Atavachron (album): Difference between revisions

"Atavachron" is a 1986 solo album by Allan Holdsworth. Early in 1985, Allan was introduced to the [[SynthAxe]]. The SynthAxe is a guitar-like MIDI controller with fret sensors in the neck, allowing instant detection of pitch, as opposed to earlier guitar synths. Allan fell in love with the instrument, and bought one as soon as it became available. He immediately set about writing new material, and started recording "Atavachron". The album features three drummers, two keyboardists, one bassist and one singer. For most of the tracks, Allan combines SynthAxe and regular guitar. The music is all instrumental, except for one track featuring Rowanne Mark on vocals. The music leans more towards a jazz sensibility than ever, with complex themes that serve as forms to improvise over. The beats and sounds borrow quite heavily from rock music, and "All Our Yesterdays" in particular highlights the influence classical music had on Allan in his childhood. Allan's love of "Star Trek" comes through in this tune and the title track, as well as showing Allan in Star Trek uniform on the cover. The child pictured with the record player is also Allan. All in all, the music really sounds like nothing else. In particular, it stands out from most "fusion" albums of the time. Playing the theme to "Non Brewed Condiment" would come to be seen as many guitarist's ultimate challenge. Tunes like "Funnels" and "Looking Glass" would become live staples for the rest of Allans career.

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