Michael Schenker, Gary Barden Release ‘Gipsy Lady’

The term guitar hero doesn't apply to many people. Perhaps just Jimi Hendrix, Slash... and Michael Schenker.

Schenker is back with a new album that might surprise a lot of fans. 'Gipsy Lady' by the Schenker-Barden Acoustic Project isn't anywhere near the Scorpions, UFO or MSG. Instead, 'Gipsy Lady' is sort of Michael Schenker "lite." Same great guitarist, none of the giant, electric solos. Think, "Schenker does flamenco" and you've got it.

"People are used to my acoustic periods," Schenker told Noisecreep. "I was always curious on how it would sound with vocals. It just happened to be ready now. It's good anyway to bridge the gap between now and the next MSG Schenker/Barden electric."

The "Barden" mentioned is Gary Barden, a man Schenker has worked with off and on for many years. 'Gipsy Lady' tends to leave the listener with a feeling that something isn't quite complete, perhaps a nod to the ongoing writing between the duo. Through the tunes on 'Gipsy Lady,' the listener can't help but be transported to another time and place. Schenker says his inspiration for the album is "inner endless spring" and that complex idea does seem to shine through in the songs. There are times it's easy to forget that 'Gipsy Lady' isn't the soundtrack to a Renaissance fair. That's not an entirely bad thing.

If anyone has ever questioned Schenker's creative control, let that be put to rest swiftly. "I enjoy [the] freedom of expression that I have had in the past years," he says with an unwavering confidence.

A few weeks ago, Noisecreep spoke with Metallica in advance of their Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame Induction. Guitarist Kirk Hammett mentioned that Schenker (and UFO) should be inducted. Schenker humbly replied "Leslie West should be there too."