Lee Nysted
Whispers of Wisdom

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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  With Whispers of Wisdom, Lee Nysted has become a sort of modern-day musical shaman. The title of this album suggests the invisible spirit within each of us that will guide us through the most troubling of times and deliver to us an inner peace - if we only take the time to hear its voice. His lyrics are both personal and philosophic, but he modestly credits a higher power for his inspiration. His acoustic guitar playing would have made Andrés Segovia sit up and take notice and his electric playing is on par with many great contemporary artists of today.

Nysted was born a free spirit, but life for him has not always remained that way. Along the path he was ravaged by an addiction that threatened the freedom and the life he prized. Thankfully he experienced a spiritual awakening that helped break the shackles that were dragging him down. He writes about this awakening on the songs "Whispers of Wisdom" and "Thanks to Ragsdale". Both are powerful compositions that incorporate his immaculate acoustic playing and his scorching electric guitar mastery.

"Aruba" comes straight from Lee's heart, and has a fun and exotic rhythm with a melody to match. He travels there every year for his vacation. It's a natural escape to paradise where he sits in the sun, sails on the ocean, and walks the sandy beaches. The beautiful scenery inspires Lee to pick up his guitar and compose some of his best music.

The Lee Nysted Experience includes an exceptional lineup of versatile musicians with Nysted playing guitar synths, electric and acoustic guitars, and sharing vocal credits with Andrew Johns and Yata. On the keyboards are Scott Bennett and Andrew Johns. Alan Berliant plays the bass while Todd Sucherman (Styx) and Matt Walker share credit for the drums, while Sucherman adds even more percussion. Together they create music that is at times powerful and cinematic, but when they really cut loose, it is with a fierce energy and passion, the kind that Lee lives for life itself.

I have always had a personal connection with Lee, and every time I listen to his music it becomes stronger. I imagine that one of those stars on the cover image to Whispers of Wisdom is Lee Nysted escaping from that fiery and turbulent nebula. Now he is free to drift off into the vast cosmos and shine through his words, his guitar playing and his art. For this music lover and intense listener, that alone means everything.

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