FOR @PARADISO:
"THIS LIVE ALBUM PROVES THAT LUCAS IS ONE OF OUR MOST INVENTIVE AND
ECLECTIC GUITARISTS, A MASTER OF EVERYTHING FROM COUNTRY BLUES TO ROCK
TO SONIC EXPRESSIONISM."
"ONE OF AMERICA'S FOREMOST GUITARISTS DISPLAYS HIS EXCEPTIONAL RANGE AND
SKILL...his solo albums abound with the kind of playing that inspires
worship among guitar-mag editors...Lucas avoids the
speed-typing-on-the-fretboard style for a more satisfying exploration of
the instrument's tonal and textural possibilities. @Paradiso is Lucas'
best work since 1991's Skeleton at the Feast."
"4 STARS—A GREAT LIVE RECORDING...it's hard to believe that one
guitarist has such absolute command of mud-deep blues fingerpicking and
colorful sonic improvisation. Lucas blends roots, jazz, rock, and free
improv without sacrificing a scrap of melody or soul. The sheer creative
beauty of his playing becomes undeniable."
"FRESH, INVENTIVE AND FUN...he sends splintered tone clusters, fractured
chords and atomised melodies spinning off into the stratosphere. This is
zero gravity surf music...its controls set firmly for the more far-flung
planets of the solar system...once he starts playing, you'll wish you
were his date."
"A TRUE INSTRUMENTAL BADASS...on this live disc he showcases his
wild-yet-ruminative style. Conjuring an incredible array of sounds, Lucas
never lets technique obscure soul. Pick up a copy."
"AMID THE COMPULSIVE PSYCHEDELIA OF HIS SOLO WORK—HEARD WONDERFULLY ON THE NEW 'PARADISO' EP—THERE LURKS A ROMANTIC. 'Songstress on the Edge of Heaven,' commissioned for a pal's wedding, is pure lyricism and blithe scholarship, and somewhere along the line, Lucas' national steel guitar places the vintage Chinese tune an inch or two from one of Taj's delta dreams. Prepare for an unusual recital."
"A TINY GEM...just 4 tracks and 22 minutes of Gary with just his guitar and electronics, and leaves you wanting about twice as much again...shimmers and sparkles, and ideally would go on forever. Recommended."
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