Guitar wizard Jason Becker got his first public notice in the late 1980's when he and Marty Friedman formed Cacophony, a speed metal band which mixed a synergy of rock, classical and blues training. By 1990, Becker learned that he would fill Steve Vai's old slot of lead guitarist with David Lee Roth. His selection brought only brief celebration, because a week later, Jason Becker was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (A.L.S. or Lou Gehrig's Disease) an incurable, inexorable disease which attacks the nervous system.
Completing Roth's A Little Ain't Enough with a final burst of the stunning guitar work that rivaled Vai's, Becker was too ill to tour and moved in with his family. His deteriorating health did not affect his mind or his desire to create music. He conceived a project that would fill the next five years with frustration as well as satisfaction - the making of Perspective.
Using a Midi-based studio and keyboard, Macintosh sequencing software (Vision), and an analog recording system, Becker adapted to making music by computer, to translating the music he heard in his head into keystrokes. As the project moved forward, this young man of 26 found himself in a motorized wheelchair and unable to speak intelligibly - yet he pressed on with Perspective to its completion.
With this heartbreaking background, it would be tough to come out against Perspective - but sympathy isn't necessary. The album contains eight tracks of original material and a cover of Dylan's "Meet Me In The Morning". Primarily an instrumental album, there are some vocals on "Higher", "Primal", and "Meet Me In The Morning" although the first two have vocal touches, not story-type lyrics. If you can stop looking for Becker's speed metal trademark, you can appreciate the ethereal, slow moving beauty of these compositions. Think more New Age, not metal. There are interesting, appropriate sounds such as the bamboo flutes and rain stick on "Primal". Perspective is pleasant to listen to, and Becker wrote it to be uplifting. The album is recommended to those who enjoy New Age and soft, non-intrusive instrumentals.
Becker's next musical project which will definitely require computer software and a monitor sensitive to his eye movements; he is now unable to work the keyboard now. Believe in miracles, and check out the beauty of Perspective.
Becker has also established a $10,000 music scholarship at the Atlanta Institute of Music and is accepting applications through August 31, 1996. Applicants may submit audio or video tapes of any length to: Jason Becker/A.I.M. Scholarship, 6145-D North Belt Parkway, Norcross, GA 30071 The winner will be chosen by Becker.
