The Haas Company - 2023 - Galactic Tide, Vol. 1

(66:00; Psychiatric Records)

The first release from Psychiatric Records by The Haas Company puts the spotlight on Andy Timmons, a dynamic guitar virtuoso who is perhaps best known for his work with the pop-metal band Danger Danger, although he was also the musical director for Olivia Newton-John, worked with Simon Phillips, Kip Winger, Paula Abdul and Paul Stanley, and sold over a million records with an extensive discography that includes heated instrumentals, blues, and high quality pop tunes. With drummer Steve Haas propelling the performances and keyboardist Pete Drungle contributing the music, Timmons plays with relentless passion, joined by Haas, Drungle, Kirwan Brown or Al MacDowell on bass, saxophonist Pete Gallio, plus a few guest appearances this is a blast from beginning to end.

One gets the impression that Timmons was provided with the music and told to take the lead over everything which had been put in place. It has allowed him to take this jazz rock fusion album into a very interesting place indeed, and any fan of great guitarwork or JRF is going to get a great deal from this. Like many, I have been aware of Timmons work for years, but rarely have I heard him sound so completely at home in an environment and while has always been recognised for his fluid playing, here he takes it to a whole new level. It is not a shredders delight, instead it is a master guitarist understanding his role in lifting the whole band and not just standing out front revelling in the glory. It is an album which will surely appeal to those who have followed Timmons’ career with interest or just like to hear great playing in a rock fusion setting and is certainly one to look out for.  

Kev Rowland, August 2024

Links:
https://thehaascompany.com/