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For those of you that had thought that Vinnie Moore was a historical footnote in the neoclassical movement in the 1980s, you had better take another look. Defying Gravity is Moore's strongest effort to date as Vinnie has pumped out his second serious neoclassical effort in as many years. And when you do pick up Defying Gravity, be prepared for a new Vinnie Moore. Vinnie's playing and style have changed vastly, though there are some remnants of his 1980s style. Vinnie has brought in a lot more feeling, a little looser timing that lends more fluidity and grace to the music (you may not be able to calibrate your metronome by it any longer), and some really nice aggression! ;) For those of you who have already heard The Maze, Defying Gravity picks up right where The Maze left off and even kicks it up a notch or two.

There are a number of stand outs on this effort. The title track, "Defying Gravity" sets the scene for what Vinnie has in store for us with some very accessible themes, speedy guitar work, and relentless drive. The Spanish-flavored, acoustic masterpiece "Last Road Home" is one of Vinnie's best compositions to date and rivals any acoustic composition classical or neoclassical. The inspiring "Alexander The Great" will instill bravery in the heart of the meekest soul with its empowering themes and emotional content. This epic composition will lend you the heart to cross the Granicus River on your trusty mount, Bucephalas, with your cavalry behind you, and to then face the Persian army of Darius that outnumbers you ten to one. And, you will know that you are going to be victorious despite the odds. "Awaken The Madman" steps up the pace an intensity with a gallup down the homestretch to the finish line with some very aggressive and speedy themes. The all out stampede and cavalcade is complete with a slow-motion victory gallup and fanfare section packed full of well-felt melodies that balance the driving, shredding-fast maniacal theme. "Awaken The Madman" is slightly reminiscent to me of Greg Howe's "Maniacal", at least in concept, but probably also in emotional content. You will be pleasantly surprised on this one, I'm sure.

My favorite and the final track, "Between Then And Now", is a bittersweet, melodic, savory, little ballade that demonstrates a depth and feeling that will squeeze your heart through your throat and that many in the past have said that Vinnie lacks. But Moore has set the record straight this time around and there is no question about his depth and feeling any longer. The maturity that has evolved in his playing, style, feel, and composition will make you realize that you need to reevaluate what you thought Vinnie Moore was all about. Once again, as in The Maze, Vinnie demonstrates that he has grown to more depth than his original efforts in the 1980s. It is good to see guitarists / musicians / artists pushing forward, rather than just trying to maintain ground. And, my hat is off to you Vinnie Moore for reinventing yourself when many people were saying that you were through! I think we can no longer call Vinnie's style "Bach Rock". It has become broader in scope than that now.

Defying Gravity is worth checking out, especially if you liked The Maze. It is among my favorite neoclassical albums. If you are a neoclassical fan or liked Moore's neoclassical efforts back in the 1980s, you need to check this one out. Defying Gravity contains some of the best neoclassical music that has ever been recorded. Give it a shot! This definitely is not the Vinnie Moore you remember from the 1980s... this one is better. ~ Review by Chris Ruel

Highly Recommended!!

Tracklisting:
1. Defying Gravity (5:05)
2. Out And Beyond (6:45)
3. Last Road Home (4:26)
4. Alexander The Great (5:04)
5. The Voice Within (2:08)
6. If I Could (4:50)
7. House With A Th0ousand Rooms (5:24)
8. Awaken The Madman (6:23)
9. In The Blink Of An Eye (5:30)
10. Equinox (3:50)
11. Emotion Overload (5:06)
12. Between Then And Now (1:36)

Total Time: 56:07

Line-Up:
- Vinnie Moore / Guitars
- Dave LaRue / Bass
- David Rosenthal / Keyboards
- Steve Smith / Drums

Vinnie Moore's official website

Shrapnel Records


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Labels: Instrumental Virtuoso