Macalpine, Tony
Death Of Roses
The 7-track album is the first in a projected 2-part release. Death of Roses continues Tony's on-going evolution with hook-laden melodies, breathtaking solos, complex rhythms and crushing 7 and 8-string guitar riffs, complemented by his own equally exceptional keyboards. This is built atop a formidable rhythmic foundation laid down by Hungarian drum sensation Gergo Borlai? (Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, Hiram Bullock), and Pete Griffin on bass? ( Generation Axe Tour?, Giraffe Tongue Orchestra?, Zappa Plays Zappa) who also played on Tony's previous album Concrete Gardens. Says Tony of the band: "Pete is one of my favorite bass players and his contribution to Death of Roses is as rock-solid as it is intricate. Through Pete's recommendation I was thrilled to discover Gergo's playing. He really blew me away with his work on the album. He's unquestionably innovative and I look forward to getting even deeper with these guys on tour." "With Death of Roses I really focused on composition and layering," says MacAlpine. "When I was sick and in treatment I found myself unable to play, and the chemo gave me tremors in my hands and arms. The seeds of this record were planted during my recovery, when I started building the compositions in my head. Fortunately, with healing and practice my faculties returned with a vengeance, and I set about recording this album, and its forthcoming companion." During his illness in late 2015, his fellow musicians banded together for "A Benefit for Tony MacAlpine" at the Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, featuring performances from Steve Vai, Mike Portnoy, Billy Sheehan, Derek Sherinian, John 5, Zakk Wylde, Paul Gilbert, Nuno Bettencourt, Tom Morello, Richie Kotzen, and hosted by Eddie Trunk. The show also combined with an auction featuring items donated from a who's who of rock royalty.