Flying Dog

Flying Dog is a record on which Paul Gilbert powerfully pulls together, into one rock work, fast-picking’s outstanding precision, a flexible rhythmic sense and playful ideas. Made following the solo debut, the guitar is always vividly in sharp form, yet the songs deftly mix in a light funk and pop feel too, by no means falling into rigid technique alone. Content displaying his broad musicality. From the momentum of the opener “Get It” and the catchy “Girl Crazy” to the humor of “Beautiful Girls Are Insane,” every song is engaging. A cover of David Bowie’s “Be My Wife” and cuts like “Mr. Skin” and “Kate Is a Star” convey his rich musical background. While fully entertaining with high transcendent technique, it always strongly draws the listener’s ear with surprising, expectation-defying phrases and bold song shifts. A record letting you savor both technique as an outstanding guitarist and rich playfulness as an excellent songwriter at once. Content that truly suits seeking light, free guitar rock. On which Paul Gilbert’s pop, humorous appeal is in full bloom, it is a powerful, fun solo work — a record where his versatility shines.