60 Cycle Hum Records
https://john-5.com

JOHN 5 has an impressive 30+ year pedigree that ranges from songwriting to studio work, and from film to live performances. Some of you would be taken aback by some of the songs and full albums that JOHN 5 has written for other artists. JOHN 5 has had notable guitar slots with MARILYN MANSON, ROB ZOMBIE, and currently MOTLEY CRUE. Somehow, someway, JOHN 5 still finds the time to put out solo instrumental guitar albums. ‘Ghost’ is his eleventh one.

“Wicked World” is a quick intro that is reminiscent of an old sci-movie. It does have some voice-over dialogue that may be a nod to his Rob Zombie days. JANES ADDICTION drummer Stephen Perkins plays the rhythmic foil to John’s warbly guitar runs on “Deviant.” The electronic effects add extra depth to the 3 minute piece. “Strung Out” is dark and foreboding, but also loaded with rapid fire guitar scale threads. John puts all angles of his pick to work on “La Express”. You can hear every angle slide and pluck.

“A Hollywood Story” could go two different ways based on the emotion put forth through John’s guitar. It’s either a tragic story or a love story. This instrumental reminds me of a composition that STEVE VAI would put in the #7 position of one of his albums. JOHN 5 may have found the one person that has a bigger pedigree than him to join him on “Fiend”. Drummer Kenny Aronoff sets the pace with his tight and thumping drum work, while John ignites this anthem with fretboard mastery.

The album’s title track “Ghost” is a shred-fest. JOHN 5 makes “Moon Glow” a jazz trio type of affair, and even brings along two of the best in the genre. Matt Bissonette (ELTON JOHN, DLR, THE REDDCOATS) lays down the bass, while Marco Minnemann (THE ARISTOCRATS) keeps the beat. “You, Me and the Devil Makes Three” is an old-school blues affair. MOTLEY CRUE bandmate Tommy Lee provides “hand claps & foot stomps”.

The versatility, prowess, and guitar virtuosity of JOHN 5 is on full display with his latest album ‘Ghost’. There are no drawn out indulgent guitar solos here. Each song presents a different guitar emotion without overstaying its welcome. JOHN 5’s career may span three decades, but the axman is always trying something fresh, and not taking the easy road to the same old thing.

4.7 Out Of 5.0