Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore were one of the first Shrapnel Artist signed, Even before Greg Howe, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker. T-Mac has been shredding classical Chopin tunes on keyboards since he was a kid or even Yngwie could pick up the guitar. Tony has influenced alot of skilled players, from Guthrie Govan, bumblefoot, Ethan brosh, etc. Also Ive read an interview somewhere where Greg Howe was also influenced by TMac.
chubz1978cd hi chubz, thanks for stopping by. I didn't know that! That's a long list of incredible players to have preceded! I've definitely become a fan of his since I filmed this! ☺
Anthony Couch . You wont regret it. Hehe. I did the same thing when i got his album Premonition years ago. I was amazed that Jens Johansenn (ex Yngwie keyboard) played as guest on it. I bought all his albums, and side projects like Ring of Fire, MARS, etc after that. Enjoy his records. Hes amazing.
Waiting for soooooooo long for somebody would react to Tony MacAlpine and now I see I'm 2 years to late to enjoy a fresh reaction from you.... Thanks for reacting to Tony!!! Love it!!!
"Her" part was originally played by George Lynch during the heyday of Dokken. There was some rub at the time this was released as this album was supposed to be Tony's big coming out party as the new shredder in town and a lot of people felt George outshined him on this track. The rest of the album had much better playing.
This is from Tony's second album Maximum Security, which I can't recommend enough. I wore out that album as a kid and is still my go-to for Tony. There are guest solos from George Lynch and Jeff Watson (Night Ranger) for a bit of contrast. I would imagine the 7 string guitars are to play Tony's more recent stuff, as his style has changed a bit with the times.
I saw Tony at a local club recently. His playing was great, as this clip demonstrates, and he was every bit as generous with the spotlight as you indicate. He used the drummer from the front band, Arch Echo, who also deserve a listen. Afterwards, he hung out at the bar and talked with everyone like we were old friends. It was a great night.
Nice reaction video. I had this record when it was released in 1987 and saw him in a clinic late that year. Tony is very much a classically trained musician and I've always found his composing his best asset as a musician. Yes, this has George Lynch on the original and Jeff Watson of Night Ranger guested on King's Cup. This tune , Autumn Lords and Dream State are the highlights of that CD. Dream State in particular is very nice writing. Maximum Security stands as a high point for the Neo Classical genre from this period
The girl guitarist is Nilli Brosh and she is playing the solo parts that were performed by George Lynch on the album (Maximum Security). They didnt have 7 string guitars when the track was originally recorded, however Tony's later music does include B string use. Be sure to check out Autumn Lord from the same album as this track: th-cam.com/video/tqjJLNYBANQ/w-d-xo.html PS he also plays the keyboard solo.
Hey Anthony. I just subscribed to your channel, i love it. I've got an artist for you to do a live reaction video to of you've never seen him before. His name is Jimmy Rosenberg. The song is Besame Mucho played by Jimmy and Frank Vignola. There are a bunch more that see great, but i had to pick one....
Tony. He is one of the pioneers of the type of instrumental music. is a guitarist who has evolved along with his music and his style has changed throughout his career. Its greatest influence is in the neoclassical but it is also based on other styles. With the 7-string guitar we can find a better performance in his latest works, since his first songs were made for 6-string guitars. I hope you understand, I do not speak English. Greetings!!
He didn't use the low B because it's an older tune, written before he started using 7 strings. But great reaction vid. Check out his newer material. Much more prog. And crunch.
This comment, written prior to watching the video, is purely my thoughts on the great T-Mac. For me, he was THE guitarist back in the late '80s, early '90s, along with Vinnie Moore and a few others. The most amazing melodies, powerful leads, mostly decent tone (he was never known for his great guitar tone). But, some time in the mid-'90s, it started getting a bit stale, if that's the word. Certain phrases started appearing WAY too frequently, in particular the *ascending sweeps ending with a tapped note that bends way too high* lick. Oh god. He could still write, but to me, his lead playing just didn't cut it. Also, and I may be in the minority here, he always sounded like he wasn't really the most rhythmically tight player in the world. This got more apparent as time went on, but only in live performances. So, at least for me, live MacAlpine: bad tone, overused licks, odd rhythmic feel. This goes for the Ring of Fire live video, his playing with G3, various other live things. Adding more strings doesn't help. When I see him with an 8-string, I cringe. It's not all bad, and some of the later videos have been acceptable, but in general, I just can't. But vintage MacAlpine? Maximum Security, Freedom to Fly, Premonition... Guh, so much greatness. When he's duelling with himself on "Autumn Lords," that's just the most epic guitar/keyboard moment I can think of. Also LOVE his playing on the M.A.R.S. album, classic Shrapnel goodness.
