Guitar Idol 2008 was conceived as an online worldwide talent search to find the next generation of guitar heroes. Between March 21st 2008 and the Live Grand Final on June 14th 2008 almost half a million people visited, voted or entered the competition. On June 14th the grand final was held at the London International Music Show.

Gustavo Guerra was the eventual winner although he is a tad too widdly for these ears! Ben Randall's 'Before The Rain' is a nice piece full of fast, fluid yet melodic playing whilst runner-up Lyle Watt adds a more bluesy touch to the proceedings. Tom Quayle should be snapped up by a prog or jazz rock band pronto whilst Andre Norohna is one for any melodic metal band after a player with a keen ear for melody.

With eighteen new talents on display this is a definitive CD for lovers of the guitar but more importantly for bands after a top notch guitarist. Good on Lion Music as well for releasing this as it helps showcase the sheer wealth of talent out there proving the guitar solo is in safe hands for the future.

****

Review by Jason Ritchie

Interview (Ben Randall)