Warsaw Summer Jazz Days '98

Inspired by the advanced harmonic concepts he heard in John Coltrane's saxophone playing, most notably on "Satellite". Note; (The sound of the Saxophone, in this case the (Alto) may be the only Brass instrument that has the over drive/distortion-like sound already built into it - which may have been one of the factors that ultimately attracted/led Allan Holdsworth to develop a most extraordinary style and technique that rivals the unique note ramping/bending characteristics of the Saxophone).Allan Holdsworth began exploring scales using mathematics. "Reaching for the uncommon chord" combined with his endless pursuit for the "perfect tone", Allan Holdsworth would eventually advance/become the most forward thinking electric guitarist in the history of the modern electric guitar. Fulfilling a life destined for unprecedented accomplishments - while achieving living legend status among his contemporaries. Warsaw Summer Jazz Day's '98 I really appreciate how Allan and Dave were playing simultaneous chord progressions, at the end of Dave Carpenters Bass solo, absolutely amazing - and on "Water on the Brain Part II". Phenomenal improvisation on "Improvisation" I really enjoy Allan's guitar/synth textures on leads/chords, Gary Novak is the perfect percussionist with perfect timing/execution and especially Gary's highly resonant cymbal work! A phenomenal performance! The more one watches the DVD, the more one can appreciate it. The audio on the CD and the DVD are preserved excellently.Allan Holdsworth in his own words once stated "I am an endless experimenter" and is the only guitarist that I know of, that has achieved (thru endless experimentation) many ground breaking sounds and innovations that no other guitarist has ever achieved - one most notably is what I call a "Shimmering, Bell Ringing, Chiming effect" at the height or end of his background (volume pedal) chordal swell progression's, that are noticeable starting with - "Tokyo Dream" and "Material Real" where Allan also uses pedal steel. Note: (Road Games was nominated for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance" at the 1984 Grammys). But seems to be most evident/perfected, on Hard Hat Area (ref; "Low Levels, High Stakes"/"House of MIrrors" vs The Sixteen Men of Tain - tracks 1 "Above and Below" 4, and 5, (where the Shimmering, Bell Ringing, Chiming effect is absent). Allan Holdsworth's forward thinking and ingenuity helped introduce new instrumentation in new guitar technologies, that have never been seen before until now, some of these advancements are the Carvin Custom USA - HF2S w/Graph Tech MIDI synth access electronics pick up (semi-hollow, headed) and the Bill DeLap, Allan Holdsworth Custom Guitar (chambered, headless), modified with the GK Roland synth pick up for the Roland VG-8 (Virtual Guitar, Module Eight) processor system. Most notably throughout ('98-2000) on "San Onofre", "The Sixteen Men of Tain", "Texas" and "Above and Below-Reprise" where Allan is triggering Oberheim Matrix-12/X5B synth, and Yamaha TX-7/DX-7 Synth Modules for background's, chorale's, and special compositional effects. Some of Allan Holdsworth's creativity, genius, ingenuity, and forward thinking, concerning (advancement in instrumentation) began to take shape - beginning with Grover Jackson (3 custom strat-like guitars w/Seymour Duncan's (Allan's preference at this time was basswood, then w/Carvin/Kiesel, Alder wood) Charvel Jackson (3 custom, 1 prototype w/Seymour Duncan's), Ibanez Custom Signature AH-10 (single), AH-20 (dual pick up) Guitars and 2 Emmet Chapman Sticks (without Bass strings). Then the introduction of the SynthAxe. Also the Steinberger GM2T Trans Trem (hollow, composite, headless) guitars were sent from Steinberger NY to Bill DeLap LA, without frets or pick up's, for radius modification, Dunlop frets and Seymour Duncan pick up's and (tonal) wood body's. Ned Steinberger (now NS Design) would create the GL2TA-AH Allan Holdsworth Signature Model, while Bill DeLap is creating Custom Piccolo and 34" (played on "Zarabeth"), 36" and 38" (played on "Sphere of Innocence") neck long Baritone Guitars (chambered, headless), affectionately named Igor, Gonan and Boris (used on Wardenclyffe Tower) including a Bill DeLap Custom Double-Neck Guitar (top neck tuned to (5ths vs 4ths) and bottom to standard, dual chambered, headless). A further perfected series of production of the Allan Holdsworth Signature Series Instruments, continues with Carvin Custom USA - H1/H2 (chambered, single/dual H-22 pick up, headed), H1T/H2T (chambered, single/dual H-22 pick up, w/Wilkinson tremolo, headed) used on Hard Hat Area. HF1/HF2S Fatboy (semi-hollow, dual MIDI synth access electronics pick up, headed), HH1/HH2 (chambered, single/dual Kiesel/Holdsworth pick up, headless), HH1X/HH2X (chambered, single/dual pick up, JCustom Headless Research XSTrem tremolo, Holdsworth humbucker, headless). Allan also played a Starr Labs Ztar Mini Z-12 MIDI keyboard controller (a 12 string Guitar/Piano hybrid, with nearly 8 octaves of pitch, the range of a Grand Piano, considered the first truly optimized keyboard for Guitarist) used on "Postlude" Hard Hat Area - Allan states "you can do some really impossible stuff, sort of like playing a three-dimensional keyboard". Continuing with Canton Custom Instruments - The Allan Holdsworth Model (headless), played on Chad Wackermans "Dreams, Nightmares and Improvisations" including on track 8, Allan uses the Starr Labs ZB12 Z-Board array keyboard controller (12x24, which directly combines the features of a guitar and a piano keyboard), also, continuing his musical contributions on Chad Wackermans solo albums as Producer and Engineer. A finalized series of production continued, with the next generation (*slightly more chambered/tuned body) of instruments with Kiesel Custom USA - HH1/HH2 (opt. *chambered, Kielsel/Holdsworth humbuckers, headless). HF1/HF2 Fatboy (*semi-hollow, twin beam floating suspension, dual Holdsworth KH12 humbucking pick up, Boutique, headed). The Allan Holdsworth Signature 7 string, HH7 (solid/*chambered, dual Kiesel/Holdsworth 7 string humbuckers, headless). HH1X/HH2X (*chambered, Kiesel/Holdsworth passive single-bridge pick up, dual Holdsworth humbuckers, JCustom Headless Research XSTrem tremolo, headless)Also a Strandberg neck thru Allan Holdsworth Edition Boden 6 Custom Guitar (headless). A younger Allan became infatuated with the unique sound of the Saxophone, and through sophisticated electronics, amplification, instrumentation, and specialized technique's, Allan Holdsworth would not be denied, but achieve the unique and expressive, note ramping/bending over drive/distortion-like sound of the Saxophone. Continuing, in the context of Allan Holdsworth's, genius and creativity, including partnership in engineering of guitars, amplification, effects and various associated electronic peripherals. Working alongside Allan - JRockett created the Allan Holdsworth Signature OD/Boost w/light OD and versatile boost section.Allan also works with Yamaha to create the programmable Yamaha UD Stomp Delay/Chorus Pedal, for his signal processing. It includes several custom settings programmed by Allan himself. Allan Holdsworth's - Rocktron Juice Extractor (which is a rack mounted reactive load device, which takes the speaker output of a 100w tube amp, and converts it to line level w/3-band parametric EQ for live recording). Allan Holdsworth's sophisticated "Live Tour" soundstage set. Allan's set in 1998-2000 (including Warsaw '98) is a Carvin HF2 (semi-hollow, headed)/Bill DeLap Custom Guitar (chambered, headless) modified with the Roland GK Synth pick up, 2 Yamaha's DG/80 extension cabs, DBX project 1 Compressor/Gate, ADA Delay, 2 Rocktron Intellefex Modules, TC Electronics Boost, Roland VG-8 Processor System, Korg/Boss Volume Pedals. Carvin FET 450 Power Amps. The access of the Synthesizer will no longer be confined to the unique design of the electronic keyboard. "The SynthAxe is a quantum leap beyond the Guitar" - "I was so knocked out with it, because I didn't need two necks, anymore. (5ths vs 4ths) It's a way of being able to find new way's of expression in music through the use of a brilliantly designed piece of equipment". - Allan HoldsworthThe very first World Premier studio recording of the SynthAxe is on Allan Holdsworth "Atavachron" 1986.The SynthAxe is a (computer controlled, MIDI controller/control console, w/pedal units in a guitar format) - with a World production of 99 units) created by William Aitkin, Michel Dixon and Anthony Sedivy and funded by Richard Branson's Virgin Group. Designed with an angled neck with 2 independent sets of strings, a fret matrix is scanned by a microprocessor, along with a 9 key array with a velocity sensitive keyboard, L to R (Master trigger key, then Bass trigger key, then Treble trigger key, then 6 trigger keys) designed by the late David Fowler (B. J. Hopkins Tool/Injection Oxford, U.K.) Featuring an assignable tremolo to produce different MIDI outputs such as various filter cut offs, volume and as a standard tremolo. Also an additional tube (Air) input named "Masters Touch" (Designed by Nyle Steiner, inventor of the - EVI, EWI, NuEVI and the MIDI EVI) which dramatically alters volume and tone, using "breath velocity" . The SynthAxe (1985) was built with Aerospace and Military grade hardware. Priced at 10,000+ (GBP)/13,000+ (USD) the systems expandable soft/hardware, can trigger poly-mode 1 thru poly-mode 12, synth patches including various string patches and mic patches. Using the Carvin HF2 (semi-hollow, headed) and Bill DeLap's Custom Guitar (chambered, headless) modified with the Roland VG-8, GK synth pick up, Allan is able to trigger SynthAxe synth patches and various sound modules such as the Oberheim Matrix-12/X5B synth, Yamaha TX-7/DX-7 synth and Kurzweil expander modules - creating ultra-specialized background chorales, compositional highlights/effects in multi-layered three-dimensional soundscapes resulting in Allan Holdsworth's signature MIDI electric guitar/synthesizer textural concept's. My official National/International Statemant regarding Allan Holdsworth, is as follows. . . The degree of difficulty is simply unimaginable - of whom I once met and call "The most creative, innovative and advanced electric guitarist in the history of mankind, Mr. Allan Holdsworth 1946-2017. Working with the finest musicians the World has to offer, Allan's music gives people who are not up to speed in the complexity of Allan's work, especially in his lead and volume pedal chordal swells (in his background chorale progressions) gives us a clear and accurate representation that an advanced/common listener can grasp! The enormity and the immense volume of Allan Holdsworth's sophisticated guitar works, are almost unfathomable - possibly the highest order/magnitude the World has ever known! - Concerning; (knowledge, discipline, creativity, composition, innovation, ingenuity, emotion, voicing, execution and mastery of the Electric Guitar/SynthAxe, Acoustic Guitar/Violin."He sure has made an impression on me, he does things I have not heard the guitar do... He's not trying new things, he's mastering them" - George Benson. (former child prodigy and the recipient of 12 Grammy Awards, including the George Benson Signature Guitar Collection)."Meteorites, Shooting Stars, Luminaries and Super Stars in the Desert"The Desert Botanical Garden is adjacent to Papago Park, with a $17 Million expansion, that host's various events including an annual Holiday luminary lighting, with a consortium of extensive garden trails and a 400 seat Hall and Gallery.I became friends with Ron Massey whom (Gary Husband, Percussionist, Pianist I.O.U.) once called "The Tempe Clone" at a 1980's I.O.U. performance with (Paul Williams, Vocalist, Lyricist I.O.U.) formerly at Chuy's on "Old Town Tempe's Arts/Eatery District on Mill Ave" (adjacent to ASU - named Tempe by an Englishman named "Lord" Darrell Dupa in 1879)Ron Massey (Engineer - wife, son, Mesa, AZ) played phenomenal legato and showed me a prototype guitar body given to Ron from Allan, including what I call "The Treasure Chest" in which Ron had collected every CD that Allan Holdsworth has ever played on - later Ron would receive Allan's personnel phone number. I saw a YES Concert (90125 Tour) at the ASU Activity Center with Chris Squire/Tony Kay, then YES with Chris Squire/Rick Wakeman at the Desert Sky Pavilion Phx, AZ. Due to Chris Squire's residence here, he may have suggested performing at the newly constructed Mesa Art's Center, resulting in a Concert DVD entitled; YES "Like It Is" At The Mesa Arts Center (Aug 2014, w/full Rodger Dean artwork). Then a U.K./U.S. Tour with John Wetton at the Comerica Theater in Phoenix, AZ, before he passed away. Then later Chris passed away in Paradise Valley, AZ. George Benson also played at the newly constructed Mesa Arts Center, and when I met George Benson in Fountain Hills, AZ he was extremely gracious. . .In loving MemorialOf Lowell C. Kiesel, Allan Holdsworth, Dave Carpenter, Paul Williams, John Wetton, Chris Squire and my friend Ron Massey.Right now, Allan is higher than the Heaven's strumming a ..... (...Oh! ..that's right .. we're talking about Allan, umm....oh! ... wait ..a ....O.K. ..... playing legato ....) on a harp - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - softly and tenderly of course : )I (Daniel M.) owned/played acoustic drums/3 electric Basses & a set of Moog Taurus 1 Bass Synthesizer Pedals. And only played Roland V-Drums & Keyboards - (first as secular then later as faith-based). Thank You, so much and God Bless. Sincerely, Daniel M. Scottsdale, AZ USA

