All my colleagues at Hard Rock House know I have an insatiable appetite for guitar instrumental rock music. It's a genre that many people overlook which is a shame as this style of music has the ability to thrill and enthrall the listener. With songs having no lyrics the players have to rely on melody, harmony and invention to capture ones attention.

I've noticed in recent years that some music journals have an apathy towards guitar instrumental albums and there's an attitude of" oh no not another guitar album". They give a small paragraph with the summary "heard it all before" and yet when I go out and pick up the CD and give it a spin I often wonder "did they listen to the same CD that I've just listened to?". All these so called reviews in time could give some potential listeners the impression that guitar music is in "the doldrums". It's a shame as that couldn't be further from the truth.

If you want proof then check out any of the artists on the Lion Music label. Here is a label with an eye for unearthing exceptional musical talent. They are building an impressive roster of guitarists who have technique to die for and who create challenging, interesting and exciting music. The latest addition to the label is Massimo Izzizzari.

Previously Massimo has been recording guitar parts for music that we hear countless times a day on radio and television worldwide but with his album "Unstable Balance" we get a taste of the "real Massimo".

Every track on this ten track release is a "little gem". The song arrangements are mature and at times engagingly sophisticated. Some guitar instrumental release at times have the feeling of having themes stitched together which at times can make the music sound a bit "ploddy".The striking thing about Massimo's playing and arranging is that there is a wonderful flowing motion to it all. Everything sounds effortless and as natural as breathing.

The album covers many musical styles but overall feels and tastes like a jazz rock tour de force. Opening track "Unstable Balance" is a funky number with rhythm playing that is tight and fruity. It twists and turns. The soloing is fluid and at times dazzling. His touch reminded me of Greg Howe and Allan Holdsworth with a slice of John Schofield and Patrik Rondhat on the side." Access Denied" is another funky number but with a "rock bite". There is a nice jazzy break midway led by some super bass playing from Mario Guarini which leads into Massimo letting rip in a very Greg Howe fashion. Techniques effortlessly move from tapping, speed picking and sweep picking. Very tasty.

"Wordgame" is a smooth funky track. I couldn't help thinking of Donald Fagan whilst listening to this number. It would sit perfectly on one of his solo albums. Layer it with Steely Dan flavoured vocals and you would have a very cool track. "Television Man" see's Massimo adding a little rock flavour to his funk palette. There is some nice harmony guitar playing and some outrageous slippery and slithery licks." Freeze Frame" opens with an almost motion picture like quality with some tasty synth guitar textures before dropping into a nice bass groove. Super chordal playing providing interesting harmonic flavour is topped with a brilliant and cheeky solo.

"The Alchemist" is a rocking little number with a chugging riff which would sit perfectly in a Rush song. The solo's really feel spontaneous and there is a nice natural feeling to proceedings. It almost sounds like a crazy band jamming out. Time changes give it   a "shifting sand" vibe. "Violation Of Privacy" has a nice funk-wah intro leading into a muscular riff. There are some nice textures and layers in this song and some stunning lengthy guitar runs where one wonders how many fingers has this guy got?.

"Take It Or Leave It" is a super arrangement. One could imagine the great Larry Carlton having a blast on this track. The guitars really have a conversation like quality to them. You can almost hear the exclamation marks. Things get gloriously loose and funky before building up into a true "wig out". Splendid stuff.

"Enchanted Forest" is one of the standout tracks on the album. It just drips and oozes melody. The harmonic structures are intriguing yet sound so natural. The soloing is light an airey and one is left feeling upbeat and optimistic. The final track "Teresa" is dedicated to Massimo's daughter. It is a touching piece and one can sense Massimo's pride and devotion through his phrasing and note choice. It truly is a celebration.

Massimo set out to create an album that contained songs which balanced melody and technique with structures that allowed himself and his band to express themselves freely. He has achieved this with flying colours. The music is sophisticated but at the same time accessible and on further listens is sure to reveal more to the listener. It's a superb release from a truly gifted player who one senses loves music and playing his guitar. Unreservedly recommended.

Let us know your views on 'Unstable Balance'

Track List

Unstable Balance
Access Denied
Wordgame
Television Man
Freeze Frame
The Alchemist
Violation Of Privacy
Take It Or Leave It
The Enchanted Forest
Teresa

Line Up

Massimo Izzizzari – All Guitars
Azeglio Izzizzari – Drums
Mario Guarini – Bass.