Tony Spada-“The Human Element”
(Surveillance Records SV-1104, 2004, CD)

Tony Spada has come up with an extremely strong solo disc that might just be the guitar album of the year. Some of you might be familiar with his 1980’s progressive band, Holding Pattern, or his prior solo album, Balance of Power, recorded in 1993. This time around Spada teams up with talented bassist Tony Castellano (who also adds keyboards to many of the 11 tracks) and drummer Rob Gottfried for a smoking set. The music is all instrumental and covers a variety of styles including progressive, fusion, and some kickass rock. Spada draws inspiration from Steve Morse, and the album’s only non-original is a cover of Morse’s tune, “Sleaze Factor”. There are also echoes of Steve Hackett and Steve Howe in places, but Spada’s melodic sense differentiates his playing from his influences. He has a keen sense of pacing, and inserts two tasteful acoustic pieces to give listeners a chance to catch their breath between some blistering electric tunes. The album was masterfully engineered by Myles Mangino who has worked in various capacities with Yes, Nirvana, U2, and the Pixies, so the sound quality is pristine. The return of Tony Spada is a very welcome event, and it serves to whet our appetites for the upcoming new disc and tour from the re-formed Holding Pattern. –David Ashcraft/Expose magazine
                            Read more...
                        

                            
Tony Spada is best known for being the creative force and one of the founding members of the North American Progressive Rock group "Holding Pattern". Holding Pattern's first album was released in 1981 this instrumental powerhouse that combined the best of Happy The Man, Yes and Steve Hackett. And a healthy dose of American jazz rock fusion like Return to Forever and Dixie Dregs to name a few. In summary a jem from the early 80's that all fans of 70's progressive rock will surely love. Holding Pattern's first attempt at adding vocals came with the song Mercenary, sung by Tony himself, was released as a single and video in 1983. The video received airplay on MTV and USA Networks "Night Flight" program. 1986's release of Radio Safe was an attempt at a more commercial course, but eventually it resulted in a band with split ambitions. Things began to change for the better and Tony was approached by California label Art Sublime who expressed interest in re-releasing the bands first album in a retrospective CD. The album was released with no less than 10 bonus tracks in 1991. Most of the bonus tracks on Majestic were from the original instrumental incarnation of "Holding Pattern". Several are live performances and video soundtracks. Also included were two new Spada songs Majestic and Iraqiroll which were written exclusively for this album. They were a sign of the new direction he was starting to take. "Holding Pattern" had changed to the point where he felt it necessary to do a solo album to return to the music he really wanted to play. "Balance Of Power" was released by Art Sublime in late 1993. Now Tony Spada is back, with a new fantastic  album, and a heavily orchestrated work, including sophisticated musical arrangements, with an incredible guitars sounds. Tony has an innovative energy, he plays an amazing instrumental performance, with beautiful melodies that they are memorable, like the first album, I can consider Tony as a hunter and a researcher of the guitars sounds, with a magnetic and specific talent, blending a range of different musical styles, maybe this is a reason why the album is so amazing. This is album exactly from the way this kind of music represents and, the songs span a huge diversity of styles from the guitar solos pieces thru the Symphonic Rock, Progressive Metal until the Classic Rock. If you want good references we can say that Tony Spada would be qualified among famous guitarists as: "Steve Hackett", "Steve Howe" and "Marty Friedman". "The Human Element" All songs writen by Tony Spada except "Sleaze Factor" - S. Morse. Basic tracks recorded at Robin Hood´s Barn Studio. Engineered by Ryan "Finch" Porter. Produced by Tony Spada, recorded and mixed at Media Arts, Classical Guitars recorded at Area 52 Studio, engineered by Tony Spada, eleven tracks of pure delight. A special and particular attention to and my favourite songs are: "Iraqiroll", "Jack the Hat", "Trick Shoes", "Intruders (fantastic and one of the best)", "Mile High", "Surfin' UFO" and "Destination Home". The main musicians on this project are: Tony Spada - Electric, Classical , Acoustic and Synthesizer Guitars, Tony Castellano - 5 and 7 String Bass, Keyboards and Bass Pedals, Rob "the Drummers" Gottifried - Drums and Percusion, with special guest: Andy Loveland - Drums and percussion on: "Trick Shoes", "Clinically Proven" and  "Surfin´ UFO", Chris Weinland - Drums and acoustic & electric on "Destination Home". In my opinion, a brilliant and indispensable work, highly recommendable... (Comments by Carlos Vaz)
                            Read more...