Craig Collins Turner, a former guitarist of Quiet Riot, Network, Highlander fame, (and beloved Musician's Institute guitar instructor), was sadly lost to the world after a fierce and courageous fight with cancer. These final tracks that would go on to become Beautifully Brutal, were recorded during the final year of Craig's life - sonically reflecting the tumultuous beauty and frailty of his daily struggles. Working side by side with producer Dan Leffler, CCT's posthumous album audibly captured ten fierce, diverse and heavy tracks. This album is a celebration of Craig Collins Turner. This is Beautifully Brutal.
"The best music connects us all on such a deep level. It’s a form of communication that goes beyond the spoken word, reaching into our very souls and allowing us to experience that connection with each other that is at once magic and organic. It is emotion and feelings, belonging and rebellion, love and sadness and joy. It is a gift from God, a little window into what must surely be heaven.
That’s what I feel when I hear CCT’s music, his guitar playing, and songwriting. The pure emotion. I used to say to him “the music comes from your heart, flows to your fingertips, then to your guitar and out to the world.” I’ve never felt more understood than when I listen to CCT play, the heartfelt soaring melodies and delicate tender notes interspersed with heavy riffs. And I’ve always felt that CCT’s music takes me somewhere. It’s more than just an aural experience. The melodies and magic notes transport me to another world.
I hope you enjoy being transported. It’s a wonderful escape, beautifully brutal in a way only CCT could play." - Geralyn Ryan
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