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Makes no difference where you first came in contact with Marty Friedman's playing: Deuce, Vixen/Hawaii, Cacophony, Megadeth, it all rocks. Given Philly's proximity to his old Maryland stomping grounds, might have been a couple of old timers in the crowd, who saw him w/ Deuce, back in the late ‘70s. My first chance to see an act in the intimate Foundry. Been around for a couple of years, but never any metal acts in the 450 capacity room, with couches and cabanas in the back. Not even half full August 2nd, first night of the guitarist's Wall Of Sound tour, so everyone had the opportunity to get a close-up of his handiwork, which is nice, since the stage is only a foot off the floor. Essentially this was an all-instrumental performance, at times stringing together compositions from all points of Friedman's solo recording career, including a trio from his 1988 Shrapnel release, Dragon's Kiss.

Marty was joined by three other musicians, including a female, Japanese bassist, who got a solo about midway through the evening. Sort of odd to watch a glorified jam session/rehearsal, with the expressive Friedman (still has one of the great heads of hair in rock) cranking away on his instrument. At times, he looks like he's in a trance, others, bending over backwards. He headbangs and moves around frenetically, seemingly exalting in each note. After "Street Demon" he briefly spoke to the crowd, "We're gonna play some rad shit," cue "Elixir". There was some backing tapes for "Tibet", which segued effortlessly into "Angel". The lone Megadeth track aired was "Tornado Of Souls" (as part of medley, that also included bits of "Ripped" and "Forbidden City"), but he had rerecorded that for Future Addict, so it really is/was a solo showcase. Although supposedly touring to support the new Wall Of Sound (which was days from being released), just two tracks were represented (in the latter half of the show), the single/video (which was already online) "Whiteworm" and heavy begun "Self Pollution". Old school duo of "Dragon Mistress" and "Thunder March" were bookends around a cover of the old Elvis chestnut, "Hound Dog" (the lone vocals of the evening), with visitors onstage. The final number, on the back of classical inspired "Thunder March" was the like-minded, almost quiet (by comparison) "The Ballad Of The Barbie Bandits". Man has some monster riffs!