Gonzo is a recording that will blow your mind. If you enjoy the bass guitar, this is a must-own CD. There are no keyboards or guitars, and everything is done with Steinberger, Ibanez or Synsonic bass. The sound is unique.

Several tracks are first takes with no overdubs. All the music was written by Gonzo except "Amerika." So this is original work, most of which is dedicated to Gonzo's immediate family.

The CD begins with a strange breathing sound and interesting background music. The bass enters at a fast clip and is laid over another melody with a surprising bass sound like a plucked banjo. The echo effect toward the end is nice.

Gonzo's child introduces the second tune, "Cathi's Song," as being for "my Mom." It is a beautiful, relaxing piece, a love song without the words. I especially enjoyed "Amerika," which is an interesting twist on "America." He has managed to breathe new life into an old classic.

Throughout the collection, Gonzo demonstrates different techniques executed at varying speeds and with several rhythm changeups. His skill with a bass is excellently demonstrated, as is his talent in composition.

My only problem with this CD is that it seems so short. There are only six selections (which my CD player displays as 10 tracks) and the entire collection is only 16:40. I expect to get a lot more music than that on a CD and would have been whining loudly and furiously if I had paid for this one. At the very least, I expect a CD to have 30 minutes of music and even that makes me grouchy. Most have 45 minutes or more and most music lovers are accustomed to getting that much.

- Rambles
written by Alicia Karen Elkins
published 17 July 2004

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