Elevation

"A masterpiece of high guitar art"

     

Music Web Express Review. By Robert Silverstein.

Following the release of his first two solo albums, guitarist Lawson Rollins has assembled what could be considered his definitive musical statement to date with the 2011 CD release of Elevation. There's no shortage of gifted nuevo flamenco and nylon string guitar virtuosos recording today, yet Lawson manages to keep a fresh perspective on the 13 track Elevation--adding in elements of jazz-rock fusion and World Beat sounds throughout what sounds on the surface to be a nuevo flamenco guitar album. As is the case with Elevation, listening to a new Lawson Rollins CD is a ritual unto itself--from the sumptuous palate of guitar sounds and the gifted musicians recording with him down to the first rate CD mastering and the meticulous care behind the album art and packaging. Among the players backing up Rollins here are key musicians including Dominic Camardella (keyboards), Shahin Shahida (electric guitar), avant rock guitarist Buckethead, long time Rollins side men--the rhythm section of Dave Bryant (drums) and Randy Tico (bass) and a whole lot more.

One of the great instrumental guitar albums of 2011, Elevation also proves to be Lawson's most guitar-centric album yet. It's a testament to Rollins that he's able to bring together and record with such a wide range of players--representing musical styles and concepts from far and wide--while producing such a fine consistency of ornate sounding instrumental guitar based tracks. With Elevation, Lawson Rollins turns in a masterpiece of high guitar art.

Source: mwe3.com