Gary Hall - Beauregard
Rock, Folk, Americana
Colorado, United States
Overall Impression: Being a guitar player myself, I always look forward to coming across interesting guitar-based pieces and Gary Hall really does dazzle with some fantastic fretwork!. From the interesting harmonies to the creative melodic flourishes, "Beauregard" contains a distinctive and inventive songwriting style that even though is a bit rough around the edges, still has some superb ideas throughout.
Strongest Point(s): As already mentioned the guitar wizardry on display is marvelous and there's a whole host of interesting techniques on show. Tapping, string skipping, and of course those exciting harmonies help make for an enthralling listen and there's an inventiveness to the guitar playing and melody writing that is thoroughly engaging. I particularly like the intervallic nature of the main guitar riff that appears throughout, not only does its angular and open sound create a great bit of continuous intrigue throughout the track but the way this main idea is further developed is stellar, the jump in octaves at 1:50 for instance is a great way to develop a melodic motif and present it in a new light, it's also worth mentioning that the violining effect that this is paired with adds some excellent textural touches. The lead vocal performance is also very strong and fits this style of track very well, there is a certain understated quality to them that is contrasted brilliantly with interludes of higher pitched embellishments that help inject the track with a feeling of grandiose.
Target Audience Appeal: Music lovers who like their rock with a marvelous touch of creative guitar flair will certainly enjoy what "Beauregard" has to offer.
Artist target suggestions: Dire Straits, Santana, Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Stevie Ray Vaughann, Eric Johnson, Peter Frampton, Allman Btrothers Band, Wishbone Ash, Gary Moore, Snowy White, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.
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About the Reviewer:
Andre Avanessian is a freelance session musician, composer, and sound engineer based in the U.K. Having studied music production and composition at a degree level, he has taken his passion for all things audio-related to a level that has allowed him to become both a competent musician and performer. Being a self-confessed "Guitar Nerd" Andre has been continually studying the guitar, as well as teaching it, helping students both learn the instrument, develop their songwriting, and how to become proficient in home recording.