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Blacklight Sonatas

Michael Lee Firkins

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Album Review

In the early '90s, six-string whiz kid Michael Lee Firkins was getting widespread praise in all the guitar publications at the time — especially with the release of his self-titled debut album from 1990. And despite releasing several other albums throughout the remainder of the decade, guitar shred albums abruptly took a backseat to other rock styles — hence affording Firkins a cult following, but certainly not on the scale of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, or Yngwie Malmsteen. And after 1999's Decomposition, fans patiently waited for Firkins' next solo released. And waited...and waited. Finally arriving in 2007, Black Light Sonatas is exactly what you'd expect from Firkins — bluesy and country-based licks abound, without sacrificing any of the rock. Featured are tunes that showcase Firkins' soloing capabilities, especially the album opener, "One Big Punch (Crying Stacks)," as well as a tough, rockin' cover of "Black Betty," and some sweet n' soulful guitar work on the album-ending title track. The wait was certainly a tad too long between albums, but all of Firkins' expected sonic components are well represented throughout Black Light Sonatas. ~ Greg Prato, Rovi

Customer Reviews

THis Guy Rocks!!!!
     

I bought his first CD in 90-91 when I was in the Navy (purchased in Amsterdam). I have always like good guitar players (Eddie Van Halen,Steve Vai,Steve Stevens,Jeff Beck,Brian May,Ritchie Blackmore ECT....) I like guitar players. Any way I herd him and bought the CD then he fell off the face of the earth. He does all of his work with out keyboard help just guitar manipulation. Give him a try you will not be disappointed.

Firkins with Mars Volta and Gov't Mule guys
     

Featuring:
Thomas Pridgen (Mars Volta) - Drums
Kai Eckhardt (John McLaughlin, Garaj Mahal) - Bass
Steve Evans - Bass
Michael Bland (Prince, Paul Westerberg) - Drums
Matt Abts (Gov't Mule) - Drums
Andy Hess (Gov't Mule) - Bass
Chuck Leavell (Allman Brothers Band, Rolling Stones) - Keyboards
Danny Alvarez - Keyboards
John Purtle - Bass

In 1990, Michael Lee Firkins released his self-titled debut album. This release showcased Michael's signature sound of rock blended with country, blues and jazz. With the strength of this album, and the help of an international advertising campaign from YAMAHA GUITARS, his first release sold more than 100,000 copies. This well received album also landed Michael the winner of the “BEST NEW TALENT” reader's poll in Guitar Player magazine and Guitar for the Practicing Musician. He was also hailed as “ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PLAYERS OF THE NEXT TEN YEARS” by Guitar for the Practicing Musician. As Michael's music was also popular in Europe, Firkins won the Edison Award, which is Holland's version of a Grammy.

Firkins is very unique in that he plays almost exclusively with his fingers and not a pick, a technique he learned from country guitarists. He also makes very creative use of the tremolo bar, making it sound as if he is playing slide guitar. Guitar Magazine called him "one of the best guitarists you've never heard of."

Despite an amazing ability, Firkins never took the studio-cat or sideman route to second-hand prominence and financial security, the virtuoso preferring instead to woodshed and further tweak his guitar abilities.

To many, Firkins has been a guitar genius Howard Hughes-style recluse, exploring musical and personal territories that have been the subject of ongoing curiosity and discussion for years from the Firkins watchers around the world. His decision to excuse himself from the bustle of the business, lucrative session work says more about his sincere, natural playing style than dissecting his mental state or physical well being among the guitar-loving intelligentsia.

With his new album, “Blacklight Sonatas” Michael Lee Firkins has broken some personal and musical boundaries and will re-ignite talk of him being the “next great guitar player.”

Biography

Genre: Rock

Years Active: '80s, '90s, '00s

Michael Lee Firkins was born in Omaha, NE. He began playing guitar at the age of 8. His first solo album was released in 1990 and he quickly began to develop a following, both in fandom and with critics. The following year, the sequel was unleashed, Cactus Cruz. In 1992, he was featured on a various-artists album, entitled Guitar Battle. He also worked that same year on the Perspective album by...
Full Bio

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