Agree with almost all of YngtchieMusic's comments. Maximum Security is genius - the pinnacle in my view of the Neo-classical genre, and when Tony was at his peak. His playing was otherworldly, but more than that he was so advanced compositionally. Autumn Lords in particular is a masterpiece. I genuinely think that in 86-87 he was untouchable. He was also superb on MARS. But on the Macalpine band album (1990) - apart from Take Me Back - something changed. Freedom To Fly (92?) was so disappointing - pedestrian faux Satriani by numbers tracks and the unique Macalpine touch seemed a pale shadow of what he was. Premonition in 94 was an arguable return to form - The Violin Song was as intense as anything yet recorded, but just as Yngwie peaked in 86/87 (Trilogy) and arguably Vinnie Moore with 88's Time Odyssey it all seemed to fade. Also never ever try to get current by playing a 7 tor 8 string; I can't think of any player from this era who ever sounded comfortable with those behemoths. This performance has moments of his greatness - the arpeggios for instance, but along with a hack backing band its a little bit depressing.
Hi again - listen to these 2 of his earliest albums called "Edge of Insanity" and a self titled one. He's playing all guitars AND (sorry) Keyboards. From an old biography/interviw of his i remejmber that he was primarily a well trained piano - keyboard player and that he did/does all his composing and arranging on the keyboard - besides that he is an incredibly skilled guitarplayer ;) From that aera (mid to late 80's) i can too recomend another great shredder called Greg Howe !
Alexander Habbe hi Alexander, ice been listening to Tony ever since this video. What amazed me was how good he is on both keys AND guitar!! ☺☺ Thanks for stopping by!!
Art H that's a really good idea. Bumblefoot is another guitarist I've heard of, but never yet heard! I'll add it to the list of upcoming videos. Thanks!!👍👍
Yes he played in Guns n Roses for a number of years before this. Ron Thal must be mentioned in the conversation when talking about guys like Steve Vai or Paul Gilbert.
Please oh please do one of these videos about Shawn Lane!!! Would love to see your reaction, only guy crazier than Allan Holdsworth AND was a huge inspiration too, to Shawn
Yeah should run through the old Shrapnel Records catalog and just listen to whatever you 're not familiar with, some great players! Def, recommend Richie Kotzen (even love his vocals), Greg Howe, Jason Becker, and Marty Friedman
Joey Taffolla's Infra Blue is probably more original than Out Of The Sun (that he recorded after intensive coaching by T. Mac and Paul Gilbert, and so sounded very close) Also, i rather recommend Vinnie Moore's Time Odyssey or The Maze in the neoclassical genre, and Meltdown in a more Rock style (what i consider Vinnie's golden trilogy). Still in neoclassical, George Bellas Mind Over Matter is also quite great (a mix between Yngwie, Jason Becker and T. Mac) Anyway, these are just personnal tastes. Those guys were really so exciting at the time, and the Shrapnel catalogue is full of incredible talents (Darren Housholder, Derek Taylor / Scott Stine, Todd Duane, James Byrd (the Uli Jon Roth clone) and of course Ron Bumblefoot Thal)... But you find other jewel outside that scene : Alex Masi, Joy Basu, Michael Romeo (The Dark Chapter), Garsed Helmerich, Gary Hoey, Jeff Kollman, Rob Johnson, Dave Sharman, etc (talking about the 80s / 90s).
Tony also played in Steve Vai's band. Please tell me you've heard Devin Townsend before. If not you're in for a treat. Another EMG TV show: th-cam.com/video/nubJjB95VdY/w-d-xo.html
I'm sure you're aware he was in vai's band for a number of years... I saw him live when he was in it... He's really good in dvd "live in Astoria" if you haven't seen it already!! Thumbs up...
