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Reviews

Dave Webb — Dalet
(Bandcamp no#, 2015, MC / DL)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2015-05-08

Dalet Cover art

A world of amazing music can be made with only a single electric guitar, aided with a chain of loopers and effects pedals and amps, and Dalet proves that, both on this nine track instrumental recording and presented in live situations as well. Webb is a Seattle area guitarist who currently plays with the band Spacebag, and previously with Wah Wah Exit Wound and Girth. But this sounds like none of those, instead it’s a study in what can be done armed with an array of effects and looping stations, and having the advanced skills to know how to use them superbly, in what at times appears to be a tribute to the styles of some of Webb’s favorite guitarists (Les Paul, Jimi Hendrix, and Gary Moore, among others). Some of this comes off sounding far more like experimental studies in what might be viable in some alternate melodic world (for example the three minute “For the Captain” is one such piece) or emotionally charged cinematic musical soundtracks (“Loneliness of the Cat” at six minutes, is one that advances this idea, changing directions completely during its duration). At any given moment, using the close scrutiny that headphones provide, one can hear up to seven or so guitars elaborating the backing or lead themes, or soloing over the top of them. This is all approached very sensibly, as a showcase for very solid guitar driven compositions, not a backing platform for simple shredding, although Webb does get some mighty impressive solos going on some of these. He’s also got the good sense to tie things up long before ideas wear out their welcome. In all, a very impressive debut that presently is available only as a cassette release or download.

Filed under: New releases, 2015 releases

Related artist(s): Dave Webb

More info
http://davewebb.bandcamp.com/album/dalet

 

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