Jim Morris - "Lamentia" Review

Artist/ Band: Jim Morris
Title: Lamentia
Label: Self release
Year of Release: 2008
Offical Artist/ Band Link

The Review:

Jim Morris joins the ranks of instrumental guitar based fusion. He combines major doses of neoclassical with jazz, blues, and rock on his latest album, second album, Lamentia. Jim has been playing since he was 13 years old and ever since 1993 has honed his skills both as a guitarist and a songwriter. Musically he maps out a wider scale of styles than his peers. On the first two tracks he’s playing in the speed of light but he slows things down on the title track, which is my favorite of the entire album. More favorites of mine are the almost progressive rock flavored track, “Darkness” and progressive metal flavored “River Of Blood.

According to press releases, shredders Michael Angelo, Tony McAlpine, Alex Skolnick & Joe Satriani all have high praises for him. So you know he’s among great company. Maybe some day soon, Joe will invite Jim on a G3 tour, which will widen his audience by a big amount. Now I will admit that the majority of the album was a miss for me. Not skill wise but in the style. I guess I’m not 100% thrilled with the modern guitar instrumental albums. So if you’re into guitar pyrotechnics then this album is a sure fire winner for you. Hear for yourself at Jim's MySpace page.

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on August 6th, 2009

Tracks:

01. Ascension

02. Happy Place

03. Lamentia

04. Winter

05. Darkness

06. Delta Smoke

07. Almyr

08. Pangaea

09. Race For Humanity

10. River Of Blood

11. Unforgotten