If there is one thing that reviewing for Hard Rock House has taught me it is always expect the unexpected. and, when it comes to instrumental guitar music, this philosophy is truly fact and not fiction. I try to keep up with all the “hot” players out there by researching the Internet and reading guitar publications as well as relying on the old fashioned “word of mouth” from my many musician friends. Sometimes however an album just lands out of nowhere and has the end result of vindicating my love of all things guitar. The latest release to do this is “Time, Space And The Electric” by Todd Grubbs.

Grubbs, a rock guitarist/composer from Tampa Florida, has received critical acclaim and commercial success in the past and what we have here is his fourth album, following on from previous efforts “Combination”, “Toddities Vol 1” and “Beautiful Device”. The first thing that strikes you about Grubb’s music is its emphasis on melody and harmony. Sure you are left in no doubt that he has chops to die for but it's how he employs them that shows Grubb is a player and musician of depth of taste. It's his ability to seamlessly blend the “scary” guitar parts into songs and to give the feel that everything has its place and just feels right. The compositions flow along with a natural grace, even when he is digging into parts that are syncopated or use off kilter tempos. Basically he shows that “guitar music can be fun and serious all at the same time”.

Joining Grubb on Time Space And The Electric are some well known guests including Derek Sherinian, Don Preston, Chris Poland, John Wesley and Ralph Santolla and a simple glance through those names will leave you in no doubt that Grubb, as a guitar player, is highly respected in the business. Of the eleven tracks here nearly everyone is a winner but, if forced to pick highlights, “The Argument” shows a very effective use of  tones and phrases that conjures up frustration and tension to perfection. There are moments where you want the music to resolve but as we all know arguments don’t always do so and Grubb employs that feature.” The Argument” also sees Santolla pulling a cool, quirky solo out of the bag as the icing on a guitar tour de force and special mention must go to the voice box wah guitar solo that is pure Steely Dan.

Elsewhere “Curved Time” rocks out big time with a great fat and fruity guitar tone and “Thank You Mr. Maniac” swaggers along with menace, the solo guitars sounding silky smooth and very Steve Vai like, especially in the harmony guitar passages. The Electric Life” is another song that rocks but it’s the variety of guitar tones employed that really make the track shine, some of the intervallic playing reminiscent of the great Eric Johnson and that is saying something.

With “Time, Space And The Electric” Grubb has released a real gem for guitar players and lovers of great music everywhere. His playing exudes quality and taste and he is one of those players blessed with the talent for knowing when to reign in the excess and also when to let it all hang out. Without doubt this is one of those releases that join the exclusive and elusive club of guitar music albums that is “supremely listenable, fun and accessible”. Recommended.

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Track Listing

Time, Space And The Electric
Thank You Mr. Maniac
The Fearless Future
Dreaming Aboard An Alien Aircraft
Edith
The Electric Life
A View From Inner Space
The Argument
You Are Here
The Ballad Of Emy And LU
Curved Time