A versatile fusion guitarist who can also play fiery rock and straight-ahead jazz,
Carl Filipiak dominates his CD
I Got Your Mantra. Sometimes he plays with the power of an
Al Di Meola or
Buddy Guy, and at other times he sounds more lyrical. Most of
I Got Your Mantra showcases
Filipiak in a quartet with keyboardist Paul Soroka (who also has an excellent spot on tenor), electric bassist Steve Zerlin and either John Thomakos or
Dennis Chambers on drums. Guest musicians are heard in spots and "Memphis Walk," which has a brief rap and three background vocalists, is a change of pace. But otherwise
Filipiak stars throughout. While "A Day in the Life" is a sleepy opener, the music soon becomes intense with
Filipiak seeming to create different tones on each selection. His explosive playing on the closing "Too Much TV" is humorous and throughout
I Got Your Mantra,
Filipiak shows that he is one of the leaders of 21st century fusion. ~ Scott Yanow