Allan Holdsworth – Road Games

Allan Holdsworth – Road Games

Allan Holdsworth – Road Games is a landmark release from one of the most innovative and influential guitarists in the history of jazz fusion and progressive rock. Originally released in 1983, this concise but hugely accomplished collection showcases Holdsworth's extraordinary ability to combine fluid, highly technical guitar playing with complex jazz harmonies, electronic textures and melodic improvisation.

The title track, "Road Games", is one of Holdsworth's best-known compositions, featuring his unmistakable legato guitar style and sophisticated harmonic approach. Rather than relying on conventional blues-rock phrasing, Holdsworth developed a uniquely fluid sound that often resembled a saxophone or synthesizer, allowing him to move effortlessly through intricate chord changes and rapidly shifting musical ideas.

The opening "Three Sheets To The Wind" immediately establishes the album's energetic fusion style, while "Water On The Brain Pt. II" provides another showcase for Holdsworth's inventive approach to melody and rhythm. On the second side, "Tokyo Dream", "Was There?" and "Material Real" continue the album's combination of technical precision, atmospheric passages and virtuosic improvisation.

Road Games also features an impressive supporting cast, including Paul Williams on vocals, Paul Carmichael on bass and Gary Husband on drums. Together they provide a powerful rhythmic foundation for Holdsworth's extraordinarily fluid guitar work.

Holdsworth had already established himself through groundbreaking work with Soft Machine, The New Tony Williams Lifetime, Gong and Bruford before embarking on his solo career. His pioneering use of effects and synthesizer-like guitar sounds, alongside his unconventional harmonic language, made him a major influence on generations of progressive and fusion guitarists.

For collectors of Allan Holdsworth, jazz fusion, progressive rock, instrumental guitar, jazz-rock and technically accomplished 1980s vinyl, Road Games is an essential release and an excellent example of one of the genre's true innovators at work.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Three Sheets To The Wind – 4:12
2. Road Games – 4:07
3. Water On The Brain Pt. II – 2:43

Side B

1. Tokyo Dream – 4:01
2. Was There? – 4:04
3. Material Real – 4:40