Paul Gilbert is best known for two things; being a shredder and being part of MR Big. This is his first vocal solo album since 2016. Apart from Gilbert, the members are; Doug Rappoport (Guitar), Timmer Blakely (Bass) & Nick D’Virgillo (Drums).

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To these ears it is an eclectic mix that rarely follows the rules. Gilbert instead looked back to the late 1500’s and George Washington’s Rules Of Civility, WROC. As a musician, our guitarist is sweeping aside traditions and broadening his horizons with this quite diverse release, which highlights his virtuosity. Here he uses Washington’s template to create an album that is funtastic (no spelling mistake) from beginning to end.

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There is an unmistakable feel-good factor to the 13 songs on offer. Quirky rhythms and lyrics bounce around like a ball pit packed with toddlers, I told you it was fun. If you are looking for shredding you will be disappointed, as Gilbert’s playing is more succinct and largely free from histrionics, ok he lets loose occasionally.

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The idea for the album came to Gilbert while he was air born, during a flight. The album certainly has its moments, but perhaps is a bit long, however Washington’s Civility Rules were much longer; 110 of them! Gilbert utilises 13 of these as titles.

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WROC incorporates Jazz fusion alongside Zappaisms. Closing with ‘George Washington’s Blues’ the album ends with a Rock N Roll hoedown. It's possibly the most direct song on the album. Interesting but maybe not essential.