I was expecting this book to contain some insights regarding how Allan constructs the amazing sequences that he plays. The title and the image on the cover suggest as much.
Allan Holdsworth is not only an excellent guitarist, he seems to be some kind of computerized machine capable of playing guitar unlike any other human being! To this day, he remains my all-time favorite jazz/fusion guitarist, with Pat Metheny coming in a close second!
The compositions listed in this book are some of his best from his early years. I would have liked more of the solos transcribed, but alas, mere mortals such as myself will have to remain satisfied with learning more about his harmonic style than his applied melodic genius from a book.
The deceptively simple notation, amplified by the performance notes, provide insight into the revolutionary and truly brilliant nature of Holdsworth's towering musical genius. Not only has he developed original harmonic and melodic concepts of profound importance and influence, he has by leaps and bounds expanded the voice and technique of his chosen instrument.
I bought this book for the tabs, but soon realized it has a great biography about him and his interests! From his history to his favorite drinks, Allan was an awsome guy.
This excellent book is not only a transcription about some Allan Holdsworth's material between 1976-1986, but a good reference of the master's thinking. It contains a current biography, a selected discography (just the records which allan is proud of),a lot of photographs, a detailed story about each song, and a humble "Holdsworthian View" of the revolutionary guitarist, who really transform the aproach to the instrument: His style not only consist in a fluid liquid legato interpretation of fusion scales but a total creative harmony landscape that has became a new language for others.
It is great to be able to study Alan Holdsworths's lines and chords. I consider him to be a pure genius!
