The best guitarist you’ve never heard of releases his sophomore album this week

By Steve Newton

Five years ago an Irish guitarist by the name of Joe Hodgson contacted me after checking out this website and thinking maybe I’d appreciate his new instrumental album, Apparitions.

And I sure as hell did.

The first time I heard the 16-track CD I was blown away by Hodgson’s ability to concoct gorgeous melodies and deliver serious shred. When I visited his website I discovered that he’s been hugely influenced by Gary Moore, which made a lotta sense considering Hodgson’s six-string virtuosity.

My enthusiasm for his talents led me to post a blog in 2000 with a headline describing him as “the best guitarist you’ve never heard of“, but his status as an unknown picker may soon disappear. This Friday (June 20) Hodgson will release Fields of Redemption, his 15-track followup to Apparitions, and it’s bound to make a name for him far beyond the Emerald Isle.

From the first soaring Les Paul licks of the opening song, “The Grass is Greener”, it’s clear that Hodgson hasn’t lost his knack for beautiful melodies over the last few years. And his intense neck-tapping abilities haven’t wavered either. As for the song’s official video, kudos to Joe for including the statue of Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott at the 2:42 mark. Did I mention that Joe’s Irish?

The guitar heroics get ramped up on track 2, the speedy “Shapeshifting”, which sees Hodgson wailing away in the stalwart company of bassist Vinzenze Benjamin, drummer Philipp Groyssboeck, and keyboardists Alex MontaQue and George De Angelis.

The third selection, “Stick or Twist”, kicks off with a slight AC/DC vibe before a bevy of horns turns it into something else entirely, with hints of funk and jazz sprinkled amongst Hodgson’s fret-burning displays.

Fields of Redemption also sees Hodgson delving deeply into the blues on the album’s only non-instrumental, “Since You Had a Hold on Me”, which features County Tyrone crooner Glen Harkin on lead vocals. He also gets jazzy AF on “Passing Time” and unveils his impressive fingerpicking capabilities on the folky “Moran’s Dew”.

If you appreciate adventurous guitarists willing to showcase their talent through various genres then the new Joe Hodgson disc could be just what you’re after. You can order it here.