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JP Stingray of the Netherlands is one of our favorites here at Bluesrockers. He is the embodiment of all we love
about independent blues and blues/rock artists: talented guitarist, high energy music, original material, and good overall
sound. Plus, he adds a dimension born from the advent of smaller more affordable home recording units, something we will call
the "one man band effect". JP provides all the guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, and vocal tracks on his CDs, in addition to
serving as sound engineer and studio owner. Plus he is a very nice guy, something we find true of a lot of the artists we
review here.
Though we may have first noted this trend with JP, we now see more | and
more independent artists who serve themselves in multiple roles. Illinois based blues/rock guitarist Rich Fabec is also such
an artist. Fabec is a most talented heavy blues/rock guitarist, ala Clas Ynstrom, exhibiting influences of Hendrix, Cream,
Trower, et al. On his debut release, "Talking To Shadows", he also serves as song writer, vocalist, rhythm guitarist, bass
player, studio owner, and sound engineer. He wears well these multiple hats as he has produced a most enjoyable piece of work
with "Talking To Shadows". The CD features 11 original and well written blues flavored tracks, some more rock than blues others
more blues that rock, but all anchored by Fabec's guitar, which is often simultaneously both powerful and pretty. Fabec serves
himself quit capably as both bass and rhythm guitarist, with the only "outsider" on the project being a drum machine used
for percussion. The sound quality of the CD is very good and indicative of the much improved sound coming out of home studios
these days.
The material is all good and there is plenty of diversity which should serve well to satisfy most every
taste. Need some nasty slide? Check out "Delta Blues" for a heaping helping. Prefer wah wah drenched blues flavored rock?
Order up "Nobody" for your daily fix. If you want a hard driving blues/rock instrumental the title track will serve you well,
but if a more traditional blues number would tickle your fancy, then "The Other 99" will surely suit your listening pleasure.
Plenty more from which to choose, and if you are a fan of blues/rock guitar, you will surely enjoy this CD.
The CD
is available through our favorite supplier at CD Baby (http://cdbaby.com/cd/fabec) or directly from Rich via his web site, www.richfabec.com.
Oh, and like JP Stingray, Rich Fabec is also a top notch human being, something we value here at Bluesrockers much
more than we do musical talent. It's even better when they can sling an ax like this.
Tom Branson
Bluesrockers.ws
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