George Vinson
Spheres of Influence
© 2004 Vinsongs Music (881107150627)
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An eclectic compilation of original songs and instrumentals, as well as unique arrangements of covers from guitarist George Vinson, who's been compared to David Gilmour, Steve Howe, and other guitar greats.
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"Vinson's vision as a composer is clear, and his guitar parts are well executed. Taste is the name of the game here, where phrasing and melody take center stage..."
Mike Varney's Spotlight
Guitar Player Magazine
January 2006 issue
"An uplifting experience made easy and accessible by Vinson's always tasteful guitar sound.'
20th Century Guitar Magazine
November 2005 review
Hear "A New Heart" and "Spheres" on Ernie Ball Radio at www.ErnieBall.com!
Featured in Guitar Player Magazine "Spotlight" and 20th Century Guitar's "Guitars Centerstage"
George Vinson's
Project Onefifty
"Spheres of Influence"
"Spheres of Influence" is the long-awaited solo CD from guitarist George Vinson. As a session player and producer/engineer he has for the last 30 (!) years worked for hundreds of artists and recorded literally thousands of songs, jingles, and commercials. George is no stranger to band projects either; as a founding member of Paradox (and the earlier incarnation Spirit Band) he helped land several cuts on local and regional radio stations around the Southeast back in the late 80's and early 90's. He was a touring member of CCM hit-maker Glenn Garrett's band and went on to play with local favorites Sportz, Randy Hunter, and many others. Today George continues to lend his talent to various artists around the area including Marc Phillips, Kevin Derryberry, and Kevin Williams. Though he has recently relocated to the Nashville, Tennessee area, he continues to be an in-demand guitarist and bassist at studios around his home town of Birmingham, Alabama.
With "Spheres of Influence" George is finally pushed from the backline to the forefront. But rather than simply put out a CD of guitar-driven instrumental music, George wanted to do something a little bit different. While SOI is a great mixture of great guitar tones and textures, roughly half of the project features vocal-driven songs. The other half of this project (the instrumentals) range from the Pink Floyd-inspired atmospherics of the opener "Spheres" and the powerful Beatles/George Harrison tribute "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", to the more intimate acoustic-based originals "The Mayor of Ponte Tresa" and the woefully short "Segue". "The Fountain" is a GV arrangement of the old hymn "There Is A Fountain" which he has been performing for years.
But how does a 'non-singer' like George not do an all-instrumental recording project? For the vocal tunes he took a page from the playbook of one of his influences, the Alan Parsons Project; use a different singer for each song! What initially seemed problematic turned out to be very liberating as George could now choose just the right voice for each song. And having great friends who happen to be great singers made the toughest part picking who sang what! For "People Get Ready" the choice was easy; long-time friend and studio veteran Tony Wachter. Wes Hampton (initially George's choice for 'The Wall') came in to cut a 'scratch' or guide vocal while "Forty" was being recorded. The result? That guide vocal became the definitive take. And while GV's version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is technically an instrumental, Bates Brothers Eugene and Eric added a great touch to this arrangement with their harmonies. Former Paradox band mate Ricky Hall was always the voice George had in mind while writing "A New Heart".
But his 'Peter Gabriel-esque' treatment on the Kansas classic "The Wall" made finding the right singer for this song more difficult. Hotel and Split The Dark front man Marc Phillips stepped in to deliver an incredible vocal that sounds as if the song was written with him in mind. For the final CD tune, "Amazing Grace" George turned to Steve Wingo (in fact this version was conceived while they were on tour in Italy and Switzerland a few years back). Steve's distinctive vocal is filled with a passion and emotion that conveys the message of this hymn in a powerful way; a fitting way to close this remarkable project.
The music on "Spheres of Influence" is varied... and for a reason. The underlying concept behind this project is that of the various influences that have helped made George the musician he is today. As an 'influences record', SOI contains cuts that are either GV arrangements of songs by some of his favorite artists or GV originals done in the style of those bands. On a secondary level of influence, all of the people involved in this recording are dear friends who have had a tremendous impact on his life and work throughout the years. Lastly, the final layer of influence is the meaning behind the songs; each contains a message of hope that has informed George's life and music since he first picked up a guitar at age thirteen, the same age as when he came in contact with his 'ultimate influence', a personal relationship with Christ. It is George's hope that "Spheres of Influence" will influence others to examine their own influences and impact them to make choices about their moral and spiritual condition. His dream is to perform these songs live using all the technology now available to bring these powerful songs to life on stage with full band, sound, lighting, and video. He founded the non-profit organization Project Onefifty as a vehicle to bring this musical message of hope to the people around the world who need it most.
"Spheres of Influence"
Produced by George Vinson
Eugene Bates, executive producer
Recorded & mixed by Eric Bates,
Bates Brothers Recording, Hueytown, Alabama
Graphic design by Jason Lazzaro, Birmingham, Alabama
A Project Onefifty production
Project Onefifty is a non-profit entity that is supported by the gifts of individuals and business partners. For more information, go to www.project150.com or contact George Vinson 615-483-7436
Project Onefifty P O Box 287 Thompson's Station, TN 37179
All songs by George Vinson © 2004 Vinsongs Music (ASCAP) except where indicated.
reviews
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What a CD !!!
author: Phil GarrisonThis album is great. The experience that George Vinson has in the studio shines through in this album. Every song shows George's creative ability. I have heard "Amazing Grace" arranged 100's of times. This has got to be my favorite arrangement. Thanks George for allowing our Lord to speak through your music....
WOW ...
author: GayleIn all my life my memories have been made up of "WOW" moments ... George has given me that ... The entire CD is great ... and when you follow the journey of soothing, tho stimulating sounds ... you come to the epicenter of "WOW" .. George's rendition of "Amazing Grace" has become my favorite ... and one of the greatest "WOW" moments I've had ... I thank you ... ;) ... "G"
Feels like a concert
author: Bill GaphardtWhat I like best about "Spheres of Influence" is that it feels like a concert. It's not just a collection of songs - It has a sound and a flow with a beginning, a middle, and an end. What it reminded me of the most from my record collection is the Cirque du Soleil band [that plays at Treasure Island in Las Vegas while the acrobats perform]. Take this as a recommendation. It's a great band. Being a major Beatles fan, my favorite song is "While My Guitar Gently Weeps". George and the band really caught the spirit of that song (I even hear a little "Fool On The Hill"/"Nowhere Man" influence in there). I was almost hoping it would stay instrumental, but the vocals are good. I also enjoyed the "Maybe I'm Amazed" reference [In my opinion, the best thing Paul did after the Beatles] at the end of "Amazing Grace". This CD is definitely worth a listen.
What else can you say?
author: Terry Grissom- Fossilized Guitar player and Xian Music BuffThe playing no this and the concept of the album itself is about as good as it gets anywhere. George V. The album guitar work made me want to cut my fingers off. The best thing about it is the heart behind the album. Play it, George baby and keep the memories alive of those who are not hear to enjoy the work of your hands.
Incredible Sound! Great music!
author: Jason DavisIt's one of the best recordings/productions I've ever heard. If you want great music and to hear great musicianship, this is the CD for you!
A wonderful journey with the artist!
author: SJonesThe CD is very versatile, refreshing and original.
Music from the Heart!
author: Jim Pollard (sideman, session drummer)This recording is fresh with every encounter! It is a beautiful moment in time captured on disc. Check it out! Let it flood your SOUL!