Album Notes

Featuring German Über drummer Marco Minnemann (Paul Gilbert/Mike Keneally), keyboard virtuoso Lale Larson (Karmakanic/Electrocution 250/RHP/Timeline) and multidynamic bassist Fabio Trentini, eccentric UK guitarist Phi Yaan-Zek’s third CD release “Solar Flare” is an exceptional compositional tour-de-force played with incredible fire. Flowing from funky jazz fusion grooves to wild odd-meter drum ‘n’ bass to polymetric metal, to epic prog-rock melodies and solos, the music is a dynamic adventure that recalls the energy of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Steve Vai-like guitar intensity, Zappa style quirkiness and the passionate performances of Jeff Beck. Add to the picture the kind of exceptional guitar playing that stands up to the rigorous demands of such dynamic music. Phi's individual playing comfortably spans the gap from emotional and passionate phrasing on the ballads 'So Far Away' and 'Passion Reborn', to insane alien hyper shred guitar tradeoffs with Bumblefoot on 'Psychometamorph'. The album also features a whole cast of other guest instrumentalists - including Peter Stacey on flute/saxophone, and Gryphon bassoonist Brian Gulland among others. Matt Williams, head of Liquid Note Records, writes: "Solar Flare is one of the most original instrumental albums to hit the scene for quite a while. If I had to make comparison then Frank Zappa, early Steve Vai and Mike Keneally come to mind, but more in expression and attitude than in specific reference points. It's energetic, imaginative, experimental, ethnic. catchy and unpredictable, augmented by superb musicianship and featuring instruments one rarely hears in an instrumental guitar context. Yaan-Zek has imprinted his heart and soul in this project and as such, I can't recommend it highly enough." An exquisite CD production, 'Solar Flare' is lovingly brought to you by UK based guitarist Phi Yaan-Zek in association with Geomagnetic Records and is beautifully packaged with a 12 page full colour booklet containing fantastic graphics, session details and exclusive song liner notes. “Electrifying guitar based fusion taken to the extreme edges of the sonic Universe” Robert Silverstein, 20th Century Guitar “This is what has made the most respected fusion efforts in history what they are, great writing, great playing equals great music.” MJ Brady, Prognosis