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The
New York-born Alex Skolnick Trio, lead by the former Testament guitarist,
uniquely paid tribute to the rock-n-roll legends that they’d grown up on by
creating intricate jazz (and Latin and swing and funk) interpretations of the
music. The Trio, which began with the union of Skolnick and Pittsburgh native
Matt Zebroski kicked off this short tour in support of their debut album Goodbye
to Romance at the Pittsburgh showcase café.
During their two-hour performance they re-harmonized,
extended, and uniquely improvised instrumental versions of classics from the
likes Deep Purple, Scorpions, Ozzy, and Kiss, along with a few originals.
Audience favorites included “Highway Star” originally
by Deep Purple; a version of the Scorpions’ “No one Like You” that took on a
Latin feel ala “Black Magic Woman”; Aerosmith’s, “Dream On,” which was instantly
recognizable even with transition from piano to guitar; and the classic Ozzy
ballad and title track from their new album “Goodbye to Romance.”
In the same vein, their own material included a
soothing composition, entitled “Fear of Flying,” named after a book by
Erica Jong, which may appear on a future release; and
“Both Feet In,” written by drummer Matt Zebroski, which offers the type of
bluesy love song phrasing that truly tugs at your heartstrings.
The Trio
can now be found on the Guitarevolution tour also featuring former Megadeth
guitarists Chris Poland and Marty Friedman. For
additional information on The Alex Skolnick Trio and Skolnick's other projects,
visit
www.alexskolnick.com.
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