Reviews
Review of Goad-ed's 'To Die Is Gain' - April 2008
by Manuel Hernandez Alzaga
Principal / Author / Metal Fan
I have been listening to Tracy G. in one form or another for well over 18 years now. I have always thought that his approach to music has been cutting edge and, more importantly, original and diverse (case in point; check out his flamenco CD, “Grijalva”). The new Goaded CD, “ To Die Is Gain”, is no exception.
Upon hearing the first track, “Numb (No Highs No Lows)”, I envision this intense number playing as an M-1 Abrahams tank is rolling into battle in the desert somewhere. One can feel the heat and the sweat dripping down your neck, and you can even smell the gunpowder as “Numb” pumps you up for war. It is a song to go to war to. Although I am partial to Tracy and his trademark bulldozer sound, the rest of Goaded does a pretty fine job of holding their own. The vocalist, Jason White, has a wide range of abilities ranging from guttural to Layne Staley type wails on “Trapped Alive”, which fit the music well. Bones is no slouch either. Hey, I think if you look at the credits at the end of the Tonight Show, you will see his name. And Ray? Well, his timing matches Tracy’s playing perfectly, which is no easy feat. “The End of Lies” is reminiscent of WWIII era riffs, but has more depth. The most diverse track on the CD has got to be “Those You Use”. It begins with a beautiful melody and then breaks into a death like rap. Finally, it ends with a traditional Tracy G. riff. And it all seems to fit together very well. The final track, “Broken Man”, may be a preview of thing to come from Tracy & Goaded. The effects Tracy gets on the guitar are just mind blowing. He seems to take any sound or noise and make it into something rhythmic.
In conclusion, “To Die Is Gain” is an example of where metal may be heading in the future; it is powerful and brutal yet melodic and deep. Perhaps that is why the band is named Goaded. To “goad” someone is to intimidate them and basically scare the shit out of them. This CD will do just that to the listener.
Five out of five Sledgehammers!!
Review of Tracy G's 'Grijalva' - December 2007
by Michael Caro for Latin Style Magazine
Bubbling with energy like a pot coming to boil this collection of original music by guitar virtuoso Tracy G is a must get. Tracy G who has made his bones and paid the bills with his hard riffing electric guitar playing with Ronnie James Dio among others and has put together this 15 tune expression of his Latin roots. Thirteen songs were written by Tracy G with the other 2 a collaboration with Gratz Arias. This project has mixture of different influences that comprise Tracy G’s energy. Track 1 “Latin Heart (Corazon Latino) has a Jazzy acoustic feel combined with traditional Spanish guitar sounding phrases that start you off and lead you through a road of transcendent melodies. By the time you’re at track 5 you are in your own world invoked by the quiet passion in these songs. The sixth tune “Baila Para Mi” Tracy G has friends and family playing backup. This song is a little more orchestrated and has some piano lines delivered by player Mike Lotz that are reminiscent of a high energy Bob James track a great mix . All the songs are laid back for the most part not in your face like a lot of Tracy G’s other work but there is that bubbling energy that catches your imagination and whisks you off to other times or places. Track 12 is the only tune with all electric guitar. Titled “EL Chapulin” named thus because it reminds Tracy G’s mother of a funky lil grasshopper hopping around, this tune has a funky edge to it complete with a little wha-wha pedal. The last track is a dialogue between 2 guitars that carries an underlying upbeat melancholy a forgotten friend or lover may be brought to mind, it is easy to daydream to. After listening to this CD I felt like unpacking my suitcase! You can purchase this CD in your local music outlet or to find out more go to www.tracyg.com.
Review of Epic's 'Metaphor' - September 2005
by Tony Sison, AKA The Atomic Chaser
The Dedicated Rocker Productions - President
All Access Magazine - Contributing Writer
'METAPHOR' the rock solid debut release from the band whose sound is as big as their name, EPIC, channels the spirits of classic rock and infusing it with modern day flavor. A hybrid sound that will have your undivided attention from the moment you hit play. I am telling you, this album will nail your ass to floor! EPIC is powered by the powerful vocal stylings of BRAD ALDEN, then there is TRACY G., of WWIII & DIO fame on guitars, who puts on display his guitar prowess by showing a complete different side of his six string repertoire. I've been a fan of Tracy's playing and what he has done with his latest project blew me away! Then you add Tracy's band mate from DIO, LARRY "BONES" DENNISON on bass and FORREST ROBINSON on drums giving the band a rock solid foundation. 'Metaphor' attacks the senses on different levels making sure that your listening experience is unexpected and it has your undivided attention. This album also has a great diversity of moods, which is something that really spices it up. "Transitions", kicks things off by drawing you in with its hypnotic groove. Then you have tracks likes, "Strange Blessings" and candidate for leadoff single, "What Matters" that show how tight a unit Epic truly is. All in all, 'Metaphor' is an unadulterated blast of an album that reminds the "ROCKER" within why you fell in love with rock in the first place. A record to not be missed. If you like Led Zeppelin and/or Soundgarden, I am thinking you'd be glad if you got a hold of this. IT HAS BEGUN!!! Rock N Roll is about to get a SERIOUS WAKE UP CALL!!!!! ONE THAT IS OF "EPIC" proportion! ARE YOU READY?! IF YOU'RE NOT, YOU BETTER BE! For more info on EPIC, check out epic-rock.com.
