Rob Hoos

When reviewing music by a composer that is new to me I make it a policy not to read the inlay notes of the disc so as not to come to any preconceived attitudes regarding the music. So my first impressions of these "Twelve Divertimentis" by James Oswald played by Rob Mackillop on a 18th century wire-strung guitar was that of the composer not having a formal musical education but of a simple but talented minstrel perhaps from Scotland or Ireland who, given the rustic feel of his music, with its dance like movements, was employed to provide the music for local village dances.

Forty-some years into his life as a verified metal god, it probably seemed like as good a time as any for Rob Halford to make a Christmas album. As the singer for Judas Priest, Halford's distinctive and versatile voice screamed, growled and wheezed through some of the most recognizable hard rock anthems of all time. Instantly recognizable, Halford's singing came to embody all the danger, rebellion, and hedonism that heavy metal itself strived for. There's an hefty dose of self-awareness and irony in Celestial, a collection of metalized Christmas carols and traditional holiday tunes, and a few Halford originals in the holiday vein. The raging and sinister "Donner and Blitzen" is one such original, and its over-the-top production, heavy-handed delivery, and retro riffing come dangerously close to parody.

Rob Tognoni and his guitar have been treading the stages worldwide for the past 35 years. He has opened for the greats - Roy Buchanan, Stevie Ray Vaughan's mentor Lonnie Mack, Joe Walsh from the Eagles, shared stages with Peter Green, Sting, ZZ Top, Bo Diddley. He has represented Australia at the Royal Wedding celebrations of Prince Frederik & Princess Mary of Denmark, performed for FIFA World Cup Football in Kaiserslautern, played from maximum security prisons in Australia to Mozart's House in Vienna plus countless other experiences that have honed his skills. Rob is originally from Tasmania, Australia and goes under the pseudonym of "The Tasmanian Devil". His style is fiery, energetic, inventive and explosive. His roots are from blues, blues rock & classic rock but also adding many other colours to the palate to give him his sound & uniqueness.

Returning for his third album on Edition Records, 'Dahab Days' demonstrates the British guitarist's signature sound with fresh and lyrical new music. Featuring long-time collaborators Alice Zawadzki, Byron Wallen and Steve Buckley, the new record pushes the envelope and establishes Rob as one of the key members of the UK's thriving jazz scene.