Tony MacAlpine

Progressive metal guitar virtuoso Tony MacAlpine launched his training on piano and violin under classical tutelage, yet his later rock output preserved a strong classical stamp while also weaving in jazz and fusion threads. His first release arrived in 1986 as the instrumental Edge of Insanity, assembled with an all-star supporting cast that featured bassist Billy Sheehan alongside ex-Journey drummer Steve Smith. For the next effort, Project: Driver, MacAlpine assembled the short-lived band M.A.R.S. alongside drummer Tommy Aldridge, vocalist Bob Rock and bassist Rudi Sarzo. Once that unit disbanded, MacAlpine resumed solo work and simultaneously launched his own imprint, Squawk; following 1987’s Maximum Security he started yet another ensemble simply called MacAlpine, recruiting singer Alan Schorn, keyboardist Mark Robertson, bassist Mike Jacques and drummer Billy Carmassi. That group produced only one album, Eyes of the World, which surfaced in 1990, after which MacAlpine concentrated once more on instrumental releases throughout the rest of the decade, delivering Freedom to Fly in 1992, Evolution in 1995, Live Insanity in 1997 and Cab in 2000. Cab 2 appeared the following year.