VELVET DARKNESS

Allan Holdsworth's debut album is well known by it's bad recording mix/quality, bulk content and Holdsworth very critical opinion about this album as well. But I think, it is not so bad.

Yes, sound is at the level of the demo tape, but the album was recorded during rehearsals in studio. All recorded material in fact is jam in studio, recorded without plans to be released. It was label decision, never approved by Holdswordth himself. And the music there sounds as recorded demo session.

But, even if there are no structure on this album, and many compositions sound as accidental pieces of music, everyone can hear great Holdsworth guitar, both in heavy electric solos and rare acoustic ones. It is collection of good songs and bad songs, placed on one record, so it's difficult to think about this album as independent product.

But if you know Holdsworth guitar work and like it, you will easy to find there plenty of excellent moments to listen. In other words, this album is absolutely product for great guitarist fans, but should be avoided by newcomers.

I have 1990 re-release with 5 additional tracks (from the same session), which really completed this short original LP till normal size album. I believe every Holdsworth fan should listen this work, possibly just for better understanding about who this great guitarist was in the beginning of his solo career.