For fans of guitar music, Lanny Cordola's latest release, Of Riffs And Symphonies, is not to be missed. With cuts that are stylistically all over the musical spectrum, Cordola displays his versatility. From jazz to funk to hard rock to Latin-flavored acoustic, this album gives evidence that Cordola is a major talent.
While I really enjoyed his last disc, Electric Warrior, Acoustic Saint, (his version of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" is a personal favorite), this album has more of a "whole" feeling to it, as stylistically diverse as it is. The songs flow well into each other and Cordola's songwriting skills have grown. The diversity, no doubt, flows from his influences, which he lists in the liner notes. They range from Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughan to Pat Metheny to Johann Sebastian Bach.
Most of the cuts are instrumental, but four tracks feature different vocalists, their voices matched to the style of the song. Especially effective are Jon Gibson on "Won't Be Long to Paradise" and James Christian on "The Revelation."
My favorites were the Spanish/acoustic "YV," the hard rocking "The Obstinate Toy Soldiers," and "Lo I Will Be With You Always," which also featured Darrell Mansfield on harmonica.
This is a must-have for any guitar fan.
Other coverage for this album
Heaven's Metal #38Reviewed by Doug Van PeltLanny's second solo album is like a little boy's typical day (except that this little boy can play the guitar like few other players--young or old). He begins his day by showing his visitor (which happens to be you--the listener) his "Kaleidoscope," which turns and tumbles, showing off all the wildest color combinations of the rainbow. Then he invites you to play with his toy airplanes,…Similar sounding releases
1993MagdalenRevolution Mind
1993DeGarmo & KeyHeat It Up
1995Rex CarrollThe Rex Carroll Sessions
2004Glass HammerLive at NEARFest
1990Phil KeaggyFind Me in These Fields
1995Larry Howard / Glenn Kaiser / Darrell MansfieldInto the Night
