Lion Music has released yet another gem by guitar virtuoso Massimo Izzizzari. (I will call him Izzi for short… I hope he doesn’t mind). Izzi has released his first instrumental solo CD titled “Unstable Balance.” Hold on to your shorts!

First track “Unstable Balance” comes out of the gate tearing it up! Nice drum work showing a flare of a jazz fusion feel that breaks into a funk beat with Izzi ripping it up right over the top. This song clearly demonstrates the chops Izzi possesses with blazing speed and feel. Moving on to track 2 “Access Denied” – a very cool funk rock feel. I appreciate the clean guitar sound playing rhythm underneath…. nice touch! Izzi blasts right over the top again taking no prisoners, yet leaving enough breathing room in the song for the bass player to show off a little, then back to an incredible solo! WOW!

This CD has a great rock, funk jazz feel, which is wonderful. As we move on to Track 3 “Wordgame” The song displays great structure incorporating catchy melodies with burning solos as does track 4 “Television Man.” There are plenty of intricate licks, hooks and odd time phrasing presented through out the album including fabulous rock riffs. This CD would please any guitar player, musician or any avid music listener looking for a guitar instrumental CD!

I enjoyed cut 5 “Freeze Frame” opening with a subtle new age jungle theme that leads you into a fat groove tunnel surrounded by a warm jazz guitar. Izzi guides you out of the tunnel and into the great wide open with a very catchy melody that will be hard to forget! Back into the tunnel for a short period, as you emerge once again into the great wide open for a variety of twists and turns, the main melody in this song will stick in your head for sure! Definitely my favorite cut.

One song after another the CD gets getting better and better. There are no weak links here. Closing the CD is “Teresa” a song dedicated to his daughter. Massimo shows what feel is all about! Bravo!

Since I have joined Rockeyez, I have never given a 5 star to anyone. Yes, I am hypercritical, but there is a first for everything. I am honored to award 5 stars to this incredible musician. Massimo Izzizzari clearly deserves it. I don’t even want to compare him to anybody because he clearly stands out on his own. This is a must buy!

Rock On Izzi!