Vlado Grizelj - Purple Sky (2024) [Hi-Res]

The new album, "Purple Sky", by guitarist and composer Vlado Grizelj is a perfect example of how the balance of the artistic driving forces of tradition and craftsmanship can lead to a rousing result.

Purple Sky" begins with the typically syncopated "The First One", which grooves casually and whose melody is particularly memorable thanks to the unison playing of guitar and organ. "Wanna Dance?" and "Bring It On" shift up a gear with uptempo, effective stops and energetic guitar, piano and drum solos. Things get more emotional with "Purple Sky": in the title track, which is underpinned by a lyrically husky Fender Rhodes electric piano, Grizelj's guitar indulges in the memory of his father with a gentle, striking melody line briefly interrupted by a scream of a distortion rock solo. "Fine" immerses itself completely in a gentle ballad tone. The rocking character of "Dark Storm", on the other hand, cannot deny a slight south-eastern European influence, just as "Coming Home", inspired by a visit to Sarajevo, cannot do without its transfigured, nostalgic undertone despite all its coolness. "Wow!" returns to a heavy, extremely relaxed groove before the album ends with a real sonic "supernova".