Frank Gambale - Best of Jazz Rock Fusion (2006)

Part of a three-album retrospective, The Best of Frank Gambale: Jazz and Rock Fusion collects a nice cross-section of guitarist Gambale's instrumental jazz and rock tracks over a 15-year period starting in the late '80s. Gambale has always been a master technician on the fret-board, easily crossing between smooth jazz, instrumental pop, contemporary folk and metal-tinged rock. Here we find him delving into the harder-edged, rock and jazz fusion side of his playing with the confidence that comes from being a virtuoso. This is practically a primer for how to play heavy metal guitar with an ear toward incorporating more complex jazz harmonies and improvisational techniques. For fans of highly technical, superbly crafted instrumental music that mixes pop and jazz sounds, Jazz and Rock Fusion will have much to offer and is a solid introduction to Gambale's work.