“Hollywood Guitar Maniac: Get Out of My Yard” is the newest instructional DVD from axe-master Pablo Gilberto. Currently the instructional is only available from Japan, but there will be a U.S. release on April, 23rd. However, the Japanese release includes a Japan-exclusive bonus live concert DVD filmed at the Hard Rock Cafe in Tokyo on August 1st, 2006.  It features every song off the new album, as well as “Scarified”, “Technical Difficulties”, and a beautiful rendition of “Mt. Fuji X'mas”. The sound quality on the bonus DVD is definitely lacking, but the camera work is generally good, and the show has a playful and intimate feel. Unfortunately the sharp tone of the guitar often overpowers the backing track. Nevertheless, the songs are plenty exciting to watch, even when Paul forgets how to play the second half of “Twelve Twelve” and eventually abandons the song altogether. His attempt at “Three E’s for Edward” on an electric guitar is barely audible at times, because he picked it extremely lightly to compensate for the guitar not being an acoustic like it is on the album. So there are some ups and downs, but it’s a good bonus DVD to have.

(Here's a sample of "Rusty Old Boat" from the bonus live DVD.)

 
The main DVD is where it’s at though… Paul breaks down every song on "Get Out of My Yard", and shows you how to play most of it (or at least the best parts). There are no tabs, but the camera work is excellent and Paul usually gives detailed explanations and plays each part at varying speeds. Once he finishes explaining each song, he talks about vibrato, alternate picking, hammer on’s and pull off’s, and arpeggio concepts played without sweeping. Then there’s an overly long and fairly boring unaccompanied guitar solo video from Racer X’s “Superheroes” Japanese tour. After that there’s some footage of Paul, bass player Mike Szuter, and drummer Glen Sobel doing some great live versions of “Hurry Up”, “Radiator”, “Rusty Old Boat”, and “Full Tank” at the Musician’s Institute. Finally the instructional comes to a close with Paul doing an acoustic / vocals cover of “Never Never Land” as the credits roll.

                                                                     -- Dave B.