Skyrats Scraps from Dave Schmeidler is a collection of mainly instrumental compositions that feature the fine fretwork of Dave Schmeidler. After first listening to this CD, I was not sure what to make of it. So, this CD sat in my CD rotation for two months so I could better absorb it. And, this extended exposure paid off for me because the musical vision finally sank in.

Schmeidler draws from a tactful repertoire of axe chops to cover the auditory canvass with his unique artistic vision. The album is comprised of a coherent set of arrangements that showcase Schmeidler's calculated voicings and phrasings that pleasingly take the listener by surprise with unexpected changes in tone, feel, and direction. Schmeidler plays with animated, deep feeling and deftly-disguised calculating precision in executing his musical motives. The resulting music has an appealing direction and highly satisfying stream of consciousness that it conveys. The bittersweet melodies and unwinding themes are complimented by sometimes aggressive, sometimes nostalgic, and sometimes funky sections that somehow work together to form a very unusual yet coherent collage. But, it was the balance of the soulful melodies, aggressive guitar work, and selective tonal voicings that really captured my attention. There is something that is conveyed in the music that is a sort of tormented yet hopeful sorrow that is an undercurrent that runs throughout the music that draws the listener into it.

The unusual elements that are integrated in the arrangements make it difficult to characterize the style. This statement alone is tribute alone to what Schmeidler has achieved on this effort, because it is a difficult achievement to defy categorization. But, though the album is unique in character, the music can be described as highly developed instrumentalism based around advanced, evolved rock and blues stylisms primarily, but also pulling in other influences such as jazz and fusion. This is all then packaged within some very provocative and intricate arrangements.

In summary, this CD may require some adjustment on the part of the listener. But, if the listener is willing to take the effort to absorb the stream of consciousness that is woven through the music, then the listener may be rewarded with another enjoyable CD for their rotation. Once I made the adjustment, this became a CD that I really enjoyed. This CD has been added to the good shelf in my review collection.

~ Christopher Ruel ~ www.ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris@ChrisRuel.com ~ Chris Ruel's Monthly Spotlight

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