JENNIFER BATTEN: Above, Below & Beyond (GUITAR HERO): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

To coincide with the release of her new album "Whatever", Lion Records has had the good idea of reissuing Jennifer Batten's two albums, including 1992's "Above, Below and Belong". The American has taken part in a number of Michael Jackson tours (during which she played to perfection the delicate 'Beat It' solo originally composed by Van Halen), and more recently collaborated with Jeff Beck on the technoid "Who Else" and "You Had It Coming". Jennifer Batten began composing her debut album "Above, Below and Belong" in the late '80s, a golden period for guitarists in search of speed and audacity. This album explores different musical directions with one thing in common: the virtuosity of this 8-finger tapping specialist.

The first track, 'Flight of the Bumble Bee', is a classic of the genre, played by the greats from Nuno Bettencourt to Yngwie Malmsteen. Originally composed by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky, it's undeniably well executed by the beautiful blonde with her clean, clear tapping. Jennifer Batten's technique is astonishing and her inspiration impressive. The fact that she is one of the few women capable of such prowess has always placed her in a special position among lovers of guitar virtuosity. Initially viewed with circumspection, she quickly found her place. And while her albums contain plenty of triple eighth notes and sextolets, her work on sound and the science of effects remain predominant, as in 'Whammy Damage' and 'Cat Fight', two tracks dedicated to the famous Whammy pedal, in which she demonstrates her mastery of the device while creating a real melody.

'Headbanger's Hairspray' is a beautiful fusion instrumental with extremely technical passages à la Steve Vai, and plenty of time for melody. Even after almost fifteen years, this track has lost none of its energy and modernity. Michael Sembello's production was very capable of surviving a decade and a half intact. The tribal ambiences so dear to Jennifer Batten's heart are present on this record through 'VooDoo' and 'Tarzens Day Off'. The second track sounds very '90s with its clear tones, and she expresses multiple emotions with her mastery of the Whammy Bar. 'Cruzin The Nile' takes us to the banks of the Nile with percussion and haunting vocals. It's the only track played entirely in clear sound, and Jennifer pulls it off brilliantly.

'Giant Steps' is a John Coltrane chord grid on which Jennifer Batten tries out two very contrasting approaches, one jazz and one rock. 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'' is an instrumental version of Michael Jackson's hit from the Thriller album, retaining the tempo and the fundamental framework. Jennifer Batten even has the luxury of revisiting 'Respect', the standard sung by Aretha Franklin, in a supercharged version led by singer Michele Rohl.

"Above, Below and Belong" is a real gem of instrumental guitar, quite similar to other productions of the period, but with a very personal signature. It's good to see that a woman, even a virtuoso, can make her guitar sound original and creative. Watching videos of Jennifer Batten at the time of this album, or touring with Michael Jackson, is a great moment, both in terms of the music and the grace she inspires in her guitar playing. - Official website

JENNIFER BATTEN

ABOVE, BELOW & BEYOND

LION MUSIC

GUITAR HERO