· buy mp3 downloads from our partners ·

plankton "self-titled (GYR004)

plankton "humble colossus" (GYR012)

plankton "3" (GYR021)

plankton "rare tracks" (GYR022)

greg koch "strat..." (GYR095)

tristan klein "universal mojo" (GYR067)

thomas larsson "harmonic passion" (GYR023)

MICHAEL LANDAU "TALES.." (MLBULGE)

· Guitar Stae Of Mind ·

· reviews ·

The title Guitar State of Mind perfectly sums up the mindset of Peter Martinsson on his latest release. All the compositions contained herein are extremely soulful and groovalicious yet accessibly progressive and dynamic with pretty much every track providing musical peaks and valleys, trap doors, hidden surprises and labyrinthian arrangements. Diverse in the extreme, the guitar work is front and center throughout…and it should be, as there is a seemingly endless variation of tones ranging from hyper-clean to fiercely mean. Every slice on the platter is infused with super-size helpings of compositional maturity and structural depth in equal measure, then metered out through a sense of dynamic tension and balanced proportion where everything on the aural landscape ultimately serves the song…something many of his contemporaries forget in their mad rush for Gold in the Too Many Notes Olympics.

Intervallic melodies abound…and they are deeply imbedded within in Peter’s style, giving everything he does a certain “sonic signature stamp” that gives him a rather unique identity among his fellow axe-slinging peers, all the while displaying virtuosic fretwork and proportional sensibilities reminiscent of his fellow Swedes like the great Plankton and Thomas Larsson. Backed up by the formidable bass playing of Per-Martin Pettersson and the driving, high-energy drumming of Ulf Becker, this rhythm section is tight and flows like a molten stream of magma…a red hot juggernaut that is both beautiful and deadly…and the perfect foil for Peter’s emotionally-charged fretwork.

One can hear an armory of weapons of sonic construction on deck, all selected for maximum impact in a variety of different musical situations: heavily Stratified, Hendrixian-twinged bluesy soul. Screaming modal melodic shred. Wah-drenched whammified Octavia leads juxtaposed with jangly smooth picking patterns creating broad textural landscapes of aural delight. Needless to say, there is a watershed of amazing playing to be found on this wonderful release, and the production has the distinct “retro old school vintage” flavor of an early-to-mid 70s release, which serves the material and tonalities perfectly.

Although the music scene has changed dramatically over the last 40 years, there are still artists like Peter Martinsson who somehow manage to reinvent himself amidst all of the prevailing Guitar Hero pomp and circumstance. Peter sums it up in the liner notes: “Thanks to the Guitar for all its musical beauty and wisdom that surrounds us with a euphoric GUITAR STATE OF MIND.” And thank you, Peter, for your skill in coaxing the tones and textures out of it. It is indeed euphoric – devastatingly so – as well as original and memorable.

Jimmy Ryan (Truth Squad) (November 2012)
 

---

After Satriani, Vai, and others, we think we've heard it all. Well, I'm here to tell you -- we're not even close. Enter Peter Martinsson's debut CD, brimming with guitar genius that will melt your brain. An INSTRUMENTAL GUITARIST that plays ferocious and melodic Blues-Rock, I would guess that his parents' names were Pentatonic and Heptatonic, with a sibling named Semitones. And he employs his family members to the hilt. In fact, they would be proud of him, as he offers the world an incredible display of outrageous guitar pyrotechnics, along with tasteful songwriting and intricate guitar riffs. Aptly named "Guitar State of Mind," the disc challenges all listeners: If you didn't have such a state of mind when you entered, after hearing this disc you'll sure as hell leave with one! Highly recommended as one of the best of all existing guitar CDs. Peter Martinsson makes guitar music to die for. He rips apart scales with the proficiency and agility of a John McLaughlin and the taste and soul of a Jimi Hendrix. But the mood of the CD is in the latter category. Chops from heaven and spirit from hell -- this is one you won't want to miss: guitar enthusiasts watch out! Peter Martinsson has arrived!

Steven J. Rosen (Author) (September 2012)
 

---

I found Swedish guitarist Peter Martinsson when googling his old 70s/80s band Plebb. I found Peter had not only continued playing guitar, but also become one hell of a player! Now his first solo album has finally hit the streets. What you find here is an outstanding collection of instrumental guitar music, ranging from heavy rock to blues to folky rock to countryish playing. Peter is an outstanding, versatile guitarist, who at times remind me of the outstanding Thomas Larsson. Songs like Groove In My Backyard draws a bit towards vintage Joe Satriani, while Shoot makes me think of Greg Koch wacky blues rock. Made It is a cool melodic thing with a slight folky touch. I can’t continue without mentioning Peter’s outstanding musicians, bassist Per-Martin Pettersson and drummer Ulf Becker, who really know how to groove. In J.M.H (which I guess stands for James Marshall Hendrix) he does show some Hendrixy overtones, but I actually come to think more of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who of course was influenced by J.M.H. Besides playing some really mean licks and being a crazy good player, Peter can also write great songs. These are no guitar wanking backgrounds, but actually great songs with melodies that can hold their own and riffs that really rock! Speaking of Greg Koch, the solo in Walk With Me reminds me a bit of his style in the way he explores scales that really raises your eyebrow. I love it when people push it outside the box and make it sound crazy and cool. Guitar State Of Mind is true guitar mojo of the highest order! Get it!

Janne Stark (October 2012)
 

ABOUT US | HOW TO ORDER | LINKS

---

COPYRIGHT © 2012 & BEYOND - GROOVEYARD RECORDS, INC. / WEBSITE DESIGN BY NYXIAN:DRIFT