Road Games is an EP (or, according to its vinyl sleeve, a "specially-priced 6-cut mini album") by guitarist Allan Holdsworth, released in 1983 through Warner Bros. Records originally on vinyl only; a CD edition was reissued through Gnarly Geezer Records in 2001.Patterson, John W. "Road Games - Allan Holdsworth". AllMusic. RhythmOne. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
Holdsworth is joined on the album by former Cream vocalist Jack Bruce (who sings “Was There?” and “Material Real”), his former Bruford bandmate, bassist Jeff Berlin, and then current Frank Zappa drummer Chad Wackerman. Former Juicy Lucy and Tempest frontman Paul Williams sings the title track.
Holdsworth claimed to have received no royalties from either release,Morrison, Mike (9 February 2006). "Allan Holdsworth Interview with Mike Morrison". therealallanholdsworth.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2006. Retrieved 16 April 2019. naming it as one of his least favourite recordings due to numerous creative differences with executive producer Ted Templeman.Brinn, David (10 November 2010). "Fusion, rock and something else". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 14 April 2020. Road Games nonetheless received a nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance at the 1984 Grammy Awards."Bio & History". therealallanholdsworth.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2012. Retrieved 14 April 2020."26th Grammy Awards - 1984". Rock on the Net. Retrieved 14 April 2020.
Critical reception
John W. Patterson at AllMusic awarded Road Games four stars out of five, describing it as "fusion-rock bliss" and Holdsworth's guitar work as "amazing". He also praised Chad Wackerman's "tastefully poised" drumming and Jeff Berlin's "killer" bass work.
Track listing
Personnel Allan Holdsworth – guitar, production Paul Williams – vocals (track 2) Jack Bruce – vocals (tracks 5, 6) Chad Wackerman – drums Jeff Berlin – bass Joe Turano – backing vocals Paul Korda – backing vocals
Technical Jeremy Smith – engineering Jeff Silver – engineering Gary Skardina – engineering Robert Feist – engineering, mixing Mark Linett – mixing John Matousek – mastering Joan Parker – production coordination Ted Templeman – executive production Tom Voli – executive production (reissue) Eddie Jobson – executive production (reissue)
Awards Title Event Award ResultRoad Games1984 GrammysBest Rock Instrumental Performance
References
External links Road Games at therealallanholdsworth.com (archived) Allan Holdsworth "Road Games" at Guitar Nine