How do you like that IBANEZ GENESIS??....reissue. Anthony? I like the Black model with the ebony,but that red...? one is growing on me..hmmm..? That’s how I discovered you-your shred video
I'm on the same journey as you only I'm focussing more on the heavier kind of guitar music. Specifically, I've been bingewatching Rageoholic's Metal Mythos series. Rageoholic is a libertarian so be prepared for some opinionated content as well but his metal stuff is amazingly good content. As he would say: "HIGHLY recommended"
U talked over the pre solo/bridge. It's actually one of the most least popular songs among long time fans. Try Seville from Evolution Album or Inflection from from Premenition Album
Tony is great anthony!I've been listening to him sense the 80's.listen to more.you'll really like him.listen to Jeff Loomis.he's metal instrumental.but shreds like crazy.listen to the album zero order phase.it's incredible!!
Julian Crawford I really doubt that there's a person in this world who won't like Loomis's playing. He is a monster and most of his guitar solos are mesmerizing, melodic, unique, fast but catchy to the ears for some one who doesn't play guitar or even listen to metal ( spice dealer, the river dragon has come, miles of machines etc), I've had my r&b listening friends go mad after watching ashes of lesser men play through.
Wonder if you’ve heard of Al Joseph? Shredder, but tons of feel, this tune reminded me of him. Think he might be up your alley th-cam.com/video/9QOwtj_GOtE/w-d-xo.html And Nili Brian playing with Tony here is no slouch... th-cam.com/video/2PECH0ZwwWw/w-d-xo.html These “first time” reactions have been fun
I'd never heard of him until now. I found it quite bland. It sounded like background music for a video game. That's just my opinion though, it's not my cup of beer :)
I like McAlpine's playing, but I agree this tune is a bit bland. Try "Wheel of Fortune" and "Agriona" from the Edge of insanity album: th-cam.com/video/Rt6TvOS2VXs/w-d-xo.html
This really is not a particularly good example of what he can do. Personally I find him kind of bland and technical....but that technical ability is pretty astounding. This vid doesn't show it...
Tony MacAlpine and Vinnie Moore were one of the first Shrapnel Artist signed, Even before Greg Howe, Paul Gilbert, Jason Becker. T-Mac has been shredding classical Chopin tunes on keyboards since he was a kid or even Yngwie could pick up the guitar. Tony has influenced alot of skilled players, from Guthrie Govan, bumblefoot, Ethan brosh, etc. Also Ive read an interview somewhere where Greg Howe was also influenced by TMac.
chubz1978cd hi chubz, thanks for stopping by. I didn't know that! That's a long list of incredible players to have preceded! I've definitely become a fan of his since I filmed this! ☺
Anthony Couch . You wont regret it. Hehe. I did the same thing when i got his album Premonition years ago. I was amazed that Jens Johansenn (ex Yngwie keyboard) played as guest on it. I bought all his albums, and side projects like Ring of Fire, MARS, etc after that. Enjoy his records. Hes amazing.
RIGHT YOU ARE!
Even obscura guitarrist Christian muenzner names tony as one of his main influences.
The studio version features George Lynch on the duel solo and is amazing.
Maximum Security album!
Yes a real gem 💎
Waiting for soooooooo long for somebody would react to Tony MacAlpine and now I see I'm 2 years to late to enjoy a fresh reaction from you.... Thanks for reacting to Tony!!! Love it!!!
"Her" part was originally played by George Lynch during the heyday of Dokken. There was some rub at the time this was released as this album was supposed to be Tony's big coming out party as the new shredder in town and a lot of people felt George outshined him on this track. The rest of the album had much better playing.
Tony MacAlpine is an amazing guitarist.
This is from Tony's second album Maximum Security, which I can't recommend enough. I wore out that album as a kid and is still my go-to for Tony. There are guest solos from George Lynch and Jeff Watson (Night Ranger) for a bit of contrast.
I would imagine the 7 string guitars are to play Tony's more recent stuff, as his style has changed a bit with the times.
