Oz Noy - Ha! (2005)

Oz Noy is a rock guitarist who has a strong sense of humor and the creativity to come up with a wide variety of tonal distortions. His original struts throughout Ha! are consistently colorful and often witty. Of particular notice is "Hey You," which purposely sounds like a broken record and his interpretation of a pair of blues: "Blue Monk" and "Hit Me." Oz Noy can also play quite mellow, as he shows on "I Can't Make You Love Me," but he has the most fun on the more outlandish rock and fusion grooves. Fellow guitarist Mike Stern has a guest appearance on "Downside Up" and sometimes the rhythm section utilizes both Anton Fig and Keith Carlock on drums, but Oz Noy is the main star throughout this enjoyable and eccentric outing.