Before discussing Juan’s album “Renewal” I just want to say “Juan if you are reading this thank you for getting in touch and submitting your album for review. I think in this instance review is the wrong approach and should be replaced with the words listening pleasure. This album has spent time on my stereo, in the car and on my headphones and I have to say it’s been a long time since I heard an individual whose character and soul shine through in such pure form. Your music is honest, sincere, heartfelt and there are moments of such delicate beauty on this album that at times I was blown away but, even more importantly, your music took me to a better spiritual state of mind and I thank you”

By now hopefully readers will realize this reviewer wants everyone to know that this release is special and that Juan is a very talented and distinctive player. Juan Carlos Coronado will be a new name to many guitar music lovers in the UK, so let me tell you something about him.

Juan’s musical journey began in his native country Colombia. At sixteen years old Juan found himself drawn to an emerging underground rock scene rather than the conventional music of his country, which was salsa, vallenetto and meringue. Juan’s obsession resulted in several albums, a number one radio hit and countless live shows. Juan formed the alternative rock band Emma Hoo whilst at university and was offered a record deal, which resulted in the release of their first album. Juan’s next project was La Universal an original genre busting rock band that blended funk, rap and electronica. They had a hit single with “Ola De Calor” which topped the local charts for three consecutive weeks.

It wasn’t until Juan moved to Toronto, Canada that he started working on instrumental music, a project he had dreamt of for many years. Drawing inspiration from the guitar legends that he listened to whilst growing up he recorded his album “Renewal” which reflects the experience of finding his true voice, one that connects his Latin roots with his love for the electric guitar and rock. The album is a combination of unabashed shredding, tasty licks, crushing riffs and radiant musicality.

In 2005 Guitar Player magazine chose Juan as one of the Top Ten Guitar Heroes from over 3000 submissions worldwide and in the process he was invited to play at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland for guitar legends such as Joe Satriani and Steve Lukather.

“Renewal” is Juan’s first album as a solo artist and he has produced, recorded and mixed the album himself. Juan also performs incredibly all bass, keyboards, drums and vocals! He does however, on four tracks, bring in Kevin Ferguson and Eddie Fisher to provide drums.

The opening track “Renewal” is a splendid way to start the album. It was the first instrumental track Juan wrote and inspiration to do something different was drawn from his move to Canada. It’s a joyful piece of music and one can almost sense Juan’s excitement at finally starting down a road he’s wanted to take for a while. It’s an outpouring of notes over a Latin rhythm that brings to mind one word. Happiness.

“You And I” is one of the definite highlights of this album. It is supremely melodic and has an intimate and gentle quality. The mix is crisp and clean and gives one the impression that Juan is there in the room with the listener. It’s a subtle mix of Latin and jazz and there are some sublimely speed picked passages, which really hit then spot. The song was written for Juan’s  “Amor” which one senses helped him to dig deep and get “in the zone”.

“Primal Call” sees us in shred heaven. Dark and heavy riffs provide the backdrop for Juan to wail over. His picking attack is precise and focused and very impressive.

“Flower Flight” is a gentle, flowing song. The inspiration was drawn from memories as a child when Juan would blow white dandelions and watch the seeds being carried away on the wind. His phrasing perfectly captures this mood thanks to held notes and subtle bends and when he begins an extended tapped passage one can see the dandelion seeds rising on the wind. It’s a sublime track, which builds perfectly.

“The 8^th Floor” is another joyous track, which is full of optimism. Juan’s tone is very reminiscent of Joe Satriani with its wah inflected nasal quality. There are some fantastically unique note patters on this track which one feels must come from Juan’s intimate knowledge of Latin music. This track has a very distinctive flavour.

“Dreaming Butterflies” sees Juan giving his Ibanez Universe guitar a riffing workout. This track has a low down, fruity and funky groove thanks to the low seventh string. There is a spine tingling sweep picking section, which really takes one by surprise.

“Clique” gently meanders along with a rhythm that is hypnotic. Juan takes melodies and milks them for all they are worth.

“Animal” is a cool rock number. Like “Butterflies” the track sees the Universe guitar being used to glorious effect. Juan keeps things uncomplicated and lets his fingers fly around his fret board with consummate ease. Listening to Juan’s playing here I was reminded of early Patrik Rondhat.

“Al Sur” is a song, which will definitely have you up, and dancing. It is an exotic blend of rock with Juan’s Colombian musical roots. If Santana was a shredder he might just have come up with something like this.

“Republica” is an intriguing and mysterious piece of music. Some unique and fascinating textures are created by very musical use of what sounds like a whammy pedal.

“Stripped” is a one-take jam session. Juan just goes for it. It is one track of guitar and there is seamless movement between rhythm and lead guitar. There are dizzying flurries of notes, confidently picked which reminded me of Paul Gilbert colliding with Joe Satriani.

“Hammer The Steel” is a frenetic acoustic guitar workout. It’s short but sweet and very experimental.” Think About You” is the albums only vocal track. It’s a simple arrangement, commercial and has an immediacy that draws you in from the start. Its crowning glory is a stunning solo, which has melody at its heart and compliments the song perfectly but also shreds. Juans picking is so on the money it’s scary.

If you like instrumental guitar music you should make an effort to seek out Juan’s album. He has drawn inspiration from his guitar heroes such as Satriani, Vai and Malmsteen but has created his own, one has to say, unique voice. Tracks such as “You And I” have a delicate, lyrical quality rarely heard in today’s guitar music scene. Juan also seems to have the rare talent of truly being able to put his visions and emotions in musical notes, phrases and melodies which show the listener within moments what he’s trying top say.

“Renewal” is an album from a musician and guitarist who has an obvious love of his instrument and also of life. He has written an album full of music with a big heart and lucky for all of us we can share it with him. Wonderful and beautifully different music and highly entertaining all at the same time. What more could you ask for

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Track List

Renewal
Dreaming Gutterflies
Primal Call
Flower Flight
The 8th Floor
The Clique
You & I
Animal
Al Sur
Republica
Stripped
Hammer the Steel
Think About You