js If there is one style of music that is just about wore out, it is blues rock. The preferred style of thousands of bar bands all around the world, it is not hard to find mediocre blues rock bands, just stumble into your neighborhood pub and check out your local version of an Eric Clapton/ Robert Cray wannabe. The challenge to put out something fresh in this genre is daunting, but Oz Noy has met that challenge on “Twisted Blues Volume 1” and then some. By far the most interesting blues based recording to come out in a while, Oz starts with a big full modern rock sound reminiscent of Stevie Ray, but also adds lots of sophisticated fusion touches ala Jeff Beck, as well as modern, almost avant-garde urban tendencies similar to post-70s stylists like Bill Frisell and Vernon Reid. The end result is a heavy virtuoso jazz rock performance tempered with a very welcome sense of humor and wit. Although he is not prone to boring flash, Noy has incredible guitar technique and is capable of coaxing very personal sounds out of the guitar neck with supple emotional nuances on every note in a style that once again recalls masters of expressive guitar playing such as the previously mentioned Jeff Beck and Bill Frisell. Noy has done his wood-shedding and the guitar neck is a natural extension of his musical thoughts as he brings a sense of burning joy to his solos rarely heard since the passing of James Hendrix.

There is not one single clunker on this CD, every song is creative and fresh and Noy keeps things interesting by mixing high octane rockers with modern funk-blues as well as more laid back numbers that sometimes resemble classic 60s guitar instrumental exotica. Highly recommended for fans of great guitar playing, this CD will not disappoint. Oz Noy is one of the most exciting and original voices to come along in a while.