Vibrato

Vibrato is a work on which Paul Gilbert fully shows a varied, broad side as a guitarist, through fluid, outstanding solos, thick, powerful rock riffs and playful arrangement. With a construction mixing vocal songs and instrumentals, you can enjoy his two appeals in one album. Transcendent technique shines vividly in places, yet by no means only for fast-picking songs — it is a sure means to give each number different expression and rich melody. From the momentum of the opener “Enemies (In Jail)” and the power of the title track “Vibrato” to a bold cover of Dave Brubeck’s classic “Blue Rondo à la Turk,” every song is engaging, while the blues feel of “Bivalve Blues” and a cut like “Rain and Thunder and Lightning” convey the work’s fullness. Hard songs, bluesy songs and light songs line up in good balance, and the album is truly free and airy. A record letting you savor both outstanding guitar’s vivid skill and the pure fun of rock and roll at once. His own stance of turning technique into the joy of listening, never showing it as difficult, runs throughout. On which Paul Gilbert’s varied, free musicality is in full bloom, it is a powerful, fun, fulfilling work — a record packed with his broad appeal.