I saw Tony at a local club recently. His playing was great, as this clip demonstrates, and he was every bit as generous with the spotlight as you indicate. He used the drummer from the front band, Arch Echo, who also deserve a listen. Afterwards, he hung out at the bar and talked with everyone like we were old friends. It was a great night.
I love Arch Echo!!
is the drummer the brazilian guy - aquiles priester?
The video Tony did with Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan is a great watch. He is also a bad ass on piano.
Dude
Really enjoy and can totally relate to your attitude
CONSTANTLY PROGRESSING AND BROADENING YOUR MUSICALITY-that’s it man!!!!
Nice reaction video. I had this record when it was released in 1987 and saw him in a clinic late that year. Tony is very much a classically trained musician and I've always found his composing his best asset as a musician. Yes, this has George Lynch on the original and Jeff Watson of Night Ranger guested on King's Cup. This tune , Autumn Lords and Dream State are the highlights of that CD. Dream State in particular is very nice writing. Maximum Security stands as a high point for the Neo Classical genre from this period
The girl guitarist is Nilli Brosh and she is playing the solo parts that were performed by George Lynch on the album (Maximum Security). They didnt have 7 string guitars when the track was originally recorded, however Tony's later music does include B string use.
Be sure to check out Autumn Lord from the same album as this track: th-cam.com/video/tqjJLNYBANQ/w-d-xo.html
PS he also plays the keyboard solo.
Tony was such a bad ass, so melodic, rhythmical, technical, and just downright awesome!!!
Hey Anthony. I just subscribed to your channel, i love it. I've got an artist for you to do a live reaction video to of you've never seen him before. His name is Jimmy Rosenberg. The song is Besame Mucho played by Jimmy and Frank Vignola. There are a bunch more that see great, but i had to pick one....
He's the drummer from Angra. Check them out. They're amazing.
Tony. He is one of the pioneers of the type of instrumental music. is a guitarist who has evolved along with his music and his style has changed throughout his career. Its greatest influence is in the neoclassical but it is also based on other styles.
With the 7-string guitar we can find a better performance in his latest works, since his first songs were made for 6-string guitars.
I hope you understand, I do not speak English.
Greetings!!
Oscedy thanks for your input, the 7 strings make sense now. And your English is perfect! 👍👍
He didn't use the low B because it's an older tune, written before he started using 7 strings. But great reaction vid. Check out his newer material. Much more prog. And crunch.
This comment, written prior to watching the video, is purely my thoughts on the great T-Mac. For me, he was THE guitarist back in the late '80s, early '90s, along with Vinnie Moore and a few others. The most amazing melodies, powerful leads, mostly decent tone (he was never known for his great guitar tone). But, some time in the mid-'90s, it started getting a bit stale, if that's the word. Certain phrases started appearing WAY too frequently, in particular the *ascending sweeps ending with a tapped note that bends way too high* lick. Oh god.
He could still write, but to me, his lead playing just didn't cut it. Also, and I may be in the minority here, he always sounded like he wasn't really the most rhythmically tight player in the world. This got more apparent as time went on, but only in live performances. So, at least for me, live MacAlpine: bad tone, overused licks, odd rhythmic feel. This goes for the Ring of Fire live video, his playing with G3, various other live things. Adding more strings doesn't help. When I see him with an 8-string, I cringe. It's not all bad, and some of the later videos have been acceptable, but in general, I just can't.
But vintage MacAlpine? Maximum Security, Freedom to Fly, Premonition... Guh, so much greatness. When he's duelling with himself on "Autumn Lords," that's just the most epic guitar/keyboard moment I can think of. Also LOVE his playing on the M.A.R.S. album, classic Shrapnel goodness.
