Danney
Alkana Danney Alkana, a skilled guitar player from Southern
California, put down his
ROCK THE BACH Reviews 20th CENTURY GUITARGreat classical music masters of the past have always been admired by rock fans. Now California-based guitarist Danney Alkana puts a new spin on the term classical rock. Arranging 10 memorable themes of Mozart, Bach, Vivaldi, Paganini and more for Stratocasters and synthesized strings, Alkana fearlessly fuses the realms of classical and rock. Even more amazing is that Alkana performs all the instruments himself – from multi-tracking the guitars to playing keyboards, bass and drums. With this much talent and musical know-how, it's hard to believe that the all instrumental "Rock the Bach" is Alkana's first major project. In the interesting liner notes, Alkana admits he's a confirmed rock fan, who bought his first guitar after hearing Jeff Beck's "Truth" album. On "Rock the Bach", Alkana expertly blends his knack for playing heavy metal guitar with his love of timeless Baroque and Renaissance music. CD SHAKEDOWN Weekly Reviews of CDs and New Albums Danney Alkana, a skilled guitar player from Southern California, put down his axe in 1981 when his band broke up. Fourteen years go by, and Alkana is working part-time in a music store. A customer asks him to play one day, which rekindles Alkana's love of music. Brought together with Lee Smith from Four Winds Music, Alkana is encouraged to record a rock set of songs by classic composers. the result is "Rock the Bach", ten tracks that will lift your spirits. Alkana provides all the instrumentation on the album, mixing his guitars with an electric orchestra ranging from synthesized woodwinds and brass to strings, pipe organ, and drums. The tracks include a selection from Beethoven's "Fifth," "A Little Serenade" by Mozart, and three selections by Vivaldi, including "Concerto in B Minor". Explains Alkana, "I would like you to know that I truly mean no disrespect by playing music by some of the greatest composers the world has ever known! My intentions are to promote the Masters to a new listener who may never have been exposed to classical music otherwise. For the rocker, my greatest desire and hope is that you wear out the CD, experience many hours of enjoyment, and want to hear more. If so, I will be there." The natural comparison is "Switched on Bach" by Walter Carlos, which used electronic instrumentation to revive classical works. Alkana is a skilled musician, and should help preserve his musical heritage. SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUN Steve Robles I'm going to say something to you that may frighten you. Ready? Classical music. OK. Wait a minute. Before you recoil like I just stuffed your mouth full of brussels sprouts, let me turn you on to something a little different. San Bernardino native Danney Alkana has blended virtuoso rock guitar with the time-tested melodies and intricate orchestration of the masters to create his latest album, “Rock The Bach”. Although it sounds a little strange and daunting, the album has been getting major airplay on Los Angeles rock station KLOS as well as area rock stations and college radio. I will admit that when I first received my copy of Alkana's project, I was skeptical. After popping it into my player and listening for awhile though, you could not wipe the smile off my face. Because of the unique nature of the work, Alkana had his doubts as well about the album's chances of success. "Basically, it's something I always wanted to do, but never thought anyone would ever be interested in it," said Alkana in a phone interview from his home in Chula Vista. After a short time of soliciting his demo, he met Lee Smith at Four Winds Records in Illinois. "I had been shopping my demo after I got back into music. I shopped it with Lee Smith at Four Winds Records – he wanted to do something with me, because he liked the way I played. The music I had written all had a bit of Baroque influence, and he said, 'Is that Baroque I hear in that?' I said yes and that is when he sprung the idea to do the album to me." A classical music lover, and musician from a young age, Alkana sees the Baroque period of composing as a heavy influence on his music. He is inspired and influenced by all aspects of that time period. "I started playing piano at four years old, and I loved playing classical. After that, the Beatles came along, and I got heavy into drums. Then I kind of got lost in pop music. I never forgot classical music, though. It's just something that's part of me, especially the Baroque era. The clothing, everything really fascinates me." Behind it all, though, Alkana is an artist. His respect for art and the meaning of art is a testament to his experimental nature. A nature that he hopes has a positive influence on a music scene that, in a way, he sees as bereft of artistic integrity. In the future, once he gets a little more feedback on "Rock the Bach", Alkana would like to tour cities, and put on a full blown concert using the city's symphony as back up. "My ultimate plan would be to get involved with each city's orchestra – have them do the background music that's on the album. I would have young people get involved to see how powerful classical music can really be. Our generation doesn't really listen to classical music that much." SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUN Steve Robles Part of the definition of a classic is that it holds universal themes and stands the test of time to appeal to many generations. Classics must be able to adapt and change with the times to insure that they remain fresh and accessible to those who have yet to experience what makes them great. With "Rock the Bach" guitarist Danney Alkana takes the pomp and splendor of the great masters of music and fuses them with the pomp and splendor of good old fashioned glam rock. Alkana blends many types of classical music with a unique brand of guitar playing and some keyboard work that brings a freshness to such pieces as the ubiquitous "Beethoven's Fifth" and a very interesting and satisfying rendition of Vivaldi's "Spring". "Rock the Bach" provides a joyful alternative for those who may feel intimidated by the idea of classical music. Alkana has created an accessable, enjoyable virtuoso album full of sly, respectful guitar mastery and a reverence for his subject matter. "Rock the Bach" will appeal to music connoisseurs and rock fans alike.
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©2004 Four Winds Entertainment®