Andy Timmons Band — Resolution
(Favored Nations 2560, 2006, CD)
by Jon Davis,
Published 2007-03-01

Andy Timmons is a guitarist along the lines of Steve Vai, Eric Johnson,
and Joe Satriani, though to my ear maybe a little more enjoyable because
of the variety of styles he covers. His technique is impeccable, and aside
from a few obligatory flurries of notes, he seems to focus more on musicality
than flash. The album is a pure instrumental trio effort, the ultimate
format for a guitarist to test his mettle, having to cover both melodies
and harmonies. Co-producer Mike Daane handles bass; Mitch Marine plays
drums. But it's the guitar that's in the spotlight. Ranging from restrained
and subtle quiet moments (almost like Bill Frisell with a touch of blues
added) to soaring solos, he covers many bases with aplomb, and is never
predictable. After his beginnings in an 80s hair metal band, he's earned
his stripes working with artists as diverse as Simon Phillips, Olivia
Newton-John, and LeAnn Rimes. What really stands out are his melodies,
which are beautiful and full of unexpected notes. I'd call this a guitar
hero album for people who like guitar but not guitar heroes, if you take
my meaning. He throws in an amped-up electric bluegrass workout as a bonus
track, displaying even more range.
Filed under: New releases, Issue 34, 2006 releases
Related artist(s): Andy Timmons