Jeff Watson - Lone Ranger (1992)Shrapnel Records

This man is most famous for his guitar partnership with Brad Gillis in Night Ranger. The band have sold over 16 million copies of their albums so far! Another popular band Jeff Watson played in was Mothers Army including such artists like Joe Lynn Turner, Bob Daisley, Carmine Appice and Aynsley Dunbar. Moreover, this American guitar ace cooperated with Eric Martin, Tony MacAlpine, Michael Schenker Group, Kevin Crider, Steve Morse, Alex Call, Chris Isaak and others. He composed the soundtrack to "Vertical Frontier" movie and some tracks for "Nash Bridges" TV series. It is necessary to mention that he is the originator of 8 Finger Technique.

Jeff's first solo album was published under the banner of Mike Varney's label and recorded by very interesting line-up: Jeff Watson (Eight Finger, lead, rhythm, acoustic, electric, slide and 12-string guitars, strings, bass, sax sample, voices), Brad Russell (bass guitar, upright bass), Spike (drums), Sammy Hagar (vocal scats; Van Halen), Brad Gillis (guest guitar solo; Night Ranger, Ozzy Osbourne), Allan Holdsworth (lead and clean guitars), Steve Smith (drums; Journey), Bob Daisley (bass), Carmine Appice (drums), Steve Machtinger (viola), Randy Coven (bass guitar), David Sikes (bass guitar) and Steve Morse (guest guitar solo; Deep Purple). Apart from all these human spirits, there were used such characters like Jeff's dog named Zeus, several goats and even chimes from a front porch. A nice personnel indeed!

The stuff starts from a lofty introduction, but it doesn't mean that all the tunes go the same way. Jeff and his Company offer us melodic hard rock with many atmospheric tunes and subdued solos. Due to numerous instrumental contrasts, it can be described as a colourful and well-thought-out music. Yes, "Lone Ranger" is an universal stuff, since it includes both electric and acoustic tunes and shredding spree as well as calm moments. Moreover, its great production proves that every single note is performed very meticulously. Summing up, if you like the guitar playing by Vinnie Moore and Edward Box, you should enjoy Jeff's debut, since it's sunny music for positively attituted people.