Biography of guitarist Tony McAlpin: childhood, music, success

Tony McAlpin - American lead guitarist who, in addition to his own projects, has worked with many different bands and musicians. Before picking up the guitar, he received a musical education in piano and also learnt to play the violin. His main idol has always been Frédéric Chopinwho he recalled as one of the most influential people in his life. This is why you can find interpretations of some of the great composer's works on many of his solo albums Macalpina... It's worth noting that Tony made a huge contribution to the neo-classical end movement 80-х! And his style, which is a fusion of instrumental. rock, shred, blues and fusion.it's easily recognisable.

Early years

This man's name is synonymous with modern musical virtuosity. Whether he is performing as a solo artist, band member, session musician, touring hired artist or producer, Tony McAlpin continues to prove that he is truly one of rock's most amazing and versatile musicians. His playing combines elements of classical, jazz and fusion. in the genre of hard rock / metal on both guitar and keyboards.

American guitarist and keyboardist, Tony McAlpin born 29 August 1960.. He grew up in Springfield, MassachusettsHe was immersed in music from an early age... As a schoolboy Tony was a classically trained pianist and violinist! At the age of five, he entered Springfield's Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical music under the direction of Marion Jensen for twelve years. Later Macalpine went on to music college HARTT in Hartford under the direction of Prof. Raymond Hanson. At the same time, the main musical influence for him has always been the following Frédéric ChopinTo whom he would later pay tribute in many of his studio albums. Tony first picked up a guitar at the age of 12 years…

Music

In a career spanning several decades, Tony McAlpin produced, written and arranged. 13 solo instrumental studio albums! In addition, he has released 4 an album with his jazz-fusion band CAB., 3 an album with his progressive rock band. Planet X and a number of other projects... It is worth noting that Macalpine played a major role in the neoclassical metal of the 80s: he was famous for combining blues and jazz fusion into one genre. Having received a classical music education, his subsequent rock recordings retain a clear influence of this period.

Tony McAlpin made his debut in 1986 the year with an instrumental album Edge of Insanityand then he formed a group MARS with the drummer Tommy Aldridgeand vocalist Bob Rock and bassist. Rudy Sarzo. However, the band quickly disbanded and Macalpine returned to a solo career, in parallel founding his own label Squawk. Releasing the album "Maximum Security."In 1987, he formed another band called MacAlpine...Their lone LP, Eyes of the World, appeared in 1990, shortly after which Macalpine returned to instrumental projects for the rest of the decade, releasing a series of albums, including Freedom to Fly, Evolution, Live Insanity.…

Back in the first half 80's Macalpine. became the leader of the neo-classical virtuoso guitarist movement of the mid to late decade! He may have been the first new rock guitarist-instrumentalist of the '80s, selling out the 100,000 copies in the United States. His debut album Edge Of Insanity and the one that followed Maximum Security have been cited by countless guitarists as their most influential recordings... As for Maximum Security, on this album Tony played all instruments (except drums), emphasising his musical dexterity. Macalpine continued his outstanding work in the 90-е, releasing critically acclaimed releases that remain among the best-selling titles of his discography.

The period of the 90s - what did it bring?

At the end of the 90's Tony joined forces with Derek Sherinian and Virgil Donati.to form the progressive rock band Planet X, regularly touring Europe and South America. В 1999 year bassist Bunny Brunel invited McAlpin to join his jazz-fusion band CAB along with drummer by Dennis Chambers and a keyboard player Brian Odger. This led to the release of their eponymous album in 2000, nominated a year later for a Grammy! Two more CAB albums followed, after which the band toured the world including Europe, Asia and Russia.

Shortly thereafter, Tony was invited to join the band of a guitar virtuoso Steve Vai (together with Billy Sheehan on bass guitar), where he played both guitar and keyboards, often duplicating Vai's impressive parts on both instruments... Tony performed and toured the world with Vai for seven years, performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people and appearing on a certified double platinum DVD entitled Live at the Astoria, London!

A new millennium and new successes

В 2006 the year Shrapnel Records celebrated Tony's 20-year career release "Collection - The Shrapnel Years" - an album containing some of his musical highlights, consisting of aggressive rock and fusion compositions that emphasise Macalpine's incredible technique and melodic flair... These tracks also contain outstanding performances from some of progressive music's greatest musicians including drummers Steve Smith и Dina Castronovoas well as bass players Billy Sheehan and Tony Franklin.

В 2007 Tony was the guitarist for the legendary French pop musician Michel Polnareff during a very successful tour of France! A special performance of the event was televised throughout France... Macalpine also appeared in the award-winning film 2008 years "Mad Men: The Hank Garland Story."playing a cameo role Wes Montgomery.

One last thing...

Proof that Tony can feel equally at ease as a guitarist and keyboardist, can be served by his co-operation as guitarist-accompanist with such renowned keyboardists as Vitaliy Kupriy и Derek Sherinian. His impressive career spans several decades! And the legacy Macalpina truly impressive...