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Whatever happened to the guitar solo?


What ever happened to the guitar solo? Posted by Hello
I am not sure if it is an result of getting older but when i listen to music these days i feel something is missing.
There's no doubt that music sounds better, the technology has come a long way! I am not looking for a return to the past that way. I ain't givin' up my MP3 player. It's too neat! You'll have to pry it from my cold dead hand! To paraphrase some cold dead guy.

Yes, the music sounds better but where are the Guitar solos? I miss them so much! Ok, today's music has "PHAT BEATS" aplenty...but Where is the improv factor?
That 8 or 16 or 32 bars of pure self expression?
Where is Ernie Isley taking flight and trading endless ideas on "Who's that lady"?
Where's the emotional solo's of say stevie ray?
Where is the part of the song that says "We've said plenty... But here's how I feel about it!"

Some believe the guitar solo to be self-indulgent wankery.
I see it as a metaphor for personal freedom, that chance for the guitarist to soar over the changes free to improvise, play with the time & be in the moment.
The moment when the 'Head' comes around and says "Do ya feel lucky?...Well do ya ...PUNK? And you gotta step up and fill that space with the only thing you got...your SOUL!

I was lucky enough to grow up in a home filled with Jazz & jazz players that knew the importance of the solo. For all instruments.
To all of them and all the others that made or didn't make the changes... I thank you!
I'm sure guitar solos will make a comeback, and when they do I'll be there to take the trip and take my chances!
I'll see you at the "A" section!

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