Jason Becker first caught the attention of guitarists with his incredible playing in the band Cacophany, a high speed band he started with Marty Friedman. Cacophany released two CDs after which Jason and Marty each did instrumental solo albums.
Jason's first instrumental, Perpetual Burn, is an excellent metal CD with wild dissonant leads balanced by powerful melodies. The harmonized leads are very interesting, balancing the off beat rhythms and time changes. Jason also uses a lot of dissonant harmonies often combined with sprawling stretches and sweep pick patterns. This is one the best neoclassical instrumentals ever.
Jason Becker was then picked to be David Lee Roth's new guitarist, replacing Steve Vai. Unfortunately, after recording tracks for A Little Ain't Enough Jason was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, a crippling spinal disease. Rapidly losing his ability to play, he learned to use a midi computer system to continue to write music.
Though nearly completely paralyzed, Jason's new album Perspective was released in the US in May 1997. It included previously unreleased recordings of Jason and a new composition, "End of the Beginning", played by Michael Lee Firkins. There are many guests musicians and several songs are arranged for classical instruments. The song "Higher" is very unusual, an 'instrumental' arranged and sung by two vocalists.
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Jason Becker: Perspective (1995) Jason Becker Music JB-001 Guitar: Jason Becker, Michael Lee Firkins Bass: Matt Bissonette Drums: Gregg Bissonette Keyboards: Jason Becker, Danny Alvarez |
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Jason Becker: Perpetual Burn (1988) Shrapnel Records Sh-1036 Bass: Jason Becker Drums: Atma Anur Guest: Marty Friedman, Guitar Sample Track: Perpetual Burn |