexi Κιθάρα --> Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive Mod --> Boss FV-500H volume --> Ενισχυτής [2ο κανάλι] --> BBE Sonic Stomp --> TC Electronic Flashback X4 delay 4) High gain overdrive Κιθάρα --> T. Jauernig Gristle King overdrive/boost --> Voodoo Lab Sparkle Drive Mod --> Boss FV-500H volume --> Ενισχυτής [2ο κανάλι] --> BBE Sonic Stomp --> TC Electronic Flashback X4 delay Οι τελευταίες αλλαγές λίγες και δευτερεύουσες: α) Αντικατάσταση του Budda Budwah με το Electro-Harmonix Wah Το Budda είναι ένα εξαιρετικό wah που όμως μου έδινε παραπάνω volume boost από ό,τι ήθελα. Είχα σημαδέψει εδώ και λίγο καιρό το wah του Buddy Guy για να το αντικαταστήσω, μιας και μου άρεσε ακόμα περισσότερο, αλλά μετά από λίγο ψάξιμο είπα να δώσω μια ευκαιρία στο φθηνότατο Wailer Wah, εφόσον στα χαρτιά έμοιαζε να έχει όσα πράγματα αναζητούσα (μεγάλο range, όπως έδειχναν demos και reviews, να μην δίνει ούτε volume boost ούτε volume drop, και να είναι true bypass)... Και ναι, τα είχε. Το συστήνω ανεπιφύλακτα σε αρχάριους, επαγγελματίες και οτιδήποτε, μιας και μιλάμε για ό,τι πιο value for money, και χωρίς πολλά πολλά το προτιμάω από όλα από τα προηγούμενα wah που είχα (Budwah, AMT Japanese Girl, Dunlop CAE MC404, Dunlop 535Q, Dunlop Standard Crybaby). β) Αντικατάσταση MXR Analog Chorus από MXR Micro Flanger Είχα 2 chorus, και έπαιζα το ένα σε slow rates για τα καθαρά μου όπως γράφω πιο πάνω, και το άλλο (MXR) για τα pseudoleslie πιο βρώμικά μου. Εφόσον έβλεπα ότι με τον καιρό χρησιμοποιούσα όλο και λιγότερο αυτόν τον ήχο, επομένως δεν χρειαζόταν να το έχω έτοιμο ανά πάσα στιγμή, αλλά καλυπτόμουν με το να χρησιμοποιώ το Vertex απλά αλλάζοντας μιας στις τόσες τις ρυθμίσεις του (που έτσι κι αλλιώς είναι το αγαπημένο μου, και έτσι έκανα και παλαιότερα), το έβγαλα και το αντικατέστησα με το Micro Flanger, που δίνει κάτι εντελώς διαφορετικό τις λίγες φορές που θα το πατήσω. γ) Κι επειδή το Analog Chorus μου έδινε ένα εξαιρετικό buffer, το οποίο χρειαζόμουν για τη λειτουργία του passive πεταλιού Bigfoot Octo Puss octave, προσέθεσα και ένα από τα πιο μικρά σε μέγεθος buffers εκεί έξω (ExpressoFX), που κάνει μια χαρά τη δουλειά. Στο προσεχές μέλλον πάντως, σχεδιάζω στη θέση αυτού να αποκτήσω το DigiTech Freqout, και να το χρησιμοποιώ στην momentary λειτουργία, οπότε να μου δίνει και το buffer του για το octave. Αυτά. O0

Δεν θα ήταν πιο βολικό τα μεγάλα να ήταν από πάνω, και τα μικρά από κάτω; Για το Ricochet το λέω πιο πολύ, εκτός κι αν δεν χρησιμοποιείς τη momentary λειτουργία.

