Secrets (album): Difference between revisions

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“Secrets” is regarded by many as a high point in Allan’s career. It balances guitar and SynthAxe, from “City Nights” to “Endomorph”. Allan’s only album with Vinnie Colaiuta. Other major contributors are Jimmy Johnson and new keyboardist Steve Hunt.
[[File:Secrets.jpg|200px|right]]"Secrets" is a 1989 album by Allan Holdsworth. It is regarded by many as a high point in Allan’s career. It balances guitar and SynthAxe. It also balances Allan's own tunes with contributions from the musicians. "City Nights", written by Gary Husband, is among Allan's finest statements on guitar, not to mention Vinnie Colaiuta's jaw-dropping drums. The title track features the voice of Rowanne Mark, while "54 Duncan Terrace" is a tribute to Allan's friend, English pianist Pat Smythe. "Joshua", written by new keyboardist Steve Hunt, is another major guitar statement. "Spokes" is among Allan's wildest excursions on the SynthAxe, and also features phenomenal bass playing by Jimmy Johnson. "Maid Marion" and "Peril Premonition" were contributed by Steve Hunt and Chad Wackerman respectively. The album's most moving tune is perhaps the closer "Endomorph", a beautiful tribute to Allan's parents, with lyrics by Rowanne and a killer vocal performance by Craig Copeland.
 
==Track listing==
{|class='wikitable'
|+Allan Holdsworth: Secrets ([[Allan Holdsworth Discography|D]] - [[Allan Holdsworth Solo Albums|S]]) ([https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lDKzKLwFlgyiSZytWO6awM9qcjt2cZERc YT)]
|-
!
!style="text-align:left;"|Track title
!style="text-align:left;"|Composer
!style="text-align:left;"|Length
!Comments
|-
!1.
|City Nights
|Husband
|2:33
|
|-
!2.
|Secrets
|Holdsworth/Mark
|4:22
|
|-
!3.
|54 Duncan Terrace
|Holdsworth
|4:34
|
|-
!4.
|Joshua
|Hunt
|5:59
|
|-
!5.
|Spokes
|Holdsworth
|3:32
|
|-
!6.
|Maid Marion
|Hunt
|7:16
|
|-
!7.
|Peril Premonition
|Wackerman
|4:45
|
|-
!8.
|Endomorph
|Holdsworth/Mark
|4:19
|
|}
 
 
'''Allan Holdsworth''': Guitar, SynthAxe<br>
'''Vinnie Colaiuta''': Drums<br>
'''Chad Wackerman''': Drums and keyboards on "Peril Premonition"<br>
'''Jimmy Johnson''': Bass<br>
'''Bob Wackerman''': Bass on "Peril Premonition"<br>
'''Steve Hunt''': Keyboards<br>
'''Alan Pasqua''': Keyboards on "54 Duncan Terrace"<br>
'''Gary Husband''': Keyboards on "City Nights"<br>
'''Jeffrey Ocheltree''': Hammer on "Peril Premonition"<br>
'''Claire Holdsworth''': Voice on "Peril Premonition"<br>
'''Craig Copeland''': Vocals on "Endomorph"
 
=Gear=
[''Note: This info is based on the quotes reproduced below''.]One notable guitar he used on the "Secrets" album was the Steinberger GM2T, which he mentioned having a great deal of control over and loving for its unique qualities. Additionally, he mentioned using a Boogie .50 Caliber amp with EL84 output tubes. The combination of the Steinberger GM2T and the Boogie .50 Caliber amp contributed to the distinctive tones on the album. Holdsworth also mentioned using a Boogie Quad Preamp in conjunction with the .50 Caliber's power amp, showcasing his innovative recording approach. For the SynthAxe material, he mentions using the Oberheim Matrix 12 and X5B synth modules, some Yamaha DX 7’s, and an Akai S-900 sampler.
 
=Summary of quotes on "Secrets"=
 
"Secrets" is an album by Allan Holdsworth. The album was recorded in 1989 and was released on the Enigma Records label. It features a contemporary style of improvisational music that Holdsworth is comfortable describing as jazz. The album includes notable contributions from musicians like Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Hunt, and Chad Wackerman.
 
Holdsworth expressed his satisfaction with "Secrets," considering it one of his favorite albums at the time. He mentioned the inclusion of vocals on some tracks and his desire to incorporate them in his music. The album is known for its blend of Holdsworth's unique guitar playing style and his pursuit of musical progress. The artist's goal in creating "Secrets" was not based on a specific concept for the entire album but rather a collection of individual compositions that came together to form a cohesive whole.
 
The album was recorded in Holdsworth's home studio called "The Brewery," and it reflects his constant experimentation with recording techniques and guitar sound. The album features a blend of compositions submitted by band members and those written by Holdsworth himself, utilizing various instruments, including the SynthAxe.
 
Holdsworth mentions his preference for the Steinberger GM2T guitar and Boogie amplifiers, which allowed him to achieve a controlled yet expressive tone. He also discusses his use of the breath controller for dynamics and how it influences the guitar sound.
 
The article delves into specific tracks on the album, such as "City Nights," "Secrets," "Joshua," and "Peril Premonition," offering insights into the recording process and equipment used. The article also notes Holdsworth's return to vocal performance on some tracks, with humorous elements inspired by hotel experiences in Paris.
 
''[This summary was written by ChatGPT based on the quotes below.]''
 
=Quotes on Secrets=


https://threadoflunacy.blogspot.no/2017/08/20-secrets-1988-89.html
==[[The Unreachable Star (Guitar World 1989)]]==
==[[The Unreachable Star (Guitar World 1989)]]==


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AH: : I don’t actually have one. Some of the albums just turn out a little better than the others for no real reason, but they’re all so different to me--because a lot of people think my shit sounds all the same).. I couldn’t choose between say Hard Hat Area, '''Secrets''', or The 16 Men
AH: : I don’t actually have one. Some of the albums just turn out a little better than the others for no real reason, but they’re all so different to me--because a lot of people think my shit sounds all the same).. I couldn’t choose between say Hard Hat Area, '''Secrets''', or The 16 Men
=Links=
YouTube playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lDKzKLwFlgyiSZytWO6awM9qcjt2cZERc
Ed's blog: https://threadoflunacy.blogspot.no/2017/08/20-secrets-1988-89.html
Discogs: https://www.discogs.com/master/199436-Allan-Holdsworth-Secrets
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secrets_(Allan_Holdsworth_album)




[[Category:Solo albums]]
[[Category:Solo albums]][[Category:Discography]]