Review of Tracy G's 'Erector Pili'
by Tony Sison, AKA The Atomic Chaser
The Dedicated Rocker Productions - President
All Access Magazine - Contributing Writer
Tracy G. is a rare talent. Not only is he an exceptionally intense guitar player, he is a rare composer and producer. His latest project (the bands second release) ‘Erector Pili' under the moniker, The Tracy G. Group gives a whole new meaning to instrumental intensity. The songs are very well thought out, not the endless repetitive licks you hear from so many others. I've always loved Tracy G's guitar playing. His sound is unique and very inventive. Rarely do I find that the title of an instrumental coveys something meaningful about the song itself. With Tracy G, you can almost understand why he titles his songs as such. The compositions on 'Erector Pili' show Tracy's clear mastery of every technique involving the electric guitar as well as his fascination of combining dialog from classic movies, as displayed on "Out Of Respect" where Tracy uses the dialog from the classic mob movie, 'Goodfellas'. On tracks like, the adrenaline pumping, "Finger Fuzz" and "Knucklehead" Tracy displays a clear melodic intensity and integrity that makes the compositions come to life. They tell a story which is so difficult to convey via instruments alone. If you listen carefully you can almost feel what he is trying to say with his guitar, especially on the bluesy charmer, "Celtic Sea". He is incredibly passionate and expressive. But enough! I could go on and on. He is one of my very few guitar heroes. 'Erector Pili' will blow you away. Tracy G is an insane guitar player. One of the greatest guitar playing I've ever heard. It just blows me away that he doesn't get the respect and recognition that he truly deserves. Overall, 'Erector Pili' is a tremendous effort by Tracy G. If you want to hear a guitar played better and more creatively than you’ve heard before… check out Tracy G. Nothing can be said: you have to hear this guy to believe him… His tones, compositions, notes, chords. Tracy G is doing stuff that nobody else can do. Moreover, he does it in diverse and entertaining ways. You will enjoy each one of these very different songs and marvel at how unique each song is. You will appreciate the talent that went into making them and you will marvel at how a man can convey so much emotion with six strings. And when the CD is done playing, you will just wonder… what planet is this brilliant guitar player really from?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Review of Tracy G's 'Katt Gutt' - June 2003
by Michael Caro for Latin Style Magazine
This solo effort from Tracy G is one side of the accomplished musician. Since leaving 'Dio' Tracy G has completed several projects that showcase his incredible talent. Katt Gutt takes you to the Spanish /Flamenco room in Tracy Gs' mind where he serves the listener with 10 original tunes. Mixed and mastered at the G Factory Katt Gutt is reminiscent of traditional Spanish stylings but will surprise you with its diverse influences. Rumbo De La India especially kidnaps and takes you on a melodic journey and has you experiencing Tracy G's poignant playing. You just don't know where you're going to land. If traveling while you sit still is your aim you can get more at www.TracyG.com.
Review of 'The Tracy G Group' - June 2003
by Michael Caro for Latin Style Magazine
This 14 track CD of original tunes is a must for any student of electric guitar. Tracy G who made his bones playing with such groups as Dio and Driven gives the listener a lesson on the diverse language of his instrument. Playing with other top musicians “Sosa” Ramirez -Bass, “Pinche Cyclone” Fester - Drums, and Scardino Manolo Lopez – Keyboards, Tracy “G” Grijalva leads you through a ying and yang tapestry of tunes. The Driving beats will get you moving in a way you haven’t in a while and just when you get your head banging grove on you get hit with a haunting melody that makes you feel like the Guitar is actually speaking, track 5 Pritika and 10 Latin Moon are good examples of this smooth styling that breaks up the otherwise progressive beat driving tracks that make up most of the album. This project is definitely worth your time for more Tracy G check out www.TracyG.com.
