Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends – Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes (BHP Music Guitar Trax Records, 2024)
Exceptional guitarist Brian Tarquin invited an impressive cast of fusion and rock musicians to participate in his new album, Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes. As the title indicates, the album is a tribute to American soldiers who have fought for their country. Partial proceeds from the sales go to the Fisher House Foundation, that supplies housing to veterans’ families while they are hospitalized.
Despite the Brian Tarquin & Heavy Friends, this is not heavy rock. Instead, it is a superb set of enthralling instrumental music (except for the final track, which is an inspirational rock ballad) that features stellar electric guitar and violin solos. Likewise, you’ll also find dazzling dueling performances, by some of the finest musicians in the current contemporary jazz and rock scene. Stylistically, the music ranges from jazz-rock fusion to progressive rock, high energy classic rock, and plenty of awesome guitar and violin wizardry.
Brian Tarquin says about the project: “’Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes’honors military soldiers who defend our freedoms. I wanted a true star-studded musician tribute of soaring instrumental songs. So, I was very fortune to get such iconic players as Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford and Steve Morse to help me express our gratitude.”
Notably, Brian’s friends include Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford (Miles Davis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Dean Brown (David Sanborn), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth), John Tropea (Billy Cobham), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) & Larry McCray (John Mayall), the late Phil Naro, and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
The album Beyond The Warrior’s Eyes was produced, engineered and composed entirely by Brian Tarquin. Well-connected with star musicians, he is a gifted multi-instrumentalist, playing most instruments except drums, which are provided by Reggie Pryor.
Brian Tarquin, born on December 2, 1965, in New York City, is a talented American jazz fusion guitarist, recording artist, sound engineer, record producer, and composer. He has had several Top 10 radio hits in genres like Smooth Jazz, NACC Loud Rock, and Jam Band.
As a guitarist, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Larry Coryell, Joe Satriani, and Steve Morse. Tarquin owns BHP Music-Guitar Trax Records and Jungle Room Studios, specializing in instrumental guitar music.
Tarquin has composed music for various TV shows and films, earning accolades and awards. He is a producer and recording engineer, known for the Guitar Masters Series featuring legendary guitarists. Additionally, he has released albums in the smooth jazz and rock instrumental genres, highlighting his diverse musical talents.
In 2023, Tarquin released Brothers In Arms, dedicated to military veterans and bringing awareness to the Fisher House Foundation.
For more details, you can visit his website, briantarquin.com.
Track Listing
01 – “Behind the Iron Curtain” with Chris Poland
02 – “Beyond the Warrior’s Eyes” with Jean Luc Ponty
03 – “Common Valor” with Larry McCray
04 – “Faith & Hope” with Steve Morse & John Tropea
05 – “The Gates of Valhalla” with Eric Johnson & Dean Brown
06 – “La Sierre Del Norte” with Carl Verheyen
07 – “Quiet Desperation” with Robben Ford
08 – “A Soldier’s Journey” with Steve Kindler & Budapest Symphony Orchestra
09 – “These Colors Don’t Run” with Steve Morse & Phil Naro