Shawn Lane
The Tri-Tone Fascination

On April 26, 2003, at the age of just 40, to the sadness of all jazz fusion enthusiasts, one of the most sensational guitarists of the last 20 years passed away, Shawn Lane, the absolute protagonist of jazz rock, a musician respected not only by his fans but also by great artists such as Frank Gambale, John McLaughlin, and Jonas Hellborg.

Despite his involvement in bands of varying musical backgrounds, Lane always expressed himself best in his solo albums, as demonstrated by his last studio album, the beautiful "The Tri-Tone Fascination," released in 1999, which represents a sort of musical testament left for all his fans.
From a musical merit standpoint, analyzing it coldly, this recording episode by Lane continues on the path already marked by the previous "Powers Of Ten," although in this case, the rock influences become decidedly more pronounced and assertive, whereas in the previous LP they were relegated to a secondary role.

However, deeply describing an album of this kind is extremely difficult, because, unlike some fusion releases that have a cold approach to music, this "The Tri-Tone Fascination" is laden with emotions and feelings in every note that comes from every single instrument: it's how you might find yourself appreciating the bloody rock of "Kaiser Nancarrow," and without even realizing it, you've moved through a "The Way It Has To Be" (one of the best tracks in the entire discography of the American guitarist) endowed with an undeniably rock spirit that "crossbreeds" with that jazz melody that melts you.
Not to mention the moments when Lane decides to unleash his sweeter side, it is precisely here that true immortal masterpieces emerge, such as "The Hurt, The Joy", a small work of art of infinite beauty, capable of melting even the coldest heart with its sweet and carefree melody.

Describing further would be a real violence on an album that more than an album is a life experience. I know it might seem exaggerated to you, but this album has something magical that can transport you away and make you forget, even just for a few minutes, everything that surrounds you. If you want to forget the ugliness of our world, take just a small leap into this rich universe, I assure you it's a good tonic.
I apologize in advance if the review seems a bit "sensationalistic" and blatantly biased, but give this album a chance and you will realize how much I am not exaggerating.