I remember getting Richie Kotzen's 'Inner Galactic Fusion Experience' in '95 and instantly digging it because it reminded me of my favorite Holdsworth period ca. late 70's/early '80s. Richie was clearly going for a UK/Bruford type thing - he even had Jeff Berlin play bass on a couple of tracks, including 'Pulse'.
Chris Poland I have been in awe of ever since his Megadeth days - there was no other fusion guy playing in such a heavy band at the time. Chris has only gotten better since - his technique is mindboggling! Poland, to me, is like a bluesier Holdsworth, and one of the most unique guitar players alive. Check out his fusion trio, OHM!
Greg Howe is simply a legato monster, not dissimilar to Richie Kotzen, with whom he recorded in the 90's for Shrapnel. His fluidity is on par with Holdsworth IMO. Excellent cover of the Lifetime classic 'Proto-Cosmos' w/ Victor Wooten on bass and Dennis Chambers on drums
Finally, Darryl Gabel is just a sick puppy. Anyone that can pull off Holdsworth note-for-note is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4bia9RXYvU!
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