Artist description New and very talented guitar-oriented Rock Band.Winner of the german Rock Prize(Soloprize) 1999. Best instrumentalist.Rolf Munkes: Guitars Signed now to Lion Music(Finland.)The release of the album "No more obscurity" will be in the beginning of November.Special guest-solo by Anders Johansson(Malmsteen/Hammerfall)and a track by Lance King(Balance of Power).

Music Style Hard Rock

Musical Influences Malmsteen, Moore,Rush,Dream Theater

Artist History Rolf Munkes was born on December 10th, 1966. He started playing guitar when he was 12 years old. Rolf took his secondary school examination in 1987 and went on to study plastics engineering. But he quit soon to become a professional musician. He started to teach guitar lessons to earn his living. In 1992 he co-founded ABRA, which has so far released two CDs. ABRA have had several hundred gigs and, in September 1998, they won their first record contract abroad.In 1996, Rolf enrolled at the Music Academy in Remscheid. His teacher was Michael Borner, a jazz guitar player. Guest teachers included Michael Sagmeister, Peter Wölpl, Wayne Krantz and others. Rolf finished his studies with the highest possible marks.He also took guitar lessons with the Frankfurt jazz guitarist Mathias Löffler. Rolf's comment: "Although he tried to win me over for jazz for two years, I still love rock music, but I also greatly admire Robben Ford, whom I had discovered through Mathias. This guy is a phrasing genius."In 1998, after having set up his own digital studio, Rolf dedicated himself to working on the songs for his solo project (r.m.b.rolf munkes band). From this he has developed his own distinctive guitar-playing style, which is characterized by clean, fast legato lines. The songs on the first demo CD are characterized by frequent use of two-part lines played by either a second guitar or bass. The entire record consists of accurately played and very creative compositions.This was confirmed at this year's International Music Fair in Frankfurt, where Rolf presented his demo CD LIVE (!!!) at the booth of Rath Amps. He received excellent feedback from fair visitors, musicians as well as the music press.On this record, Rolf uses a Gibson ES-335TD (y.o.c.1972) and a Fender Stratocaster, equipped with an OBL pick-up in the bridge position and two DiMarzio pick-ups in the middle and neck positions, combined with a Rath Amp Retro 50 (one of the first amps of the Retro 50 series).Encouraged by the strong feedback on the demo, Rolf plans to release his next record as soon as possible.The singer is now here! We are recording promo stuff for labels in the moment.Anders Johansson played a little guest solo on my upcoming.We will mix it in the beginning of July in Finnland at Nitrax studios(Nikolo Kotzev) Cd

Group Members Rolf Munkes:Guitars ;Rolf Munkes/Frank Hoefliger:Bass; Gerald Kloos:Drums

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals

Albums No more obscurity (OUT NOW)!!

Press Reviews Sound Check Mag:Gunther Matejka (chief editor): "I am impressed". Accurate play, creativity and compact compositions distinguish the production. The audience at this year's International Music Fair in Frankfurt was deeply impressed with the Rolf Munkes´ live performances at the booth of Rath-Amps. (June 99)Metal Hammer:One of the most talented German guitarists.Rolf Munkes presented himself to the German Hard Rock establishment with a spectacular demo CD. He proofs himself being a fabulous guitarist and plays styles like Satriani, Steve Vai and Tony McAlpine. Why are his three songs so much fun? Because it’s a journey through all parts of rock music and touches seventies-Bands like Wishborne Ash with his twin lead breaks.(June 99)Metal Heart Mag:Where has Rolf learned to play guitar like that?He shows that you don´t have to come from sweden to play highly gifted like that.Melody and brillant arrangements with an amazing guitarist make these song an event. Gitarre&Bass: This demo CD shows that masterly guitarists like Rolf Munkes are much too rare. A very good instrumentalist.(April 99)Vintage Guitars:Why is this music still a demo? The guitarist Rolf Munkes has extraordinary talent and his CD presents songs that are played technically and virtously brilliant.(May 99)Feedback Mag:In terms of technique he has improved tremendously and moves turbocharged on the neck.(May 99)Anders Johannson:Great Band with a superb drummer! Gerald Kloos is a Monster.John Finn:I love the style and the accuracy in Rolf´s playing- very rare to find. Michael Morenga: The drummer is a real freak !!Give me his adress immediately!!r Matejka (chief editor): "I am impressed". Accurate play, creativity and compact compositions distinguish the production. The audience at this year's International Music Fair in Frankfurt was deeply impressed with the Rolf Munkes´ live performances at the booth of Rath-Amps. (June 99)One of the most talented German guitarists.Rolf Munkes presented himself to the German Hard Rock establishment with a spectacular demo CD. He proofs himself being a fabulous guitarist and plays styles like Satriani, Steve Vai and Tony McAlpine. Why are his three songs so much fun? Because it’s a journey through all parts of rock music and touches seventies-Bands like Wishborne Ash with his twin lead breaks.(June 99)This demo CD shows that masterly guitarists like Rolf Munkes are much too rare. A very good instrumentalist.(April 99)Why is this music still a demo? The guitarist Rolf Munkes has extraordinary talent and his CD presents songs that are played technically and virtously brilliant.(May 99)In terms of technique he has improved tremendously and moves turbocharged on the neck.(May 99)Great Band with a superb drummer! Gerald Kloos is a Monster.I love the style and the accuracy in Rolf´s playing- very rare to find. Great! Virtuous in the style of YESThe drummer is a real freak !!Give me his adress immediately!!

Additional Info Hear two new songs via Real audio at www.Lionmusic com

Location Bensheim, Hessen - Germany

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