Great set from this highly talented trio. The sound on this disc is very good and the material chosen is likewise good. The camera work/direction on the DVD is above par. Musically this disc is heads over heels better than a lot of stuff out there, with all musicians involved extremely competent. Gary Novak is truly great on drums and Dave Carpenter is absolutely magical here. And Allan Holdsworth shows why he is one of the absolute greats on guitar. My biggest gripe is concerning the DVD. The bonus footage is somewhat blurry and one song, "Texas," is cut short after the introduction. Only about four notes are played on said "Texas." But overall this is a brilliant show with three exceptional musicians playing at a very high level. Novak and Carpenter are a fantastic backing band. I love the trio format and I'm happy that there was no vocalist to gum up the music. Just beautifully performed fusion. On a sad note, it is sad that Carpenter and Holdsworth are no longer with us. This leaves us music lovers without two phenomenal talents. But we can continue to enjoy their brilliance on this CD.

First off, in no way am I trying to be negative with what I consider to be a landmark recording for a Holdsworth fan.... the audio on this is simply stunning! There’s no other way to describe it. The video portion of the set is incredible both visually and sound wise. The bonus footage is where I caution the would be purchasers to be aware. It’s somewhat blurry. They may not be a big deal to you... it’s certainly not to me, I felt the need as a consumer to put that out there. I’m not sure where the editor got this bonus footage. I chalk it up to the fact of when and where and how it was recorded. Don’t let the picture being distorted keep you from buying this! I’ve heard Allan live before, but this night in particular was on a whole other level!It’s still a must own!!!!

I am going to assume that if you are thinking of purchasing this you are already a fan. I have seen Allan Holdsworth several times in concert, and have most of his recorded material. Due to various factors I missed seeing him live in the late 1990's which was the appeal of this release to me. I really enjoy it. The recording quality is quite good imho, and the DVD is a nice addition.

The incomparable Holdsworth shines in a trio format, backed by drums and electric bass guitar. Few people can play this manner music, given its complexity and demand for virtuosity. The audio quality is excellent. The drummer, Gary Novak, writes a short essay about the performance.

