Peter Martinsson Group – Changes (CD)

Once upon a time, back in 1979-80, guitarist Peter played guitar in underground bands Plebb and Purple Haze, each one with one release to show for (rarities today). In 2012 he was brought back to the musical scene with his outstanding instrumental album “Guitar State Of Mind”, followed by “No Grey” in 2014. Now it’s time for another dose of instrumental high-class guitar playing. Peter Martinsson Group is more about melodic hard rock oriented songs that high speed shredding. “Never Again”, for instance, has an aura of 70s Rainbow hanging over it, while “You Can Dance” crunches out some heavy bluesy riffs which makes me think of Michael Katon. “Ahead Of Time” has a cool 70s feel of Janne Schaffer (think “Halkans Affär” or “Fillins Mignon”). Peter’s tone and feel often give me serious goosebumps! His sweet notes are just there! His melodic feel is outstanding and even though I’m not a huge fan of instrumental albums, I just can’t stop listening to his music! I just love the quirky playfulness of songs like “Happy Happie” or the coolness of “Loosen Up”. He also does a killer version of the traditional folk song “Barkbrödslåten”, quite different from Kebnekajse’s rendition. Highly recommended!

Janne Stark

Label: Plebb

Year: 2017

Country: Sweden

PETER MARTINSSON GROUP – Guitar State Of Mind (CD)

 
I found Swedish guitarist Peter Martinsson when googling his old 70s/80s band Plebb. I found Peter had not only continued playing guitar, but also become one hell of a player! Now his first solo album has finally hit the streets. What you find here is an outstanding collection of instrumental guitar music, ranging from heavy rock to blues to folky rock to countryish playing. Peter is an outstanding, versatile guitarist, who at times remind me of the outstanding Thomas Larsson. Songs like Groove In My Backyard draws a bit towards vintage Joe Satriani, while Shoot makes me think of Greg Koch wacky blues rock. Made It is a cool melodic thing with a slight folky touch. I can’t continue without mentioning Peter’s outstanding musicians, bassist Per-Martin Pettersson and drummer Ulf Becker, who really know how to groove. In J.M.H (which I guess stands for James Marshall Hendrix) he does show some Hendrixy overtones, but I actually come to think more of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who of course was influenced by J.M.H. Besides playing some really mean licks and being a crazy good player, Peter can also write great songs. These are no guitar wanking backgrounds, but actually great songs with melodies that can hold their own and riffs that really rock! Speaking of Greg Koch, the solo in Walk With Me reminds me a bit of his style in the way he explores scales that really raises your eyebrow. I love it when people push it outside the box and make it sound crazy and cool. Guitar State Of Mind is true guitar mojo of the highest order! Get it!
Janne Stark
Country: Sweden
Year: 2012
Label: Grooveyard Records