Album Notes

"After catching a set by up-and-coming road warriors Gooding last Thursday in Tulsa, I had to sit back and think how long it had been since I had seen a show so energetic and genuine. Filing through the number of shows I have seen from major- label national acts among others, I came to
the conclusion that not one band I have seen can match up to Gooding when it comes to turning the stage, and their songs, into their own little playground. The band, consisting of front man Gooding, drummer Jesse Reichenberger and bassist Billy Driver, can usually be found on the road somewhere across the United States, playing their hearts out for groups of fans and leaving everything they have on stage night after night.

With Gooding's blend of prodigious guitar playing and very meaningful, socially conscious lyrics along with solid band mates, it makes an observer wonder why the band has yet to hit the big time, playing in front of thousands of devoted fans every night.

One thing is for certain though: if Gooding continues down the path
they have already started of taking matters into their own hands and not
waiting for someone to come and give them a handout, they might just
find themselves in that position very soon, the whole time smiling,
knowing that they were able to create a phenomenon like this all on their
own. "
Keith Clingman - Stillwater Scene



"And what can we say about Gooding that hasn?t already been said? The trio?fronted by Gooding, who lends his name to the band?has more heart than most bands twice their size. Gooding himself is a thoughtful lyricist and, boy, can he play guitar (sometimes two at once). Their roots-based rock incorporates elements of blues, electronica, hip-hop, and world music to create a sound that is both unique and comfortable. With eight albums to their name, Gooding?s touring in advance of the forthcoming Angel Devil. You can?t see this band and not leave a fan." PLAYBACK St. Louis


"Gooding returns with a predictably strong showing. The
guitarist/vocalist and his core band of Billy Driver (bass) and Jesse
Reichenberger quickly kick into gear with "Little America," driven by
Gooding's Eddie Van Halen-goes-classical opening figure and brought to
life by Reichenberger's thunderous drum fills, reminding listeners that
despite some slightly refined notes around the edges Angel/Devil
remains a rock 'n' roll record.

Many of Gooding's signature moves remain intact - screaming Strat
sounds, blended with delicate acoustic passages above smashing rock
beats, emotionally complex lyrics and delicate, heartfelt singing - but
there are a few surprises along the way. For one, he delivers some of
his most fascinating acoustic and textural guitar work in recent
memory, parts that remind us of his full prowess on the instrument,
whether the latter-day Steve Vai-cum-mid-era-Prince-inflected "Free,"
or his Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme)-esque playing in "Harms Way," or the
turntable guitarist turn in "Dig," he proves himself once a student of
all musics, heavy-ish or light."


Jedd Beaudoin- F5 Wichita