What happens when three of the world's greatest guitarists get together to form a band?
They call themselves The Hellecasters and go on to record some of the most incredible instrumental music ever. Each world-renown in their own right, combined they make music that takes your breath away. Witness that fact on this very special sampler, 7 Axes To Sample, a collection of seven tasty treats culled from their three releases, Return of the Hellecasters, Escape From Hollywood and Hell III - New Axes to Grind.
John Jorgenson, Jerry Donahue and Will Ray are each involved in numerous projects that have them traveling the world, so getting together to write and record is a challenge.
This sampler includes their first tri-written song, T.W.P.P.T. They each had unfinished song ideas, put them together and created their own personal Frankenstein. The remaining tracks are all originals and the end result is a blistering potpourri of impeccable riffs, fills and slides encompassing everything from rock, blues and country to swing. In other words, phenomenal guitar music!
John Jorgenson has been voted guitarist of the year by the Academy of Country Music consecutively for three years. John has just left Elton John's band where his responsibility was not only lead guitar, but pedal steel guitar, bass, clarinet and saxophone. His resume includes the likes of Bob Seger, Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Roy Orbison, John Prine, Rodney Crowell, Michael Nesmith and countless others. In addition, he was a founding member of The Desert Rose Band.
Jerry Donahue is ranked by Guitar Player Magazine among the elite where he has, for most of this decade, held the position as one of the three best country guitar players in the world for five years running. Guitar Shop Magazine describes his gift for guitar playing as a "freak of nature." Jerry's bio includes performances with George Harrison, Elton John, Robert Plant, Roy Orbison, Joan Armatrading and Gerry Rafferty. Danny Gatton once called him "the string-bending king of the planet." An American growing up in England, he superbly filled the shoes of Richard Thompson's departure from Fairport Convention. He appeared at the Cropredy Festival in the UK last August celebrating Fairport's 30th anniversary. In addition to his role as lead guitarist with a variety of bands, Jerry can be found world-wide through his instructional videos, clinics and live solo appearances.
Will Ray's unorthodox playing style of using B-Benders along with ring slides on both hands has made him somewhat of a cult figure within guitar circles. In 1992, the California Country Music Association voted him Guitarist of the Year. Artists such as Carlene Carter, Tom Jones, Steve Earle, Joe Walsh, Thomas Dolby and Solomon Burke have all benefited from Will's truly original style of playing. In addition, Will has released 2 instructional videos: B-Bender Mania and Stealth Slide Technique. He has also unleashed a solo CD entitled Invisible Birds, which finds him singing and playing like a madman.
John, Will and Jerry are largely responsible for the recent upsurge and popularity of instrumental guitar music. It all began with their first album, Return of the Hellecasters. John Jorgenson's rock-influenced harmonics, Will Ray's quick-pickin' and two-handed slide tricks, combined with Jerry Donahue's outrageous string-bending techniques created the unique sound of The Hellecasters. It was voted Album of the Year and Country Album of the Year by Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's Poll, and Guitar Shop Magazine declared it Album of the Year.
Their second project was called Escape From Hollywood. Each player contributed tunes and a distinct sonic signature. "Inspiring and mucho fun!" stated Guitar Player Magazine's Reader's poll for the Best Overall Recording. With the release of Hell III - New Axes to Grind, their newest record, each bring to the table his own special forte of spicy guitar playing.
In a historic move, legendary guitar manufacturer, Fender, has just issued limited-edition signature guitars: The Will Ray Jazz-a-Caster, the John Jorgenson Hellecaster and the Jerry Donahue Stratocaster.
"Melnik City", our new album will be released very soon... There's a foretaste on our Space... Please listen to "The Great Civil War"... If you like this one, come back later for more... Thanks, Melnik
hey folks !! new tune uploaded called "the mighty one" recorded live in mexico city in 2003, by a fantastic stoned and dirty blues band where I was playing bass...hope you enjoy it !!!
So much fun to play and record the Hellecaster music. Live dates were everything on the albums and then some. My love to Will, John and Jerry... Great players, great friends, and always in my heart. One previous comment mentioned a reunion... and that would be awesome. Many Blessings to all!
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