Drew Bentley
Jeannette, Pennsylvania, United States | SELF
Music
Press
ALBUM REVIEW: DREW BENTLEY, BOLD HORIZON
BAND & MUSICIAN REVIEWSDECEMBER 31, 2018BYBRUCE SOKOLOVIC
Drew Bently, Bold Horizon
Genre: Instrumental Guitar, Rock, Blues, Fusion
Musicianship:
Songwriting:
Production & Engineering:
Vibe:
Overall Rating: 3.13
Few records are capable of defying a specific genre while retaining an ongoing cohesiveness to the album. But guitarist Drew Bentley’s self-produced, Bold Horizon, is aptly named due to each track taking on its own vibe best described as “thoughtful arrangements unto themselves,” yet cohesive enough to form a solid collection of work. Fans of instrumental guitar in the vein of Eric Johnson/Andy Timmons/Prashant Aswani/Steve Morse will find something to like in each of these tunes.
Bentley employed the help of Brian Edwards on drums, George Elliot on bass, and Scott Anderson on keys. The Fuchs and CARR amps Drew uses throughout (and numerous guitars) are well mannered, recorded traditionally with a great mic into a great preamp. This translates beautifully in the recordings.
Showing off a keen sense of melody, there is an underlying mastery of the guitar that is apparent in each track. Never too over the top, you will not find any licks or tricks here that are impossible to execute without three hands. The record is approached with thought to the song, as opposed to something to prove and dazzle an attention defunct listener. Bluesy, hard rock and smooth jazz type melodic themes do not struggle for space, but coexist harmoniously—often in the same song. The songs are allowed to breathe and the parts are well thought out to flow nicely into one another.
This is a great sounding recording, with excellent balance, depth and polish, and the drum sounds are particularly impressive, sitting a bit forward in the mix (in a nice way). At times, we wished the guitar was a bit more up front, though. This record is a solid effort, though, and well worth a listen. Thoroughly enjoyable. - MusicPlayers.com
Discography
Just Another Story JD Strum
A Prelude to the Coming Solo Album Drew Bentley
Bold Horizon Drew Bentley
Photos
Bio
Drew Bentley is a performer from the Pittsburgh area, playing classic rock, blues, acoustic and original music. Drew's solo show consists of a combination of backing tracks and live solo acoustic music as well, all with an emphases on his guitar skills. Instrumental versions of all time songs are blended with vocal numbers making for a show that's entertaining and surprising. On the recording front, Drew's latest album, "Bold Horizon", an instrumental effort, has been played on 102.5 WDVE and 105.9 QWIK as well as having multiple national album reviews. Drew has also recorded the E.P. "A Prelude to The Coming Solo Album". along with the album "Just Another Story" with his band "JD Strum". Drew currently performs regularly as solo artist, with the Drew Bentley Band, JDStrum acoustic duo, City Heat Band and Dreamscape (Wedding/Dance/variety bands), the DaPhunk Band, and the Tina Daniels Band. Along with these projects he also plays solo jazz guitar at weddings and other functions.
Drew has performed with a number of bands, in and around the Pittsburgh area. In 1999 he co formed J.D. Strum, who released a CD entitled "Just Another Story". The band enjoyed regional success. They performed on the 102.5 WDVE Coffee House, the WBXQ Q94 Backyard Rocker, The Acoustic Hour @1160 AM WCCS, and WLER 97.7 FM in Butler Pa. Drew has also played on WIUP radio, as a solo act. Some notable bands that JD Strum opened for are; Sister Hazel, Brent Micheals, Carbon Leaf and Low Millions. They also played second stage for DMB, Kansas, and Deep Purple. In 2004 JD Strum won a Pittsburgh songwriting contest. With the Kiger Band, Drew has opened for; Big and Rich, Gretchin Wilson and Molly Hatchet. In 2005, 2006 and 2009 Drew won the Guitar Center, King of the Blues, guitar competition for store 802.
After studying Jazz guitar at Duquesne University, Drew began to offer guitar instruction. After 8 years of private teaching experience, in 2005 he co established, and still operates, Bentley And Romito Professional Music Lessons. He continues to offer private lessons, with a sustained passion to share music. The company has a top notch teaching staff, offering a variety of instruments. Drew is also currently teaching introductory guitar at the Community College of Allegheny County . Lastly, he was the guitar instructor at Camp Jam, Pittsburgh in 2011.
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