ERIC GALES
That's What I Am (MCA/Nightbird)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Comparisons to Jimi Hendrix have dogged Eric Gales since his debut in the '90s as a teenaged guitar phenom, and the truth is, he's done little to discourage them. Not that he needs to. The comparisons are most always favorable, and have led to getting a spot in a reassembled Band Of Gypsys and now a contract with the Hendrix family controlled Nightbird Records imprint. If Janey says it's OK, well, it's OK.

That said, the similarities between Eric Gales and Jimi Hendrix continue to stack up. Though Gales composed ten of the twelve cuts himself, most of them fit comfortably in the blues-rock guitar style that Hendrix mined for his sound. When he does turn to covers, Billy Gibbon's "Just Got Paid" and Jimi's own "Foxey Lady" are reflective of Gales' influences. He does a credible job on every cut, demonstrating outstanding guitar chops and above average vocals, but he's not an innovator.

Of course, there are few innovators, and there are many mediocre performers out there. Gales definitely doesn't fall into the mediocre category. At the still fairly tender age of twenty five, he has plenty of time to carve out a more individual voice. In the meanwhile, he's crafted an album of solid guitar rock that should please any fan of the genre.

Track List:

That's What I Am * Hand Writing On The Wall * Down Low * So Good If You Could * Blue Misty Morning * She Shines * Insane * Black Day * Can't Go On * Foxey Lady * You Ugly * Just Got Paid

© 2001 - Shaun Dale