Photo: Paul Gilbert by Jason Quigley
By Mike O’Cull
Rejoice, guitar fans! Six-string superhero Paul Gilbert is here to amp up your holiday season with an epic new Christmas album called ‘Twas. Released November 26th, 2021 on CD and digital and December 10th on vinyl by The Players Club / Mascot Label Group, ‘Twas turns Gilbert’s considerable chops and attitude loose on a stack of holiday favorites that get rendered in ways only he could conceive. Two new Gilbert originals are featured as well. He tracked the record live with the help of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most capable blues and jazz cats including Dan Balmer (guitar), Clay Giberson (keyboards), Timmer Blakely (bass), and Jimi Bott (drums) who brought big-time musicality and verve to the sessions. The record they made together will absolutely put a charge into your Christmas season and spread some much-needed joy throughout the world.
Paul Gilbert is, of course, one of the world’s finest rock guitarists who has been on top of the music world since the 80s when he first came to prominence with the band Racer X. He went on to form the multi-platinum outfit Mr. Big with bass god Billy Sheehan, finally breaking out as a solo artist in the mid-1990s. He’s a monster player who is considered one of the greatest shredders of all time, displaying an incredible technique that’s able to generate melody just as well as velocity.
For ‘Twas, Gilbert took inspiration from the vintage Christmas records by old-school stars Nat King Cole, Loretta Lynn, Stevie Wonder, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, and The Ventures and mixed it with his longtime influences like Eddie Van Halen, Alex Lifeson, Johnny Winter, Robin Trower, and others. The culmination of all this is a Christmas set the likes of which you’ve never heard before.
Gilbert is impressive and unpredictable as always, kicking off his Christmas party with a prog rock take on “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!.” His blazing riffs give way to a beautifully-articulated pass through the head melody before heading back into the rock, restating the melody, and winding the whole thing down with a gentle, pop-inflected ending. Gilbert plays vocal melodies on guitar better than anyone in the game and his enunciation and soul are untouchable.
Watch “Every Christmas Has Love”
“Frosty The Snowman” starts with some tense, metallic ripping that leads into a full-on minor key transposition of this familiar tune that’s spooky and medieval. This quickly modulates back to a major key pop/rock style which then shifts into an SRV-approved blues/rock stomper. Gilbert’s arrangement switches personalities on a dime in delightfully delirious ways that will keep your ears focused on every measure.
Perennial favorite “The Christmas Song” teases with some fleet-fingered, echoed-out guitar up front before becoming a gently-shuffling jazz ballad. PG executes the melody exquisitely, using his “lead singer” style to its zenith. His lines are heartfelt and respectful to the original but are 100% his in every way. Considering the level of heat Gilbert can put out, his use of space and taste here are beyond reproach.
Gilbert’s own “Three Strings for Christmas” is a roots rock barn burner packed with high-speed arpeggio work, roadhouse vibes, a tuneful melody, and a bouncy country/polka pocket that’s sure to fill dancefloors everywhere. It’s pure, blissful fun any way you hear it and will keep your whole crew grinning until New Year’s Eve.
“Silver Bells” gets a sweet, swirling, R&B treatment that borders on psychedelic at times before picking up steam for a shred/B.B. King guitar workout that’ll get you up and out of your chair. Paul and the rest of the group groove mightily together and their enthusiasm is obvious. Paul Gilbert is an amazing musician with wall-to-wall skills who has never forgotten how to have a great time. Crank up ‘Twas at your Christmas party this year and treat one and all to the best holiday ever.
Great review! It was an honor and privilege to play and record Paul, Dan, Clay and Timmer in my studio Roseleaf Recording here in Portland.
I really learned a lot from these great players and of course Paul was amazing in his playing and in his none stop energetic enthusiasm !!
All in all some of my fondest memories as of late !
Thank you
Wow ! My ears are very happy