Paul Gilbert - The Dio Album (CD)

It was pure chance that led Paul Gilbert to recording the music heard on latest release The Dio Album. The American guitar virtuoso was in his car when he saw something that made his heart start beating faster in a moment of unexpected, unadulterated joy. This was not a high value item of interest or even particularly rare, simply a baseball cap with the word ‘Dio’ emblazoned across the front. Sometimes, even for the biggest of guitar legends, it’s the little things that hit us in the most profound ways.

On his drive home, a plan was being formulated. Why not capture all of that raw energy and excitement on an album devoted to Ronnie James Dio’s most celebrated tracks – spanning across his career from Rainbow to Black Sabbath and the singer’s own solo endeavours? Gilbert is no stranger to instrumental music, but an entire album dedicated to replicating well established and world-famous vocal melodies on his trusty six-string genuinely felt like new territory. This was already shaping up to be a challenge that he would truly relish.

1. Neon Knights
2. Kill the King
3. Stand Up and Shout
4. Country Girl
5. Man On The Silver Mountain
6. Holy Diver
7. Heaven and Hell
8. Long Live Rock 'N' Roll
9. Lady Evil
10. Don't Talk to Strangers
11. Starstruck
12. The Last in Line