Agree with almost all of YngtchieMusic's comments. Maximum Security is genius - the pinnacle in my view of the Neo-classical genre, and when Tony was at his peak. His playing was otherworldly, but more than that he was so advanced compositionally. Autumn Lords in particular is a masterpiece. I genuinely think that in 86-87 he was untouchable. He was also superb on MARS. But on the Macalpine band album (1990) - apart from Take Me Back - something changed. Freedom To Fly (92?) was so disappointing - pedestrian faux Satriani by numbers tracks and the unique Macalpine touch seemed a pale shadow of what he was. Premonition in 94 was an arguable return to form - The Violin Song was as intense as anything yet recorded, but just as Yngwie peaked in 86/87 (Trilogy) and arguably Vinnie Moore with 88's Time Odyssey it all seemed to fade. Also never ever try to get current by playing a 7 tor 8 string; I can't think of any player from this era who ever sounded comfortable with those behemoths. This performance has moments of his greatness - the arpeggios for instance, but along with a hack backing band its a little bit depressing.
Hi again - listen to these 2 of his earliest albums called "Edge of Insanity" and a self titled one. He's playing all guitars AND (sorry) Keyboards. From an old biography/interviw of his i remejmber that he was primarily a well trained piano - keyboard player and that he did/does all his composing and arranging on the keyboard - besides that he is an incredibly skilled guitarplayer ;)
From that aera (mid to late 80's) i can too recomend another great shredder called Greg Howe !
Alexander Habbe hi Alexander, ice been listening to Tony ever since this video. What amazed me was how good he is on both keys AND guitar!! ☺☺ Thanks for stopping by!!
Remember the Greg Howe instrumental debut??? That floored me.
Wetherspoons carpet......hah!! Just added this dude to my playlist
Anthony, check out Ron Thal aka Bumblefoot. Now plays with the Sons of Apollo. This is one great supergroup.
Thanks for posting this video!
Art H that's a really good idea. Bumblefoot is another guitarist I've heard of, but never yet heard! I'll add it to the list of upcoming videos. Thanks!!👍👍
Yes he played in Guns n Roses for a number of years before this. Ron Thal must be mentioned in the conversation when talking about guys like Steve Vai or Paul Gilbert.
Please oh please do one of these videos about Shawn Lane!!! Would love to see your reaction, only guy crazier than Allan Holdsworth AND was a huge inspiration too, to Shawn
Meshuggah solos would be awesome as well
Yeah should run through the old Shrapnel Records catalog and just listen to whatever you 're not familiar with, some great players! Def, recommend Richie Kotzen (even love his vocals), Greg Howe, Jason Becker, and Marty Friedman
Joey Taffolla's Infra Blue is probably more original than Out Of The Sun (that he recorded after intensive coaching by T. Mac and Paul Gilbert, and so sounded very close)
Also, i rather recommend Vinnie Moore's Time Odyssey or The Maze in the neoclassical genre, and Meltdown in a more Rock style (what i consider Vinnie's golden trilogy).
Still in neoclassical, George Bellas Mind Over Matter is also quite great (a mix between Yngwie, Jason Becker and T. Mac)
Anyway, these are just personnal tastes. Those guys were really so exciting at the time, and the Shrapnel catalogue is full of incredible talents (Darren Housholder, Derek Taylor / Scott Stine, Todd Duane, James Byrd (the Uli Jon Roth clone) and of course Ron Bumblefoot Thal)... But you find other jewel outside that scene : Alex Masi, Joy Basu, Michael Romeo (The Dark Chapter), Garsed Helmerich, Gary Hoey, Jeff Kollman, Rob Johnson, Dave Sharman, etc (talking about the 80s / 90s).
TONY MACALPINE IS TONY MACALPINE
YOU NEED HEAR MORE STUFF
FROM HIM
HE HAVE A GREAT STUFF POWERFULL IN DIFERENT PROYECTS
AND MY QUESTION
WHO ARE YOU?
Try confessions of a medieval monument or 100's of 1000's. I used shorthand for the second one.
Tony also played in Steve Vai's band. Please tell me you've heard Devin Townsend before. If not you're in for a treat. Another EMG TV show:
th-cam.com/video/nubJjB95VdY/w-d-xo.html
You should check out Shawn Lane and Eric Johnson.
Matthew Abuelo Guthrie Govan is top dog.best guitar player hands down.
if you say so.
macalpine -> tears of sahara, no place in time, epire in the sky, russalka, and many other great themes
time table, agrionia, hundreds of thousands
I'm sure you're aware he was in vai's band for a number of years...
