Secrets is the sixth studio album by guitarist Allan Holdsworth, released in 1989 through Intima Records; a remastered edition was reissued in 2008 through Eidolon Efformation. The album features drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, rather than regular collaborator Chad Wackerman; Wackerman did, however, write and supply drums for the song "Peril Premonition".
A true masterpiece, Secrets is the massive culmination of Allan Holdsworth's
years-long legato technique and SynthAxe development. Conceptually
inspired by but significantly different from the electric guitar, the
SynthAxe is not a guitar-controlled synthesizer; it's a completely
unique instrument of its own, making the guitarist's gripping
performances all the more impressive. Holdsworth
actually plays both instruments at a world-class level, setting an
almost unreachable technical standard for aspiring rock, jazz, and
fusion players. In addition to Secrets' technical accomplishments, Holdsworth
contributes some of the most inspired songwriting of his career. The
instrumental choruses are subtle and fluid, and the vocal lines on
"Secrets" (performed by Rowanne Mark) and "Endomorph" (Craig Copeland) surpass earlier Holdsworth-penned
efforts with their touching lyrics and melodies. Simply put, this 1989
Enigma release is a triumph, the final contribution to the artist's
seminal '80s collection that includes Metal Fatigue and Atavachron. Fans of progressive music (no matter the genre) are recommended to search out the furtive Secrets,
and unearth the sadly hidden knowledge of a musician's sublime
transcendence of form, through passion and genius.
This CD
just slams from note 1. Vinnie Coaliuta does a fantastic job on drums. I
remember talking to Vinnie a few years before this and asking him who
he would like to play with that he hadn't had the oppurtunity to yet.
His reply was very quick. . . Holdsworth. He was a bit connected in that
Holdsworth liked Vinnies playing and Vinnie was doing a band with
Holdsworth's then bassist Jimmy Johnson. Great as Vinnie's performance
is (by far the best drum performance of that year) it isn't what
carries the CD. Holdsworth sounds amazingly fresh on this CD. He is
ripping, of course, but there is more to it. He was backing off of the
Synthaxe at this point. Not that he was done with it, just backing off.
I am always moved by the two compositions 'Joshua' and '54 Duncan
Terrace.' This is just a fantastic CD. One of those that you just think
somehow this CD absolutely HAD to be recorded.
City
Lights, the first track, is jaw-dropping - Holdsworth seems possessed by
the spirit of Coltrane and just lets loose. City Lights takes off like
a rocket plane, soars into space, then comes back to earth again,
depositing the listener safely - leaving him/her to wonder what happened
and where they were taken to. As with many of Holdsworth's tunes,
especially his faster, complex ones, they beg to be heard again and
again. Vinnie Coliauta's drumming is in lock-step with Allan, creating a
hard-driving, fiery paced tune fueled with intensity.
Like fractal
geometry, the more you follow Holdsworth's musical lines as they
smoothly spiral around, getting more and more reflective on an overall
theme/picture, the more you realize their incredible detail and
intricate structure. Holdsworth has truly tapped into something
beautiful - something that makes him stand out as incredibly unique
among a sea of other good and even great guitarists.
Of all the Fusion records I've heard, this is
the best one. It showcases not only Mr H's superhuman ability on the
fretboard, but at the same time, his ability as composer. What's amazing
is that he is able to create highly melodic steams of notes at any
speed. Sometimes fusion tends to get somewhat mechanical and metallic,
but not on Secrets. Here the music is fresh, lyrical and fluid, filled
with imagery and movement. Vocals on two songs contribute to the
atmosphere, and keyboards add a lush symphonic backgrop to some of the
songs. Recommended for anyone who likes fusion an contemporary jazz.
Tracks Listing
1. City Nights (2:33)
2. Secrets (4:21)
3. 54 Duncan Terrace (Dedicated To Pat Smythe) (4:35)
4. Joshua (5:59)
5. Spokes (3:32)
6. Maid Marion (7:17)
7. Peril Premonition (4:44)
8. Endomorph (Dedicated To My Parents) (4:19)
Total Time: 37:20
Line-up / Musicians
- Allan Holdsworth / guitar, Synthaxe (2,5,8), spoken voice (7), producer & mixing
With:
- Rowanne Mark / vocals (2)
- Craig Copeland / vocals (8)
- Gary Husband / keyboards (1)
- Alan Pasqua / piano (3)
- Steve Hunt / keyboards (4,6)
- Jimmy Johnson / bass (1-6,8)
- Bob Wackerman / bass (7)
- Vinnie Colaiuta / drums (1-6,8)
- Chad Wackerman / drums & keyboards (7)
- Claire Holdsworth / spoken voice, in French (7)
- Jeffrey Ocheltree / "hammer" (7)
OP you are an amazing person. Its impossible to get physical discs where I am from. Heartfelt appreciations for your efforts. Keep posting such amazing music.
ReplyDeleteMuito Obrigado!!!
ReplyDeleteI have everything Holdsworth released as well as a lot of unreleased material and IMHO -- Secrets is the pinnacle solo release of his career.
ReplyDeleteAlso this album? Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteJoão Abel
New links!
DeleteI both versions I have are in the download.
https://www7.zippyshare.com/v/69oyPIj4/file.html
ReplyDeletehttps://workupload.com/file/SgPz7s98kdw
Again. Thank you. Best regards.
ReplyDeleteJoão Abel
Thanks a lot!!
ReplyDelete