For years, guitar journeyman Craig Erickson has been putting out some of the best Blues-Rock oriented records, but somehow has remained one of the most underrated guitar players in his genre. Hopefully, this will all change immediately as Erickson gives us Shine, his fifth solo release and in this reviewer's opinion, his best.

Erickson's theme for this record is to return to his musical roots and pay homage to his guitar heroes. This is not a cover or "tribute" album, far from that, this is Erickson blending his unique contemporary style with the styles of guitar legends such as Frank Marino, Robin Trower and Jimi Hendrix, which makes for a winning combination and musical bliss for guitar fans' ears.

Now if you've never heard Erickson play, then it's about time you did. The man can play! This is how I would describe Erickson's playing: take the raw feeling of players like Jimi Hendrix, Tommy Bolin and B.B. King and blend it with the technical prowess and virtuosity of guys like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Johnson and Gary Moore and you have Erickson's unique style. And he's all over this record as if there was no tomorrow.

Joining Erickson are vocalist Rob Lamothe (Riverdogs) who provides a great Blues performance for Shine, perhaps the best of his career, and "The Voice of Rock" himself, Glenn Hughes, who delivers a killer rendition of Tommy Bolin's "Wild Dogs" in typical Hughes fashion.

A collection of 13 Rockin' Blues tunes, and Erickson's finest hour, Shine surely packs a guitar wallup and delivers sonic bliss. If you're a fan of rippin' Blues/Rock guitar, then Shine MUST be a part of your collection. Pick it up!

Shred Pick - "Wild Dogs" (6:32)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

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