The Sixteen Men of Tain is the tenth studio album by guitarist Allan Holdsworth, released in March 2000 through Gnarly Geezer Records (United States), Polydor Records (Japan) and JMS–Cream Records (Europe);Adler, David R. "The Sixteen Men of Tain - Allan Holdsworth". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved 16 September 2014. a special edition containing two bonus tracks was reissued in 2003 through Globe Music Media Arts. The album's title is a reference to the Glenmorangie distillery in Tain, Scotland.Robson, Andy (May 2000). "A beginner's guide to". Classic Rock. Future plc. Retrieved 16 September 2014. The Sixteen Men of Tain was the last recording to be made at Holdsworth's personal recording studio, The Brewery.Milkowski, Bill (5 October 2005). "A Conversation with Allan Holdsworth". Abstract Logix. Retrieved 16 September 2014.Prasad, Anil (2008). "Allan Holdsworth - Harnessing momentum". Innerviews. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
Critical reception
All About Jazz described The Sixteen Men of Tain as a "very comfortable listen" and recommended it highly, whilst noting that the album is less rock-oriented than past Holdsworth releases. David R. Adler at AllMusic awarded the album 4.5 stars out of 5, calling it "startlingly superb" and "full of fresh ideas and unadulterated improvisational brilliance". Both reviews also highlighted Holdsworth's more restrained use of the SynthAxe, an instrument featured prominently on all of his albums since Atavachron (1986).
Track listing
Personnel Allan Holdsworth – guitar, SynthAxe, engineering, mixing, production Gary Novak – drums (except "Downside Up") Chad Wackerman – drums ("Downside Up") Dave Carpenter – bass Walt Fowler – trumpet Duncan Aldrich – engineering Chris Bellman – mastering
References
External links The Sixteen Men of Tain at therealallanholdsworth.com (archived) Allan Holdsworth "The Sixteen Men Of Tain" at Guitar Nine