Review of Tracy G's 'Deviating From The Set List' - January 2003
by Tony Sison, AKA The Atomic Chaser
The Dedicated Rocker Productions - President
All Access Magazine - Contributing Writer
Anyone who is familiar with guitarist Tracy G. (WWIII, DIO & DRIVEN) is well aware of how lethal and powerful this guy's guitar playing is. I would compare Tracy's guitar sound to what happens to Dr. Bruce Banner when he turns into the rampaging HULK! Talk about a nuclear reaction. This is what Tracy has served up on his latest manic creation the double CD juggernaut, 'Deviating From The Set-List', A homage to the musical artist that inspired Tracy in becoming one of the most dangerous guitarist in the world today. When it comes to tribute albums, I listen for interpretation versus imitation. Tracy G's interpretation of the classics rockers offered on this release are ground shaking and served up with huevos the size of boulders! Disc one opens with a canine frenzied cover of the Led Zep classic, "Black Dog". The original version had bite, but what Tracy has done is given it friggin' rabies! To say that Tracy plays with intensity would be an understatement. I think if you look up the word in Webster's you'd find Tracy's name as one of its descriptions. Intensity, I'm talking the kind that grabs you by the balls until you scream! Intensity is what you feel on Tracy's renditions of the ZZ TOP ass kicker, "Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers" and the balls to the wall Van Halen fire-cracker, "On Fire" with Atomic Punks frontman, Ralph Sienz doing his best David Lee Roth scream. One of the things that I admire about Tracy G is that he lets his heart and emotions dictate what his fingers do on his guitar. Whether it's playing pedal to the metal riffs from hell or down shifting into some slow and nasty Blues licks, what you get is a guy playing his guts out letting the music control him and not him controlling the music. A good example of this can be felt on one of my favorite songs of all time, the Curtis Mayfield penned, "People Get Ready" and "The Sky Is Crying" , Tracy's thank you to, Gary Moore. Many of you know Tracy has a shredder, but if you haven't heard Tracy play the Blues, you are in for one hell of a treat. My smoke alarms in the house went off that's how this guy is, I shit you not! Before I popped disc two in I had to make sure I warned the neighbors. The walls literally shook when "Going Down" shot out my speakers! Definitely one of the highlights on this release. The fret board tradeoff between Tracy G. and Oingo Boingo bassist, John Avila is simply mind-shattering! If the U.S. military decides to invade Iraq and do what they did to Noriega, this is one song that would drive Hussein straight to his grave! Tracy and good friend, Jeff Pilson (Dokken / DIO / Underground Moon) hook up once again and deliver up a rocking version of Deep Purple's, "Maybe I'm A Leo". The one song that literally kick my ass is Tracy's cover of the Black Sabbath monster, "Into The Void" with Timm Saxton on lead throat. Talk about letting the music take control. Tracy's guitar licks were possessed by demons from hell! It's as if his fingers were making his guitar strings speak in some type of demonic scribe. I don't think calling Max Von Syndow would have helped any. I have always enjoyed listening to Tracy G play his trusted six-string. Whether it’s in a live setting or on record. 'Deviating From The Set-List' is worth its weight in gold. A musical display featuring some of the hottest musicians in the rock music world jamming with one of the most intense guitar players in world, Tracy G. Thanks Tracy for another job well done! Now, I wonder if my home owner's insurance covers shattered walls caused by extreme decibels.
Review of Driven's Promo CD
by The Heavy Metal Resources Webzine
Remember Tracy G from Dio?? You know, the guy who shredded like hell on albums like 'Strange Highways' and 'Angry Machines'. Well, he has left Dio, but has been quite busy with a number of new projects. One of his newer projects is the band Driven who has just had Mike Terrana join the fold.
This promo is only a four track and follows full length album 'Citizen X'. Tracy is making very heavy music drawing from very heavy influences. Teaming with Timm Saxton, Larry 'Bones' Dennison, and Ray Luzier on this particular outing, they have created a bit of a mix. Opener 'World to me' is crunchy and thick. Vocals remind me a bit of Reznor and Skold. 'No one to you' has a groove to it, and remains very heavy. Probably my favorite on this disc. 'Bittersweet' is a change of pace. This is a really good tune. A slower number that has great vocals, great backgrounds via keyboards, and incredible acoustic guitar. You have to love this tune. The final track has one of the nastiest guitar sounds I have heard in a while. I really can't think of another guitarist who gets this much grit in it's sound. Reznor style vocals appear here as well.
I've gotta tell ya, this is a band to watch. I totally dug this promo. I think the band is gonna make its mark.
