Paul Gilbert Releases 16th Solo Album, "Werewolves of Portland"
This morning, rock guitar legend and ArtistWorks instructor, Paul Gilbert released his sixteenth solo studio album entitled, Werewolves of Portland.
As with Paul’s previous record, Behold Electric Guitar, the musical inspiration for Werewolves of Portland stemmed greatly from Paul’s process of writing lyrics, playing simple guitar melodies, and then expanding on them. In addition to the technical shred licks sprinkled throughout the record, Paul’s melodic phrasing when playing with both slide and standard fingerstyle guitar techniques is staggeringly captivating.
Since Paul began writing the material for this new album during the heart of the 2020 pandemic, it wasn't possible to get a band in the studio to record with him. Fortunately, Paul didn’t let that hold him back. Unlike his previous albums, he plays all the instruments on Werewolves of Portland, including the drums, keyboards, bass, and, of course, guitar.
“The process of writing lyrics, then melody, then guitar, then backing it all up with the other instruments is a wonderful discovery that really started coming together for me on Behold Electric Guitar,” Paul explains.
Paul prefaced the much-anticipated ten-track album with three single releases, two of which were accompanied by music videos. The first single, “Argument About Pie,” was released on March 11, 2021, alongside a wonderfully whimsical animated music video featuring hand-drawings crafted by Paul himself.
The second single, “A Thunderous Ovation Shook the Columns,” debuted on April 14, 2021, and was released independently of a music video. This rousing track harkens back to the timeless classic rock power anthems of the late 70s and early 80s, with one critical and unique addition—Paul’s virtuosic technical prowess.
The third single and title track of the album was released on May 19, 2021, and was joined by an accompanying music video packed with Paul’s characteristic sense of humor. Through the technical syncopated melodies, fluctuating time signatures, and a double-tracked Alex Lifeson meets Eddie Van Halen guitar tone on “Werewolves of Portland,” Paul once again affirms his status as a virtuosic guitarist, consummate songwriter, and master musician.
Do you want to learn how to play the album’s title track, “Werewolves of Portland,” directly from the master himself? Check out Paul’s online rock guitar lessons here at ArtistWorks. As part of the Power Tools section of his course, Paul provides a step-by-step video lesson and associated tablature to teach you exactly how to play “Werewolves of Portland,” as well as 21 other prolific rock riffs. Sign up today, and begin studying with one of guitar’s fastest shredders of all time!
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Have you always wanted to learn how to shred on guitar? Through our comprehensive guitar lessons online and Video Exchange Learning platform here at ArtistWorks, you can learn directly from rock guitar icon Paul Gilbert, and get personalized feedback on your playing.
Paul’s course starts with the basics and teaches everything from beginner rock riffs to advanced shred techniques. So, whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, all levels are welcome and all students will grow and improve their skills as guitarists and musicians!
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