On any given day in this reviewers household, the chance to sample any new recording from George Lynch is a day to remember. Even the two words “George” and “Lynch” are to be spoken in hushed tones. In my eyes, Lynch has a talent that easily fits him into the Guitar God bracket, alongside virtuosos such Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Yngwie Malmsteen.

It was 1985 when I first heard Lynch, on Dokken’s “Under Lock And Key” opus and if memory serves, the particular track was “Lightning Strikes”, a rip-roaring, six-string assault on the senses. I never had much time for Don Dokken’s voice, due in no small part to the intensity of Lynch’s playing. Yeah, you got me, I’m a fan, big time.

Having studied guitar and guitar players for the best part of twenty years, George Lynch is the kind of player, innovator if you like that never ceases to amaze and excite. 1987 saw the release of “Back For The Attack” with Dokken and the subsequent live album “Beast From The East” in 1988 which both featured Lynch’s signature piece “Mr Scary”, a blistering shred fest of instrumental genius, easily comparable in intensity to EVH’s “Eruption”. It has been a constant surprise to me that Lynch hasn’t done his own version of a “Surfing With The Alien” (Satriani) or a “Passion And Warfare” (Vai) and moved to a full on instrumental showcase. Maybe in some way it is to George Lynch’s credit that he has stuck to producing songs as a vehicle to showcase his talent.

 Now in 2004, we have the opportunity to experience the latest offering from “Mr Scary” which on first hearing demonstrates a departure from the norm. The Blues features heavily on this recording, my background information is limited as regards some of the songs and featured musicians, but it is clear that some thought has gone into the track selection and arrangement. All cover versions, but not the usual array of standards, the album opens with the Montrose/Sammy Hagar barnstormer "Space Station No 5", a classic, beautifully executed by a group of talented musicians. Kelly Keeling excels, crafting the soaring vocal line with ease, allowing Lynch to weave magic.

Grand Funk’s “Sins A Good Man’s Brother” sets the scene for much of the album, with reasonable instrumental space to showcase Lynch. The use of acoustic guitar on this and Hendrix’ “All Along The Watchtower” are fresh without sounding trite. Deep Purple’s “Stormbringer” offers swooping keyboards and a riff to die for and demonstrates how exacting bands have to be when covering classics, very easy to overdo the Lynchisms and lose respect for the original version. Lynch has been clever throughout to keep the right side of a very fine line.

 It is my suspicion that Lynch has used his signature “baritone” guitar on much of this recording, I may be wrong, but “I Want You/She’s So Heavy” (Lennon/ McCartney) and “Blood Of The Sun” (Mountain) would certainly support my suspicions. These two tracks and Robin Trower’s “Bridge Of Signs” have a deep, brooding quality which meander with a very dark resonance.

On ZZ Top’s “Precious And Grace” Lynch rules, fluid, grinding beauty with a respectful nod to Billy Gibbons and a little “metal” thrown in for good measure. Covering tracks by guitar greats isn’t easy, I think that Jeff Beck would applaud the version of “I Ain’t Superstitious” as an example of a player stamping authority on a piece with grace and a certain amount of reverence. “One Way Or Another” (Vanilla Fudge ?) raises the tempo slightly with a punchy, no-nonsense riff and very clever jazz based interlude leading on to track eleven “You Shook Me” (unsure who did the original). But this is pure 12 bar blues, trudging and pissed off, live, this would bring any house down, Lynch excels and the track demonstrates, as with much of the album, a very “live in the studio” feel, you could almost expect to hear a stray cough or burst of impromptu laughter in the background. Captain Beyond’s “Dancing Madly Backwards” closes the album with a staccato, funky, almost progressive feel.

On the whole the album shows George Lynch in a new light, bluesy and funkier than in the past but still with his shred-ability intact. If the intention was to produce a “live” feel to the piece then the rhythm section have produced a belter of a base for George to take off from and for Keeling to gel together. Well played throughout by all and well chosen songs serve up a good solid album that I suspect will interest Lynch die-hards. I don’t think this will gain Lynch many fans, but he certainly won’t lose any either and it will be some months before I can prise this from my CD player.

Let us know your views on 'Furious George'

Track List

Space Station # 5
Sins A Good Man's Brother
All Along The Watchtower
Stormbringer
I Want You/She's So Heavy
Blood Of The Sun
Bridge of Sighs
Precious & Grace
I Ain't Superstitious
One Way Or Another
You Shook Me
Dancing Madly Backwards

Line Up

George Lynch - Lead Guitars
Keely Kelling - Guitar
Jeff Martin - Drums
Gunter Nezhoda - Bass
Kevin Curry - Rhythm Guitar