LEVERKUSEN 2010

Of the five live recordings released since the passing of Allan Holdsworth, this one is my favorite. It might have something to do with Chad Wakerman. I always liked his work with Mr. Holdsworth. He plays on the '97 recording which is only slightly less exceptional to the 2010 session. He plays the drums with a feel I don't quite hear with other jazz fusion drummers who spent sessions with the guitar wizard. Gary Novak and Gary Husband are outstanding and they are featured on other releases. However, I find Chad to be the best. The bass is held down by Ernest Tibbs and he really seems to be enjoying playing with this trio. This is a very mature Allan Holdsworth and he was in his prime, having abandoned the synthaxe for live touring, focusing on making the guitar sound fluid and very fine. Like an expensive bottle of wine.