Explosive guitar-driven jazz rock

9 MP3 Songs
JAZZ: Jazz Fusion, ROCK: Extended Jams



Details:
Simon Jarrett is the founder and designer of Kingsley Amplification. He is a professional guitarist living in B.C. Canada, although he originally comes from the UK. He is a graduate from the renowned Guitar Institute in LA, where he studied with such legends as Scott Henderson.

Known for his immaculate taste and flawless execution, Simon has been amazing guitarists everywhere with his great tones and finesse.

"The Pathway" was recorded at the Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival, and features a stellar line-up of musicians, including Steve Hilliam on tenor sax (Colin James).

REVIEW:

The nine original instrumentals on The Pathway were recorded over three years at the Maple Ridge Jazz and Blues Festival, and if the freewheeling jazz and blues numbers exhibited here are any indication, that's an annual event worth checking out. A picker of estimable taste and technique, Simon Jarrett is joined by such local lights as keyboardist Mike Norman, bassists Brent Gubbles and Rob Marr-who delivers a smashing solo on the title track-and tenor saxophonist Steve Hilliam, a powerful force throughout. The odd track, like "Except on Tuesdays", leans toward Kenny G-style smooth-jazz, but most of the material has more substance. My fave tunes are the funky opener, "Simon Sez", and the fret-burning "Contemplation", where Jarrett, a graduate of L.A.'s Guitar Institute, gets all Blow by Blow-era Jeff Beck on your ass. He plays a Fender Strat through Kingsley amplifiers, which he builds himself, and from the tones heard on The Pathway, they're first-rate equipment. Interested guitar freaks can find out more at www.kingsleyamplifiers.com/.