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Jennings, Jerry: Shortcut to the Center

Instrumental Guitar

4.0/5.0

Independent/Self-promotion
www.myspace.com/jerryjenningsband
www.jerryjenningsmusic.com
Review: Craig Hartranft,  08.23.2010

Unsung and unrecognized guitar virtuosos abound in these United States, and the world. Jerry Jennings, from Northern California, is one guitarist that deserves greater recognition. Jennings started playing guitar at 12 and was influenced early on by Grand Funk, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and then more significantly by Frank Zappa. Prior to the re-release of Shortcut to the Center, he has released two CDs The Good Part of a Pencil (1993) and Signs of Humanity (2002).

Shortcut to the Center has its roots in the early 2000's under the guidance of legendary guitarist Ronnie Montrose. It had a limited pressing and was mostly available at Jennings' performances. Now, receiving the proper promotion, Shortcut to the Center sees the light of day once more, and we're better for it. Jennings is a proficient and creative guitarist who draws upon rock, blues, jazz, and more, and then seamlessly blends them into an entertaining fusion. We're not talking epic metal shredding here, but rather fluid and stylish, almost effortless, guitar creativity. Jennings can blister with energy on Weather Manipulation, Meltdown, or Rule 14, but then tantalize and hypnotize with genuine elusiveness on Observation or She's. There's also a compositional diversity here that keeps you intrigued throughout: you want to keep listening. When's the last time you said that about a typical instrumental guitar record?

With his diversity and creativity, on Shortcut to the Center Jerry Jennings's delivers a grand and entertaining disc of instrumental guitar cleverness. Quite recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

With his diversity and creativity, on Shortcut to the Center Jerry Jennings's delivers a grand and entertaining disc of instrumental guitar cleverness.

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