‘Temporaris’ shows real talent.
I have always liked guitar virtuosos but mainly those that can make the guitar sing rather than provide effects filled experimentation. My promos this time included one from new German guitar/multi instrumentalist Alexander Schädler. He started playing the guitar in 1984 and has learnt and studied heavily in many spectrums of music including jazz, blues and rock. After many years of learning, Schädler became the guitarist for Love Like Blood releasing two albums. From 1999 to 2006 he studied classical and jazz guitar at the Stuttgart State University Of Music and now releases his own debut ‘Temporaris’.
This is beautifully presented in a card digi-pack offering 10 differing tracks at 51 minutes. ‘Summerside’ is a Satriani-esque fret fest that is exactly what the name suggests. It’s an uplifting sunny track that has a solid groove with Schädler letting rip on both the neck and peddles. ‘Creepy Cheese’ has him going all country with a blue grass number that would be the perfect for the Dukes Of Hazzard. There’s his own rendition of Peter Alexander’s ‘Aus Böhmen Kommt Die Musik’ which is a fun interpretation with lots of ever increasing speed using echoed effects. ‘Perturbado’ is an intense composition full of strained neck work and heavily strummed chords on the Spanish guitar. The title track 'Temporaris’ has Schädler at his heaviest taking a full on metal approach with a thick chugging progression and some very furious neck soloing. Aside from ‘Summerside’ there were two other outstanding tracks that were instant winners. ‘Potpourrix’ is an astounding medley of eight classical segments performed in differing styles. These include ‘Hall Of The Mountain King’ and ‘Eine Kleine Nachtmusik’ in heavy metal, ‘Bolero’ in full rock and a reggae styled ‘Air On A G String’. But above all these for me is ‘Irish Tune’. This stunning track opens with old school Celtic instruments and a real traditional folk melody. Suddenly the electric guitar gate crashes the party and explodes with this colossal riff and the whole thing kicks off like a bar brawl.
This is a very good guitar instrumental album although I wasn’t blown away by every track as I was with the likes of ‘The Extremist’ or ‘212’. I found a couple missed their mark but the ones that did hit the target scored a bull’s-eye. Schädler stands in between Vai and classic Satriani in terms of his playing style. He is also a superb all round composer as well playing virtually every instrument, showing the versatility of his education and ability through the different approaches. The production is first class and highly professional which is essential for an album of this type.
If you’re a fan of guitar virtuosos, I suggest that Alexander Schädler is a name you take some time to investigate. Even if these types of albums are not your thing, I urge you to check out ‘Potpourrix’ just to experience these classical moments re-imagined. ‘Temporaris’ shows real talent and let’s hope that Schädler doesn’t make his releasing career a ‘temporary’ one.
Dave Scott
strong
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