BREDNAN WIRES | review

2004

Bridge Guitar Reviews reviewed my second cd, "Bass Soloist."

The complete review is included below, or you can click here, to go to the Bridge Guitar Review site

by Henk te Veldhuis - Bridge Guitar Reviews.

Mostly guitar tapping is associated with electric guitarists like Stanley Jordan, Carlos Vamos or acoustic guitar players like Hedges, Preston Reed as the pioneers of that guitar style. Now we got Brendan Wires from Washington, USA.

This electric guitar player uses the same techniques but than played on a 6 string bass guitar. His first record When the Drums Stops released in 2002 found a critical acclaim by his fans and the press. Brendan Wires his
newest album called Bass Soloist reveals skills most bass players will only dream of. What one first impresses how can this be done on only one bass guitar with no overdubs or editing. Brendan has the ability to play with ease the most challenging scales, chords and melodies.

When you listen to his first track Moondance of Van Morrison it is pure groove on a fantastic melody, and all the tricks he does by slapping, tapping and keeping at the same time, balance, structure and space in his playing is amazing. Brendan choose to record this album live, as he does not like to over- arrange what he plays as he likes the reflection of his music directly connected to his audience.

All his selections have a deep sentiment with a melancholic touch which is reminiscent of some of the legendary Doors music. On John Coltrane's Lonnie's Lament he paints a warm landscape with soothing and outstanding atmosphere.

When you think Brendan plays only originals of other guitarists you will be astonished by his own pieces which often last more than 11 minutes, with harmonics, disharmonies and a perfect timing. Various skills often used in jazz music will convince you of his virtuosity, not only as a bass player but also as a composer and arranger.