by Tom Schulte

The artwork and titles here smack of new age schmaltz. However, it is worth it to get past this and indulge in this disc. Roth's technical ability is amazing. In front of a live audience he recreates magnificent orchestra masterpieces on his guitar. While Roth is on exhibition to display his advanced skill, he does not lose the melodic sense inherent in these pieces. Volume two features "encores and improvisation." Now, having won the audience over with sheer ability, Roth performs more for expression and melody in these pieces. Rather than perform with an orchestra (rarely a successful marriage), Roth's rock combo offers exciting arrangements of classical works and original compositions that exploit the expressive possibilities of virtuoso electric guitar.