Pryce-Jones, Collin V - Guitar Heaven - CD

Collin V. Pryce-Jones
Guitar Heaven
FURY Records FCD 3055
5018901305525

Tracks:
1.Jerusalem
2.I believe
3.Amazing Grace
4.Swing low sweet chariot
5.Will the circle be unbroken
6.Joshua fought the battle of Jericho
7.Praise my soul
8.The old rugged cross
9.All things bright and beautiful
10.Peaceful
11.What a friend we have in Jesus
12.The prodigal drum
13.You'll never walk alone

Guitar Heaven' is the first solo album from Colin Pryce-Jones, better known as the lead guitarist and driving force behind ace UK band THE RAPIERS. Combining his love of '60s instrumental music with his calling as a born again Christian, 'Guitar Heaven' is almost unique in its style. Thus we are greeted with the bass and drums intro of Jet and Tony's 'Diamonds' followed by a complete reading of 'Jerusalem' in the same style and arrangement. Yes, even down to using a Fender VI six-string bass and including the drum solo! It's a bit like a fancy dress party. 'Swing low sweet chariot' rocks nicely in the guise of 'Walk don't run' and 'Will the circle be unbroken' is quite astounding as 'Let there be drums'! 'Joshua fought the Battle of Jericho' dons Roman gear as it gets the Nero and The Gladiators treatment (from 'Hall of the mountain king') whilst 'Praise my soul' borrows from Jackie De Shannon's 'When you walk in the room' with a Dakotas guitar sound. 'What a friend we have in Jesus' gets a 'Nut rocker' makeover and 'The old rugged cross' orbits as a fine replacement for 'Telstar'!
Some numbers get a more generic arrangement.'I believe' receives a thorough working over in Dick Dale '60s surf style. 'All things bright and beautiful' is a light jazzer and 'Amazing Grace' a smooth guitar ballad. There are two originals, 'Peaceful' being one of Colin's great dreamy ballads and 'Prodigal drum' a 'See you in my dreams' inspired number from sticksman Steve Rushton.
If you have read this far then congratulations, your mind is open enough to consider an album of religious-releated rock instrumentals. If you take the plunge then you will be rewarded with some fine performances and a 1960s instrumental experience Pipeline #43