Peter Frampton - "Fingerprints"

From my days as a youngster listening to KFYR AM radio, to present-day music afficianado, it seems like Peter Frampton's music has always stayed pretty close to home for me. A skilled player, excellent writer / arranger, and capable vocalist - Frampton's artistry has been a staple of rock music for over (30) years. His latest CD offering Fingerprints, showcases many of the finer attributes of his musical style - not to mention his surprising depth as player. Being that it is an all-instrumental effort, the guitar takes its rightful place front and center, and I must say that the effect is a most pleasing one.

Joined by a cast of all-star players, Frampton explores a variety of musical styles throughout the (14) song set. From a trippy, voice-box'ed cover of power-grunge standard "Black Hole Sun" (*which coincidentally features both Mike McCready and Matt Cameron of Seattle-based rockers Pearl Jam), to the soulful duet "Blooze" with Gov't Mule / Allman Bros. guitarist par excellence' Warren Haynes, to the campy, Django Reinhardt-influenced "Souvenirs De Nos Peres" with guitar virtuoso John Jorgenson (Desert Rose Band, The Hellecasters), there's an abundance of incredible tone & technique on full display throughout Fingerprints.

Perhaps the thing that stands out the most in Frampton's latest release is the absolute joy I hear in his playing. You can tell that it is continually evolving, yet in many ways, still the same. A fluid, jazzy feel permeates a lot of the material, as does an innate knack for the sweet hook / fill. Deep down, though, Pete's always been a rock player at heart. And that being the case, he certainly isn't afraid to crank up his rig, and grind out some heavy riffs with his signature triple humbucker Les Paul Black Beauty and Marshall amp stack.

While it's hard to ignore Frampton Comes Alive as a high water mark in his career (and realistically, how could you?), there's so much more to Pete's playing than made-for-airplay stadium anthems. For example, check out his early work with Steve Mariott and Humble Pie, as well as his second solo album Frampton's Camel (*which features the original studio version of "Do You Feel Like We Do.) Stellar stuff!

I might also mention that Fingerprints took home a 2007 Grammy for "Best Pop Instrumental" album - a very deserving award to a musician who continues to employ his skillful craft in the modern day musical arena. Amongst the dry heave-inducing pop & rap offerings currently littering today's music industry landscape, Fingerprints is an island of refreshing change - real music crafted by real musicians.

If you're looking for a CD loaded with incredible guitar playing, lots of different styles of songs, and a mind-numbing array of tasty guitar tones (both acoustic & electric), I'd highly suggest that you check this CD out. - J.