Awakening by Lee Wrathe

Description

There is a lot that I can say about this man and his music. I can begin by saying that he is one of the nicest, kindest, most humble human beings on the planet, and that he is someone whom I admire very much. Although I have never met him in person, I can say that we have conversed through messages and comments many times through social media, and I think of him as one of my dear friends.

Today, my friend Lee Wrathe has released and unleashed his first proper album, “AWAKENING” through Revolver Records and upon the world, and to say that it is the best instrumental album ever released would truly be an understatement!

Back in November of 2017, Lee had sent Sandi and I a demo of “Angry Sky” which is one of the stellar tracks included on “AWAKENING”. Almost a month previous to the day we received the track, Sandi and I had played Lee’s “Amazing Grace” instrumental at our wedding. Both Sandi and I felt so honored that Lee would share the demo of “Angry Sky” with the both of us, and we were completely both blown away by how amazing even the demo without bass guitar sounded. Hearing it now, in its finished production, is nothing short of absolute perfection! Just like the other 13 tracks on the album!

I remember the first time I heard Steve Vai’s “Passion And Warfare” album and the track “For The Love Of God”, as well as Joe Satriani’s “Surfing With The Alien” album and “Always With Me, Always With You”. They were just so beautiful and so powerful. Those albums, as whole bodies of work, were just masterpieces! Today, I heard “Losing You”, from “AWAKENING”, for the first time, and the impact that it had upon me and my emotions was something that I have never experienced as a listener. It truly pulls at the heartstrings and I can relate to the depth of its passion, its beauty, and its intensity. It’s moments like these throughout the whole “AWAKENING” album that people listening can relate to. The majesty of life itself, in happiness and in sadness.

I could go on and on, and into great detaill, about how wonderful and amazing “AWAKENING” is, but I want you to hear it and experience it for yourself. That’s why I urge you to purchase a copy of it, sit back, and just take it all in. The sheer gift and talent of Lee Wrathe’s musicianship as a guitarist, and as a songwriter, is impeccable and parallel to none!

With that being said, the production value of this album by producer Dave Buckley is stellar, along with the drum work of Paul Hose, and guest guitar solos by the incomparable Gretchen Menn and Tom Quayle, not to mention Chris Brown’s bass guitar on “Angry Sky”.

Honestly though, I can’t help myself. I feel that I have to say a little more about some of these incredible tracks such as “Orange County”, “Y B Blue”, and “idream”. All of them have some of the most badass guitar you’ll ever hear, and Lee’s solos truly reach the stratosphere. These tracks absolutely Rock and grab you from the moment they begin, never letting go! This album truly is one of heart and soul poured into every note played!

“AWAKENING” is absolutely the best instrumental album I have ever heard! Period! That’s not to throw off on the Vai’s, or Satriani’s of my youth in any way, because they are masters of their craft, but you have to include Lee Wrathe and “AWAKENING” at the top of the upper echelon of instrumental albums along with those two. That’s just how brilliant and phenomenal this album truly is! This is the masterpiece of masterpieces! 14 tracks make up “AWAKENING” and those 14 tracks will take you upon a journey well worth taking, and one that will be spoken of in the years to come as one looks back and reflects upon the greatest guitarists throughout the ages. Lee Wrathe and “AWAKENING” will be what the masses will speak of!

AMAZING album, Lee! A true work of passion and art, my friend! Bravo on such a masterpiece!!!!! I wish you much love and success, because you so well deserve it!

Lee Miller. (2019). The Masterpiece Of Masterpieces!!!!!. Available: https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Lee-Wrathe/product-reviews/B07NX3KYYL/ref=cm_cr_dp_d_show_all_btm?ie=UTF8&reviewerType=all_reviews. Last accessed 23rd August 2020.