For the past 3 decades, Uli Jon Roth has been one of the most influential and most underrated guitarists in the world. His unique style has influenced the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, (the late) Criss Oliva, Kirk Hammet and Joe Satriani. And notice that I say "guitarist" and not "Rock guitarist" or "Metal guitarist" because even though Uli used to be a great "Rock" guitarist (his work with the Scorpions is legendary), he has evolved so much that I can not, or rather refuse to categorize him.

Uli's magnificent playing style comes from many places, some classical, some Hendrix, some rock. That being said, his style is distinctive and very unique. With Transcendental Sky Guitar, Uli blends some classical, some Hendrix and a live show to give us a great example of a musician who has truly mastered his instrument. Wether playing Paganini, Mozart, Bach or his own compositions, Uli shreds away with such feeling and finesse that you are taken away to another place. I swear that if the gods played, this is what it would sound like. With Transcendental Sky Guitar, Uli has a message for us, so let me warn you that to really absorb this message and capture the feel of this record, it must be listened to in order, from beginning to end.

For this, his "comeback" album, Uli surrounded himself with some of the best musicians available. Bassist Barry Sparks and drummer Shane Gaalaas have played with premier shredders like Yngwie Malmsteen and Michael Schenker, and keyboardist Don Airey is a veteran who has played with Ozzy Osbourne among others. All three musicians complement Uli's music quite well; it's a pleasure to listen to them play.

Transcendental Sky Guitar is not just another guitar album, it's a "must have." Whether you're a guitar player, a guitar fan, a music fan, it doesn't matter — you must own this album. It is guitar at it's very best. And if you haven't discovered the music of Uli Jon Roth, now's a great time to start. Don't cheat yourself out of some great music. The man is brilliant! Pick up Transcendental Sky Guitar, and trust me, you won't be sorry you did.

Shred Pick - "Atlantis" (4:58)

Reviewed by Henry Bocanegra

For more information on Uli Jon Roth, check out the Sky Arts International Website.

For news, pictures and more check out Uli's "Approved" Fan Site.

Click to order Uli Jon Roth's Transcendental Sky Guitar (German version) from
Click to order Uli Jon Roth's Transcendental Sky Guitar (Japanese version) from