David Malachowski’s Review of Chameleon
Mike Campese’s ‘Chameleon’
Locally bred guitar hero shows his chops on new release heavy on pyrotechnics
By David Malachowski
Published 2:30Â pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Guitar hero Mike Campese is known in these parts as much for his jaw-dropping technique as for his warm smile and friendly manner. The local native has done high-profile work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, been featured in guitar magazines and his rock fusion style has turned heads everywhere he goes.
His eighth solo release is called “Chameleon” and for good reason. He seems to be able to play any style that comes his way. That said, the lion’s share of these tracks is over-the-top guitar instrumentals, which is truly his forte.
It kicks off with “To The 9’s,” a flurry of notes and sweeping arpeggios flying in all directions, like a hornet’s nest that’s been disturbed.
Ace drummer Art Bernstein accents all the right spots, and they both finish with a double-time explosion. Title track “Chameleon” is darker, deeper and industrial and it features — gasp — a vocal by Campese, which is very capable, and quite Ozzy-like. Other highlights include the hard-hitting “Raise the Bow,” jazzy “She Burnt Down the House” and playful “Funky Monkey Man.”
If this wasn’t enough guitar madness, Campese has another shred master — Vernon Reid from the band Living Color — join him for “Do It for the Cats,” producing mind-boggling, fancy fret-work, trading solos and challenging each other.
A true guitar virtuoso, Campese shows not only his chops but his range and writing skills in the excellent release. Fans of the guitar and rockin’ melodies will not be disappointed in this fine record.
Check him out at https://mikecampese.com.