This is a fairly well-known show thanks to the bootleggers at youtube. However, this is a well spent item. the dvd has the master from the tv station for the broadcast songs in spectacular quality. the extra songs are in better quality than youube as well. and cd for this amazing price? GET ONE!Oh, if you're wondering...Allan Holdsworth is the most innovative guitarist most people have never been exposed to.

I'd give it 4 stars, but the bass player I just couldn't take. As a bass player myself, I find the John Patitucci electric bass tone (not to mention the noodling solo work) unbearable. All lows and super, super highs. Nothing in the middle. The guitar playing however was the best!

If you're a Holdsworth fan, you know what to expect, great playing and 1st rate players backing him up. A nice bonus is that this is both a cd and dvd, with the dvd containing bonus cuts.

This Gig recorded in Poland in 1998 is brilliant!! - there has been a slightly ropey youtube video of it knocking around for a while, but it does the playing no justice.Allan is enjoying playing with this line up and it shows in the creativity and connection with the three of them. Gary Novak is an amazing drummer and the late great Dave Carpenter is equally fantastic.The guys at D2 have remastered the audio, the sound is massive and allows you to hear all that was intended. all sanctioned by Allan's family too.I should point out D2 have remasterd all of Allan's solo albums which can be got in a box set or individually - I have bought all of them again, even though I owned them already, as the sound quality is so good.I believe he would be happy with this release - there was always this thing where Allan would apologise to fans for his playing after gigs - I might be one of the only people who he admitted to enjoying and not minding what he played after a gig at Ronnie Scott's in 2010 ( with Gary Husband and Jimmy Johnson ) - quite right too, it was brilliant!!!As is this CD release - go get it!!! - satisfaction guaranteed.

If anyone from the Holdsworth estate is reading this, THANK YOU for making the release of this CD/DVD possible. For me, Allan's live recordings were always his most compelling, providing unfiltered insights into his raw creative genius. Poignantly, this Polish broadcast features another great player who left us far too soon - bassist Dave Carpenter. Drummer Gary Novak completes a highly elite line-up. Everything we ever craved about a Holdsworth performance is here - stunning team interplay, innovative guitar sounds and solos that soar. The sound quality is clear and punchy, and if the one minor gripe is that the visual quality of the bonus footage is not up to that of the main film, this is still a must-have and should rate among the very best of the great man's recorded output.

Loved it whilst listening to it.

Allan Holdsworth fait partie de la race des génies méconnus. En plus de 40 ans de carrière, il n'a fait qu'un peu plus d'une dizaine d'album sous son nom, ce qui est bien peu vus ses capacité dans vous emmener dans la stratosphère.Il est mort il y a deux ans, dans une indifférence consternante. Le plus drôle, c'est qu'il était très respecté par ses confrères, tels que John Mc Laughlin pour ne citer que lui. Ce musicien hors norme a révolutionné le jeu de guitare, ni plus ni moins, tout comme en son temps John Coltrane l'avait fait avec le saxophone. Pour ceux qui trouve que notre planète actuelle est plus que pollué physiquement et moralement, achetez ce couple d'album ( Un CD et un DVD) et allez vous balader tous la haut ou l’atmosphère est saine, guidée par un guitariste aux doigts de fée, même si son style et les harmonies qu'il utilisait sont quelque peu déroutants pour ceux qui n'ont pas l'habitude d'écouter Allan. Pour ceux qui le connaissent et l'apprécie, allez y sans hésiter.Paix à Allan, qui nous a promené dans un monde plein de couleurs qui lui sont si particulières.JMB

Holdsworth non ha mai avuto,da vivo,il successo planetario tributato ad altri importanti chitarristi.eppure è stato uno dei chitarristi più innovativi della storia della chitarra elettrica: una tecnica fenomenale,ben al di là delle capacità di alcuni suoi coetanei e poi portata sempre in avanti per tutta la carriera. Questo è un live interessante,la formazione del.trio era per holdsworth un po inusuale. Ovviamente è un grandissimo show delle capacità improvvisative di questo straordinario chitarrista