DAVE KULJU

Kulju prooved to be not only an exceptional guitarist (as noticed already by his works with Electrum) but a clever composer as well.The album of course is characterized by his fiery and dynamic guitar playing in the vein of TILES and ALEX LIFESON with massive powerful grooves leading the way, but he also adds a few nice colors here and there with the help of some session musicians.Mellotron introductions, soft piano lines, background organ and orchestral parts are also in the menu, thus exploding the album from a simple Guitar Instrumental Rock effort to a great artistic guitar-led Prog/Fusion experience.Being far from excessive, Kulju keeps a fantastic balance between sharp-edged guitar riffing and intricate melodies (with a certain CAMEL vibe) and his style goes from energetic Heavy Prog to Fusion to Melodic Rock in a blink of an eye.Acoustic guitars are also present to calm things down when needed and the shifting moods are numerous and inspired.

This is not only a must have for anyone wanting to know how quality Instrumental Guitar Rock should be played, but also a fantastic release for all lovers of atmospheric instrumental listenings.Highly recommended.

"Notes in the Margin" is a partially instrumental album that explores a sound that ranges from hard prog akin to Rush on the one hand to space and symphonic-tinged themes that share some characteristics with late 70's Pink Floyd. Those who enjoy both these acts might well find Dave Kulju to be an artist worthwhile exploring, and I suspect that this album might also appeal to some of the people who tend to like neo-progressive rock. Overall, this is a good-quality production from start to finish, and one that should have a much broader appeal than most solo efforts crafted by a guitarist going solo.