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Rich Fabec: Talking to Shadows
Mercy Seat Records
Being a guitar teacher doesn’t
necessarily mean spending all of ones’ time in the classroom or studio teaching others what it means to play guitar.
Rich Fabec’s latest release Talking to Shadows on Mercy Seat Records lends solid backing to that truth. Yes, Fabec is
currently a guitar instructor at a local community college in his hometown of Anna, Illinois but he surely doesn’t rest
his laurels there. Heading to the studio and laying down some tasty blues/rock was something Fabec had to do. Mission accomplished
as he tears through 11 songs devoted to topics ranging from lost love to mental illness.
Not only does Fabec play
the heck out of his guitar but he handles all bass and vocal parts as well with the only assistance from drummer Al E. Sis.
I wouldn’t say that Fabec is the strongest blues vocalist I’ve ever heard. He does okay with this recording but
it might be something to consider on his next release in regards to bringing in an able singer so he can concentrate on his
expert blues/rock guitar licks. Fabec’s guitar is truly his voice and fits into every style of blues/rock he can muster.
This is evident on Talking to Shadows.
Fabec wrote all material, produced and recorded this CD allowing him to be
independently creative without the sometimes-watchful eye of a record producer who doesn’t seem to understand one’s
musical vision.
Straight ahead blues shows up on “The Other 99”, a song explaining how some people never
change how they treat others. Fabec tackles slide guitar, Delta style, on “Delta Blue” and delivers a strong showing.
Fabec goes instrumental on “Freekathang displaying a solid funk/rock beat.
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