Wim: When it comes to reviewing CDs of speed demons on the guitar neck, our editor knows to find me. Vinnie Moore, Impellitteri, Paul Gilbert and Tony Hernando are recognized shredders with new CDs that I reviewed recently. Now I have a new album of Mr. Joe Stump lying in front of me. I must say that I have never heard of the man. The accompanying bio says he belongs to the top of the world when it comes to shredding. When I slide the CD into my CD tray and hang back in my chair for the record to grab me, I instantly realize that sometimes the information in bio’s appears to be the truth and nothing but the truth!
Blimey!, what a guitarist this guy is! His technique and speed are really incredible. My point of reference when it comes to this kind of guitar playing still is Yngwie Malmsteen. And Joe did clearly listen (and look) to Malmsteen closely! Stump has also packed his instrumental guitar music with classical elements, so a simple comparison is obvious ( ‘Chasin 'The Dragon', 'Allegro ≠ 2 In A Minor', ’Symphonic Pandemonium’). Moreover, his sound, technique and arpeggios also are Malmsteen’s style. Shamelessly copying is not something he is ashamed of doing either. Is that the riff of Malmsteen’s ‘Far Beyond The Sun’ I hear in 'Fire And Brimstone'? Also do check the YouTube video because here you can see that he even goes to the same jeweler as our Swedish friend. But lets be honest, he is absolutely amazing. He also manages to surprise the listener by changing his sound and technique in the swinging ‘Blackmore's Boogie' in which he approaches the guitar playing of another famous guitarist. Guess which one. He also proves that he can play different styles in the bluesy ‘Old School Throw Down’ and the concluding 'Start Sorcery' in which he lets his ESP weep fabulously like Robin Trower, one of my favourite guitarist, likes to do.
Of course, this is a record that is only interesting for people who know a little about guitar playing. I recommend them to be sure to listen to this album since this really is unprecedented guitar violence. The adage 'better copied well than badly invented’ ensures that this CD scores well above average.
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