It’s kinda shameful how often I forget to mention Alex Lifeson when I’m compiling Best Guitarists lists in my head or on paper. He certainly has a distinctive “voice”. Is his sound as instantly recognizable as, say, Stevie or Jimi or Eddie? No, and I would argue it’s because Lifeson was always one guy of a trio, not a guitarist with a rhythm section behind him. In other words, his sound is sort of inextricably linked to his bandmates in RUSH.
On his two new songs which he wrote and plays everything except bass (Andy Curran does that), Lifeson has added to his sonic identity. The first, Kabul Blues, has a middle-eastern vibe, as the title suggests, but then takes off into a realm of digital delay, clean with little or no distortion and almost a hint of David Gilmour. It’s mostly instrumental with some well-placed “ahhs” and “ohhs” and a few “oohs” which, apparently, are also done by Alex.
The second song, Spy House, admittedly carries a few more RUSH colors, perhaps it’s the keyboards. There are also some orchestral-type elements (presumably played on keys) and a bright-toned solo that incorporates some pinch harmonics and, again, sort of expands the types of sounds we’ve heard from him. It’s also an instrumental.
At any rate, knowing that neither Alex nor Geddy will ever play again as RUSH, there is consolation in knowing that the creative endeavors are not being abandoned.
Now, not to make this a commercial. But I did enjoy watching this video that’s basically talking about his childhood guitars and why he’s happy with the new signature model Les Paul through Epiphone model that’s just been released. When he says that Gibsons seemed “so out of reach,” you can totally identify that feeling of wanting something so badly that you almost can’t imagine even having it.
You can click here to learn more about the Alex Lifeson Les Paul Axcess Standard – Viceroy Brown
Where do you rate Lifeson? What do you think of the new songs?
