Microscopic in Guitar Player magazine
It´s amazing to be reviewed in one of the most prestigious guitar magazine in the world. Barry Cleveland is once again the person whom I have to give all my gratitude.
"On this follow up to 2008’s excellent Rotonova, Spanish guitarist Raúl Huelves (a.k.a. Razl) leads a power trio featuring bassist extraordinaire Bryan Beller and deep-pocket drummer Pepe Acebal—with cameos from guitarist Will Bernard and trumpeter Rubén Salvador. Coaxing super-seductive tones from both electric and acoustic guitars sans pick, Razl struts and grooves hard throughout, as compelling riffs, clever rhythmic twists, atypical harmonic touches, and an imaginative use of effects further flavor this savory sonic gumbo."
Barry Cleveland (Guitar Player magazine)
Guitar Techniques magazine review
Razl-Microscopic ****
"This album is the brainchild of a guitarist called Raúl Huelves from Madrid whose alter-ego is Razl. Brought up on a diet of progressive rock influences from the likes of Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant and King Crimson, he eventually settled for jazz-funk; but it´s jazz-funk with a sort of psychedelic twist, if you see what we mean.
Whilst enjoying a day job writing for a Spanish guitar magazine, Razl got to meet many of his heroes and when it came time to make his 2008 debut, he collaborated with Zappa alumni Mike Keneally. The resulting album was titled Rotonova and was enough to ensure Razl a reputation in guitar circles as a player to watch out for.
Microscopic continues the trend set on Rotonova with nine slightly off-the-wall funk-inspired instrumentals with titles such as The Amazing Story of Al the Aardvark and Zombie Brew. What´s not to like?"
More reviews in Aural Addict and Tonewarrior
Thanks to these amazing blogs for reviewing Microscopic and the interest about my equipment!
http://tonewarrior.blogspot.com/2011/05/razl-intergalactic-dirty-guitar-grooves.html
http://auraladdict.wordpress.com/2011/06/13/razl-microscopic-2011-martian-sheep/
...this Juanjez...
... He’s a master of high end design. I present to you his webpage with some of the Microscopic designs’ pictures and a lot more stuff he does. Just ask him for anything (pay him too of course) and he will manage to make your dreams come true..
Mauri Sanchis´Modern Organ Trio new album & tour
The new record by organ player Mauri Sanchis is finally out. An album called “What did you expect?” in which I’m proud to have participated… as a guitar player I think… yes, that’s it! It’s a trio… Mauri plays the organ, Blas the drums so… yes, it’s just the guitar left. This album was edited by the prestigious German label BHM, and done with lots of love and efforts. You can find all the information on Mauri’s webpage. www.maurisanchis.com
We will start the new album´s tour at the end of June, which will take us to Valencia, Vijazz Festival in Vilafranca del Penedés (Cataluña) and several other dates till almost November. I will be playing again with these guys, who I love to travel with, play and live new experiences. If you are around, come to see us!
My equipment needs a facelift
I had been after a SG Reissue 61 for a while and I finally got one in my hands. I love this guitar and it has adapted to my way of playing incredibly well. I made a few little (or big) changes: on one hand, I replaced the Classic Gibson ’57 for a fantastic SCFH by Jason Lollar. It couldn’t have worked better, as it gives a character I thought it was missing, better dynamic and range of sounds. On the other hand, I have always believed that the SG tuning heads aren’t my piece of cake, so I changed them for Sperzel ones. The outcome was… as good as it gets!
I have also made a few modifications on my pedalboard, so I can have the Rotosphere and the Ring Modulator inside. And just like that, I got some great space for my MXR phase 90...nice!
Lastly, I needed an amplifier that was a bit more light than Deville´s, which is ever harder to move it around (skinny people is what we have to put up with...). So, I have found myself with a new journey´s partner: Boogie Express 5:25 combo 1x12. Fantastic!
Next interviews and reviews
During the month of July, you will be able to see me in Cutaway Magazine (23). A specialized Spanish magazine, fully online and very respected in our country within the guitar community. Also, Microscopic will be reviewed in the 123 issue of the prestigious magazine Guitar Techniques . The new album gets here and there slowly but surely.
Microscopic in United Mutations
Great review of Microscopic in this website specialized in Frank Zappa´s world. Lots of weird people over there, so a great place where I find myself like a fish in the water.
http://united-mutations.blogspot.com/2011/04/razl-microscopic.html
Iheartguitar blog and Gibson
Enjoy this interesting article written by Peter Hodgson talking about online recordings and technology. You can find it in Peter´s blog and in Gibson website. I´m there, and Bryan Beller too!