by Brian D. Holland

Carmine Appice’s latest, Ultimate Guitar Zeus, is just that, a CD release by an ultimate percussion god to guitarists. He has driven the rhythm for many six-string greats since heavy rock was in its infancy. He’s a rock and roll veteran, one whose name has popped up on different ends of the musical spectrum for over four decades now. From the remnants of Vanilla Fudge, Cactus, Beck Bogert & Appice, KGB (with Mike Bloomfield and Rick Grech), and other assorted projects, his energetic talent and candid personality have worked together in placing the celebrated drummer at the forefront of the music industry spotlight, a position often devoid of percussionists.

The only thing different about the title, Ultimate Guitar Zeus, is the word ultimate, as Appice has released other solo projects that have included the words ‘Guitar Zeus’ in the title, including ‘Guitar Zeus’ Volume I’, released in 2003. This album featured an assortment of Japanese guitarists throughout its tracks. Some of the song titles are rehashed as well, as ‘Guitar Zeus’ appears to be an ongoing project and a personal obsession with the amazing drummer.

This one is entitled ‘Ultimate’ for good reason. Along with the Carmine Appice Project central players: Appice on drums, percussion, and background vocals; Kelly Keeling on rhythm guitar, keyboards, and lead vocals; and Tony Franklin (The Firm) on fretless bass; its fourteen tracks contain guitar solos, guitar sections, and some vocals by many of the greatest names in rock history. For example, the album’s opener, ‘Days Are Nights’, features motor city madman Ted Nugent on guitar. The song is killer in sonic punch and rhythmic force. Nugent’s lead, reminiscent of his own ‘Stranglehold’ in places, is incredible, as is the driving rhythm playing of Kelly Keeling. The next one, ‘Nobody Knew’, features Brian May on solo guitar, and is a powerful rocker as well. Other names on the CD include King’s X’s own Ty Tabor and Doug Pinnick, Slash, Steve Morse, Vivian Campbell, Richie Sambora, Zakk Wylde, Neal Schon, Yngwie Malmsteen, and get this: Steven Seagal and John McEnroe.

The Carmine Appice Project’s Ultimate Guitar Zeus is an incredible CD, jam packed with heavy rock songs, all diverse in creative showmanship and style.

Ultimate Guitar Zeus Track Listing

1. Days Are Nights (Ted Nugent)

2. Nobody Knew (Brian May)

3. Stash (Steve Salas, John McEnroe)

4. Where You Belong (Slash)

5. Four Miles High (Steve Morse)

6. Gonna Rain (Richie Sambora)

7. This Time Around (Yngwie Malmsteen, Doug Pinnick)

8. Killin Time (Ty Tabor)

9. Doing Fine (Vivian Campbell)

10. Under The Moon And Sun (Mick Mars, Edgar Winter)

11. Code 19 (Zakk Wylde)

12. Out Of Mind (Neal Schon)

13. Do Ya Think I’m Sexy (Pat Travers)

14. GZ Blues (Seymour Duncan, Steven Seagal)

Produced by Carmine Appice

Label: Escapi Music 2006

Links
Carmine Appice
Purchase Ultimate Guitar Zeus