reviews: Firewire

"If you know Chris Garrick as an elegant Hot Club de France violinist in the Thirties style of Stephane Grappelli, prepare to be amazed. His new double album, with keyboarder David Gordon leading an exceptional rhythm section, not only sounds totally 21st century but also swings like a hotel roof in a hurricane.
 Alternating acoustic violin with loops, overdrive, wah-wah and other synth effects, Chris writes attractive material and burns through his solos with an impetus and invention few suspected he had. Think of electric Chick Corea or Polish violinist Michael Urbaniak in their free-flowing prime. Chris has been consolidating until now, but with this fine recording, his time has arrived."

Jack Massarik, London Evening Standard

5
"Unpredictable but exhilarating double CD by this British jazz violinist, featuring heavy metal guitars, Indian tabla and much more."

Dave Gelly, The Observer

5
"Could Ponty have done this at his best on a fine day with a following wind with Zappa producing, Metheny arranging and Herbie on keys? I seriously doubt it."

John Dilworth, luthier

5
"Garrick's fifth solo album, the third to be released on his own Flying Blue Whale label, features him on violin, viola and electric violin and packs 80 minutes of remarkable fiddle playing into a double CD. Perhaps best known for his prowess in the Hot-club style, Firewire shows off the fiddle player in a variety of styles and settings, with nods to the music of Brazil, Argentina, India as well as some heavy duty rock and modal work-outs. Garrick puts the electric instrument to great use, his subtle use of loops and effects on the album opener 'Half a Middle Scoop' contrasting sharply with his unadulterated acoustic playing in the beguilingly uncomplicated, pared down 'Gentle'. Australian tabla player Neil Craig adds further rhythmic richness to 'Slowfood' , David Gordon in the piano chair gets to stretch out a la Shakti, and the guitarist John Etheridge pops up on the anthemic 'There she is' (penned especially for the violinists 2004 Genius of the Violin Festival). The leader finds himself with a rhythm section of tremendous power and range, combining the huge talents of Danish bass player Ole Rasmussen and drummer Tom Hooper. Garrick has technique to spare, effortlessly executing complex runs and fiendish double stopping, but most impressive of all is the breadth of his imagination and the ebullience of his playing."

JAZZWISE REVIEW 4 STARS (OUT OF FOUR STARS)