Bane Jelic - The Ultra Extreme (A Homemade Release) (2004)Performance Records

I know that its CD's subtitle can discourage you from listening to the release. As regards production (or rather lack of production), it is similar to Jason Becker's "The Blackberry Jams". All the compositions on "The Ultra Extreme" were recorded on a tape deck in the years 1984-1994. Odd static and sounds of cars are a few standards only on this CD, haha. Bane Jelic was fourteen in 1984 and wasn't concerned about such "details" at all, haha. It isn't strange when you record your ideas by the open window, haha.

An unquestionable advantage of "The Ultra Extreme" is its diveristy as regards styles - from neoclassical music, through fusion to blues. The album's title informs us that there is a domination of compositions performed in staccato technique at very fast tempo (prestissimo), e.g. a caprice "La Ruota della Vita" and "Bumblebee's Flight" by Nikolai Andreyevich Rimski-Korsakov. Four tracks derive from Niccolo Paganini's repertoire. One of them is "Moto Perpetuo" provided that Bane, at the age of twenty, administered a "diamond" technique! "11th Caprice" is calm and easier to absorb than fast "5th Caprice" and "16th Caprice". Bane also managed to turn a fugue into the caprice, and the results are audible in "La Fuga del Salmone". I am sure that Bane, by composing this composition, was inspired not only by Niccolo Paganini, but also by Jason Becker. Two movements of "L'improvvisazione", as their titles indicate, are fast improvisations of spectacular character. There are also some funky elements in a track "Fusion" (previously meant for Bane Jelic Band). The eldest track on the album is "Children Blues" from 1984. I must admit that Bane sensed a characteristic feeling of Tommy Bolin and Jeff Beck. A Serbian guitarist as well recorded two compositions by contemporary instrumentalists - Joe Satriani's "Power Cosmic" and Yngwie Malmsteen's hit called "Far Beyond The Sun" (in changed and shortened arrangement).

I realize that homemade releases aren't titbits for those who are in love with crystal clear sound, but I hope there are some people who also likes listening to archival records from the past and no static are a problem for them. I am also aware that "The Ultra Extreme" is a proposal mainly directed to fervent fans of guitar music and a perfect instructional material for guitar beginners as well. The greatest plus for me is that a Serb recorded all the tunes at one go. Nothing was repeated, nothing was corrected. Such an attitude towards music is very rare, because everybody can't boast of as perfect technique as Bane Jelic. It just makes "The Ultra Extreme" an unique disc.