One thing that I truly love, is when a great guitar player surrounds him or herself with a group of talented musicians. Then to record an album that will have rock music fans fall in love with it once they hit play. That is what Italian guitarist Matt Fillipinni has done here with his MOONSTONE PROJECT and it's debut release, 'Time To Take A Stand'. Right off the bat it is obvious that Fillipinni is a big fan who is influenced by Deep Purple and Rainbow. His playing has that Blackmore flavor to it, tone and all. This was my first time hearing his playing and I have to say, I was very impressed. Matt Fillipinni uses a variety of voices and styles to the maximum effect, from the groove laden funk rock and soul of Glenn Hughes on, "Where Do You Hide The Blues You've Got" with Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice to the hard driving rock assault of Graham Bonnet's vocal styling on "City of Lites." It was really cool to hear Glenn Hughes and Ian Paice playing together again, thanks Matt for making it happen. "Slave of Time" with Kelly Keeling is an emotion filled mover that will have your undivided attention. There is also a killer cover of the FREE classic, "Fire and Water", that is a must hear. Other guest appearances on 'Time To Take A Stand', include Eric Bloom (BLUE ÖYSTER CULT), Tony Franklin (The Firm/Blue Murder), John Lawton (ex-URIAH HEEP), and Paul Shortino (ROUGH CUTT, QUIET RIOT, HEAVEN & EARTH). For an album like this to get it right, the chemistry had to be dead on and this chemistry on this album is like white on rice! There are no fillers here. This is an album of sheer AOR brilliance. I for one, hope this is not a flash in the pan project and hear more from Matt Fillipinni and his Moonstone Project. A very impressive and eloquent album that should cement Matt Fillipinni as one of the finest guitarist in the world today.

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