Άσχετο με το νήμα σου και το πολύ ωραίο βίντεο του Oz, απλά το αναφέρω... Αυτόν τον καιρό έρχονται φοβερά jazz ονόματα στο Gazarte και νομίζω δεν έχουν συζητηθεί εντός noiz. Σε λίγες μέρες Scofield, αργότερα Frisell, και το ίδιο σ/κ που παίζει ο Oz Noy στο Φακανά, ο Kenny Garrett. Live πολύ δυνατές εμπειρίες όλα πιθανότατα, και δεν συμβαίνουν κάθε μέρα. Εγώ δεν μένω Αθήνα, αλλά θα έχω την τύχη να ανέβω εκείνο το σ/κ και θα είμαι σε αυτές τις 2 συναυλίες. Και έχοντας δει τον Kenny Garrett στο παρελθόν, πραγματικά μιλάμε για ένα συγκλονιστικό αυτοσχεδιαστή, έναν πνευστό που βγαίνει μια φορά στα 50 χρόνια... καλά και ένα-δυο βίντεο στο youtube να δεις το ψιλοκαταλαβαίνεις, αλλά το ζωντανό είναι άλλο πράγμα.

Γιατί; Θα μου απαγορευτεί η είσοδος;

Σε 11 μέρες ο συγκεκριμένος υπερπαίχτης θα είναι με το τρίο του στο Αθηνά Live... κι όταν λέμε τρίο του εννοούμε με τον Jimmy Haslip στο μπάσο και τον Keith Carlock στα drums. Not bad... O0 OZ NOY - KEITH CARLOCK - JIMMY HASLIP Παρασκευή 17 και Σάββατο18 Μαρτίου 2017 | Yiorgos Fakanas - Art Music School - Ωδείο Τέχνης Γ.Β. Φακανάς - Athina Live (ολίγον τι ανορθόγραφο το promo κείμενο, αλλά παίρνετε ιδέα)

Πολύ καλή προσπάθεια κάνουν. Επίσης σε αρκετούς μουσίκαρους έχουν (ή είχαν μέχρι κάποια στιγμή τουλάχιστον) και αποκλειστικότητα σε ολοκληρωμένα rig rundowns videos στο youtube, όπως τα παρακάτω. Γενικότερα όποιος σημαντικός κιθαρίστας κι αν έρχεται Ελλάδα του κάνουν συνέντευξη, βλ. Andy Timmons, Guthrie Govan, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Jonathan Kreisberg, Frank Gambale, Mattias Eklundh κλπ κλπ, και μπράβο τους. Και ταυτόχρονα βλέπουμε και Έλληνες από όχι τόσο γνωστούς παιχταράδες, μέχρι το Δάντη να σου μιλάει για τα κιθαριστικά του... ωραία πραγματάκια.

Επειγόντως αναθεώρηση. Ο άνθρωπος έχει από τους μεγαλύτερους-εκφραστικότερους rock ήχους του πλανήτη. Αυτό συμβαίνει λόγω παιξίματος προφανώς, αλλά εκτός αυτού τα τελευταία χρόνια με τους Bogner είναι στα καλύτερά του. Το μόνο που μπορεί να μην αρέσει σε κάποιους είναι ότι διαχρονικά παίζει με πολύ γκάζι, πιθανά και παραπάνω από όσο θα χρειαζόταν. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7YdU4JGQx0

Σε όλο του το μεγαλείο... 1:07 - 2:55, και καπάκι σκοτωμός στα πλήκτρα. Luke έχει πάθει Jeff Beck κι αυτός το νέο αιώνα, και ειδικά τη δεκαετία που διανύουμε. 2:35 - 3:17, 4:19 - τέλος Σε όλο το κομμάτι φρασάρει, αλλά για το 2:40 και μετά το έβαλα κυρίως.

Από αυτά είχα μόνο το Suhr Riot. Δεν θα σου το πρότεινα, μιας που παρά το ότι πρόκειται για boutique κατασκευή, υστερεί σε αλητεία (διακρίνεται για το full range του αλλά ο ήχος είναι κάπως "πλαστικός" ας πούμε). Προσωπικά θα πήγαινα στο Wampler βάσει των όσων έχω ακούσει κατά καιρούς σε βίντεο. Πάντως υπάρχουν ακόμα αρκετές επιλογές... π.χ. αν σε απασχολεί και το μέγεθος, το One Control Anodized Brown distortion πρέπει να είναι άλλη μία αξιόλογη εναλλακτική.