Reviews
Steffen Schackinger - ElectriGuitartistry (CD, Candyrat, Guitar instrumental) In the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, guitar heroes were a dime a dozen. It seemed like you couldn't escape the ego-driven overplaying of axe-slinging hippies with long hair. But for some reason in the twenty-first century new guitar heroes seem to have disappeared somewhat from the face of the earth. Possibly as a result, a guy like Steffen Schackinger instantly stands out. But he doesn't just stand out because he concentrates on playing the guitar...but for the plain and simple fact that this guy is amazingly talented. Instead of merely tossing off Jimi Hendrix-style fuzz leads or copying the oh-so-tired sounds of Eric Clapton, Schackinger seems intent on reinventing the guitar and extending the boundaries of what a lead guitarist is capable of producing. The tracks on ElectriGuitartistry recall progressive dinosaur bands from the 1970s in some ways...but the sound quality and effects are all very modern and state-of-the-art. Steffen's playing is precise and intricate...and the sounds that come from his guitar are inspiring and impressive. Perhaps this album will renew people's interest in guitar gods...who knows? Eleven crafty tracks here including "Major Inventions," "Time," "Twister," and "Your Song." * * * * * - babysue.com - 2008
Its not often listeners get technical talent commensurate with songwriting ability, but Schackinger offers both in spades. Along with his calm expertise on the guitar comes an understanding of many different types of music Indian to Irish to rock to reggae which he combines wonderfully on every track. Musicreviews 2008