I saw him live when he was in it...
He's really good in dvd "live in Astoria" if you haven't seen it already!!
Thumbs up...
How do you like that IBANEZ GENESIS??....reissue. Anthony?
I like the Black model with the ebony,but that red...? one is growing on me..hmmm..?
That’s how I discovered you-your shred video
I'm on the same journey as you only I'm focussing more on the heavier kind of guitar music. Specifically, I've been bingewatching Rageoholic's Metal Mythos series. Rageoholic is a libertarian so be prepared for some opinionated content as well but his metal stuff is amazingly good content. As he would say: "HIGHLY recommended"
Haha, for a confused moment I thought this was going to be about Tony McKenzie. :)
U talked over the pre solo/bridge. It's actually one of the most least popular songs among long time fans. Try Seville from Evolution Album or Inflection from from Premenition Album
Tony is great anthony!I've been listening to him sense the 80's.listen to more.you'll really like him.listen to Jeff Loomis.he's metal instrumental.but shreds like crazy.listen to the album zero order phase.it's incredible!!
I know it's not your style but you being a guitarist you can appreciate the guitar playing.keep up the great vids man!
Julian Crawford hi Julian, Jeff Loomis is a monster player. I've listened to him for a while. 👍👍
Julian Crawford I really doubt that there's a person in this world who won't like Loomis's playing. He is a monster and most of his guitar solos are mesmerizing, melodic, unique, fast but catchy to the ears for some one who doesn't play guitar or even listen to metal ( spice dealer, the river dragon has come, miles of machines etc), I've had my r&b listening friends go mad after watching ashes of lesser men play through.
Tony McAlpine amazing even better pianist.
You should watch Poison Cookies from that same recording set
William Parrish thanks for the recommendation William!!👍👍
Man, you're missing out on Tony! Listen to the Maximum Security album, Chromaticity is also excellent
DavidA86 thanks for stopping by David, don't worry I've been listening to Tony a LOT since this video. I have lost time to make up for! ☺
Anthony Couch you certainly do! The M.A.R.S album is also a favourite of mine. Nice channel by the way man, keep up the good work
I would suggest "Premonition" and "Violent Machine". But Tony is rather constant in his discography...
Wonder if you’ve heard of Al Joseph? Shredder, but tons of feel, this tune reminded me of him. Think he might be up your alley
th-cam.com/video/9QOwtj_GOtE/w-d-xo.html
And Nili Brian playing with Tony here is no slouch... th-cam.com/video/2PECH0ZwwWw/w-d-xo.html
These “first time” reactions have been fun
Can you react to a jason Becker cover?
Nili Brosh on other guitar is ace
Iets hear you play.
You should have started with his album Maximum Security. T-Mac uses BARITONE guitars and did so before all that 'chug' you talk about.
PSMS and Planet X - Vai used half of Planet X (TMac and Virgil Donati) is his own backing band , Vai couldn't get into Planet X if he tried. lmao.
Check out Scott mishoe, thanks...
I am simply not sure what the point of watching you watching something is?
Why are people uploading these videos? what is the point.
I prefer Macalpine on keys and a little guitar.
Do a reaction to owane
I'd never heard of him until now. I found it quite bland. It sounded like background music for a video game. That's just my opinion though, it's not my cup of beer :)
I'm with you, Clarky...and I listen to John Mayer lol
ClarkyGuitar no prob clarky! I've added some of his music to my playlists. I can see myself getting into his music!!
Good thing I was born before video games, like the 80's they pretty much ruined everything.
I like McAlpine's playing, but I agree this tune is a bit bland. Try "Wheel of Fortune" and "Agriona" from the Edge of insanity album:
th-cam.com/video/Rt6TvOS2VXs/w-d-xo.html
Why do ppl care what you watch?
Planet X recordings...bad song to evaluate...so many others
i only really like tony because i found nili brosh through him
not a very interesting performance, even though I can appreciate his skill
After checking out Allan Holdsworth everything else seems bland, including this guy.
This really is not a particularly good example of what he can do.
Personally I find him kind of bland and technical....but that technical ability is pretty astounding. This vid doesn't show it...