Sixteen year old, aspiring
virtuoso guitarist Justin Tolan from Georgia has compiled a set
of remarkable instrumental tracks on his demo CD, Requiem.
Considering his young age, Tolan demonstrates a surprisingly
advanced grasp on neoclassical guitar technique, composition, and
musical vision. Tolan seems undeterrably headed for greatness in
the neoclassical venue. Having attained a superb control over the
mechanics of the primary neoclassical techniques such as sweep
picking /arpeggiation, alternating picking, patterns, pedal
tones, etc., Tolan arranged four eye-widening tracks on this
strictly instrumental, purist neoclassical demo. The composition,
like the guitar technique, demonstrated surprising maturity
sparking the word "prodigy" into consideration. Unlike
many aspiring guitar! ists that get bogged down in the technical
issues and mechanics of electric guitar, Tolan clearly
demonstrates on this effort that he is capable of executing
complex arrangements with his mind squarely focused on the
musical vision, having mastery over the mechanics that he deploys.
Tolan not only works out some driving, compelling arrangements,
but also instills an unmistakeable direction and vision in his
playing that was the most striking aspect of his demo. Though the
demo is comprised of only four tracks, all four are superb both
in high octane guitar work and satisfying composition laden with
aggression and drive.
Neoclassical fans take
note. Justin Tolan is a name to watch out for in the future.
Tolan is following in the footsteps of his legendary heros,
Malmsteem and Bellas, and is well on his way in climbing the
neoclassical ladder of greatness. Considering his young age and
quality of this demo CD that is more impressive than what I
remember of the early Yngwie demos when he was at that age,
Justin Tolan shows great promise... and has set great
expectations among his reviewers!
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