Review of Tracy G's 'A Spooky G X-Mas'
by The Heavy Metal Resources Webzine
So you're ready for the Holidays. You want to get into the spirit of the season, but you can't take any more of that elevator based tuneage. You'll choke somebody if you have to hear that Country twang crammed into 'Jingle Bells'. Well have I got just the thing for you. Tracy G has put together a collection of Christmas tunes that have his familiar taste to them. I do mean traditional too. I think you'll be surprised at even another side to this amazing musician.
The album opens with 'The Bells' which basically sounds like traditional music slammed together with the bass sound from the movie 'Halloween'. I'm not kidding. And guess what?? It works. Lots of depth.
'What Child' also known as 'Green Sleeves' up next. Much slower tempo and fairly true. 'White X-Mas' is done very disciplined and well. This tune flows right along. I really like the 'Jingle Bell Blues'. Very bluesy guitar based version. If you dig the blues, you will dig this. You have to check out the depth displayed in '3 Kings'. Very thick sound. 'Hark' is one of the more upbeat funky style tunes on the album with its percussion arrangement. Now here is an interesting move. 'Chuck Browns X-Mas' is one of the mellow arrangements and truly shows that Tracy G is multi dimensional as a musician and songwriter. Probably my favorite track on this album. 'Santa is coming' is the fast tempo tune and comes across quite well. Great Bass lines on this one as well. 'Drummer Boy' closes the album out with a slightly different take on the tune. Nice change of pace.
If you are tired of all of this generic crap spewed this time of year, don't hesitate to pick this album up. Tracy G is very creative and has an excellent holiday offering here. It may not be year round listening, but should become your favorite seasonal collection.
Review of Driven's 'Citizen X'
by The Heavy Metal Resources Webzine
Tracy G's current project Driven is very heavy. 'Citizen X' is where it started and contains some of the heaviest material that I have heard Tracy do. Everything is over the top with Driven as his album will quickly show.
First thing that comes to mind upon spinning this disc is Pantera. It is that same intensity. That is where it ends though. This band has it's own personality. 'Wrecking Ball' gets things started off and it stays consistently heavy from there. 'Fearless' has a grind to it, but incorporates a groove as well. One of my favorites. 'Strong' kicks it in gear. And how about that guitar shredding?? Tracy can really punish a guitar. 'Camel's broken back' sets a haunting tone. Almost paints a picture with a listen. Very moody track. 'Free' starts off mellow but builds to a crunch. One of the best written on the disc. What a way to close an album. 'Lorax'. Hmmmm, wonder what that is about?? 'I speak for the trees'. This is definitely my favorite in every way. One thing that a listener will get from this album is that Tracy and the guys are having a good time making music their way.
If you are looking for a very pissed off album with good musicianship, 'Citizen X' will fill the need. This album is not for the faint of heart. It is consistently heavy. It also will show how creative Tracy G is as a guitarist and songwriter. Driven is definitely a band to watch out for.
Review of Tracy G's 'The G Factory'
by The Heavy Metal Resources Webzine
From the most ambitious musician in the business comes 'The G Factory'. Tracy G has done a very large amount of projects in his career so far. 'The G Factory' is definitely one of my favorites. Let me explain. It can be summed up very quickly with the music being very energetic, yet very precise. The creative juices really flow through Tracy G as is displayed on this album. It is a mixed bag of goodies. The title track starts off in the heavy vein and shows a lot of punch. If that track wasn't heavy enough, try out 'Warped out'. Very fast and heavy rhythms, but has the precision I mentioned before. To check out the third track, you shift gears a little. 'Opus in Bbm' cruises a long and shows the technical aspects of Tracy's guitar style. One of my favorites is the very smooth 'Goodbye to Sao Paulo'. This track proves that mellow can indeed be very heavy. The track is fairly slow in tempo, but very rich in style. 'The Elephant' is another favorite. Nasty guitar sound to a very crunchy tempo. 'Blutodidit' is another exercise in guitar with some cool effects on keys. Staying true to the Tracy G style is 'Climb the Walls'. The album to this point has been instrumental, but that all changes with 'The many forms of evil'. It is more of a narration with some nasty guitar shred. The ninth track is appropriately titled 'Number Nine'. This track almost sounds like soundtrack material. Pretty cool. Slowing things down a bit and really showing how multi-dimensional Tracy can be is 'A Lil' Sump'n'. How about crunch to close the album. 'Sciatic Notch' closes the album with the fitting Tracy G signature style.
I really like this album. It is for the most part instrumental in nature, and really shows a lot of different sides of Tracy's songwriting. If you are looking for an enjoyable listen, get this album, sit back and crank it loud!