Oliver Loy - Oliver Loy [CD]

Oliver Loy's self-titled debut album is a collection of 13 great instrumental compositions with a heavy focus on strong melodies and accomplished songwriting. Although remaining loyal to his rock influences, the listener will be pleasantly surprised at the numerous musical styles Loy utilises throughout the CD. The album's opening track "Ocean Drive" shows his 80's rock roots and could have easily have been released back then. "Breaking Through" takes a more cinematic approach, while "Naked On A Thursday Afternoon" and "Whatever You Like" both have a blues influence, as well as country and rock 'n' roll influences. Wasabi Junkie is a crazy experimental track, and with "Learning The Art Of Love" the listener gets a very balladesque piece. Altogether, the album shows Loy's enormous potential as a songwriter as well as his solid narrative guitar work. All songs were written, arranged and produced by Loy. Although playing most of the bass and keyboard parts himself, he invited some excellent musicians to contribute: Christian Lettner (playing with the German jazz/fusion group Passport) on drums, Michael Hornek on keyboards (also from Passport), Martin Gasselsberger (from mg3) on piano and Gerold Mayr on bass. This album can be recommended not only to instrumental guitar freaks, but also to anyone who loves uplifting melodies, great guitar solos and songs that keep your interest.