Jason Becker
Perspective

I do not remember how or thanks to whom I was introduced to listening to Jason Becker. One thing is certain: I will never tire of thanking whoever or whatever gave me the tip, almost 4 years ago now, to listen to this hero of the six strings. Now, according to a very special friend of mine, it seems that music itself, through unexplored and unfathomable channels, alerts the listener or musician who patiently seeks out new musical experiences of the presence of something special, and it is music itself that mischievously and enthusiastically brings itself to those who clearly want to ardently explore such new horizons. In short, according to him, it is music that chooses what for whom.

Well, see it as you wish, but by a strange twist of fate, someone who could probably have become the greatest and true god of the electric guitar, making any other guitar hero pale in comparison (think of one! Done? Well, good old Jason would have "eaten" him like a plum cake, perhaps imitating his style with just one hand, while maybe with the other he played the yo-yo!), since 1992 has been a victim of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and the music flows through his veins, shakes his insides, and gives him vital energy, hope, and joy.
This is precisely the channel, the hope and joy of living despite everything, through which music has chosen to communicate with him. His soul is in harmony with the music itself and "Perspective" is his true spiritual testament.

If indeed "Perpetual Burn" (1987) can rightly be defined as the true Bible of shred guitar devoted to technique and feeling, never banal and always melodious, "Perspective", released a full 7 years after its predecessor, years full of hardships, is the testimony of music that surpasses everything and reverberates everywhere.

Nine incredible musical moments, all different, animated by a distinct personality and where the use of keyboards and samplers is frequent. Indeed, from the tribal rhythms of "Primal" (the last song in which Jason could play the guitar) with Steve Perry as a special guest, to the liquid and intriguing "Rain", to the symphonic beauty of "The End Of The Beginning", where Micheal Lee Firkins studied Becker's style to interpret even the smallest nuances of the piece, to "Higher", the most touching, poignant, and emotional moment—thinking back still sends shivers up my spine and brings a tear to my cheek—to the "little blues" sung by Brett Tuggle "Meet Me in The Morning", a tribute to Dylan, perhaps the only "off note" of the package. But it stands as it is! Without considering obviously "Serrana", our champion's calling card, technique, and feeling brilliantly combined in a fascinating musical kaleidoscope truly worthy of a sonata. In a single word, incredible!

It is, however, an "experimental" album, where the guitar often enriches, colors, and shades the already powerful melodic lines of the pieces, where the imaginative and ethereal scenario of some passages is skillfully enveloped by the guitar arrangements never unnecessarily.
In short, nine bright emotions truly heterogeneous that almost unsettle the listener and seem to guide them towards that same light Becker has inside himself, that light which permeates every moment of this wonderful album and which the music must have felt and chosen.

"I have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gerigh's Disease). It has crippled my body and speech, but not my mind..."