| Maxine Bio by Laurel Fishman Many remember Maxine Petrucci as the spitfire who blazed on guitar for the legendary Madam X and trailblazed for female rockers for the rest of time. Now she's at it with her newest solo release of original music on TKO Records, Titania. Things are taking off for this accomplished musician, now known simply by her first name. Maxine is not only celebrating instant success in Japan with Titania, she is additionally gaining international recognition through the European re-release of her groundbreaking Madam X album, the Rick Derringer-produced We Reserve the Right, through Majestic Rock. Maxine's also in good company on the latest compilation CD from Morley, manufacturers of guitar effects pedals. On the latest Morley Sampler album, Volume 4, all seven minutes of Maxine's blistering guitar solo "Max Attacks" from Titania appear among tracks by fellow artists Blues Saraceno, Malfunktion and others. From its long list of possible musician endorsers to choose from when putting together the album, Morley selected Maxine to be on the short list of those representing the company for one reason. In approaching Maxine to contribute her music to the Morley album, the company's artist relations rep, Bill Wenzloff, knew "quality would be there, because Maxine is such a great guitar player," he says. "Maxine's playing is definitely extraordinary. It's undeniable. All you have to do is listen to a couple of tracks on Titania to find out." Reviewers agree. Featuring guest appearances by sister Roxy Petrucci of Vixen fame slammin' on drums throughout the album tracks and world-renowned bassist Billy Sheehan on the title cut, Titania received the top score of 10 points from Metal Maidens issue #40. Metal Maidens reporter Toine van Poorten raves that Maxine's Titania is "one of the best hard rock CDs I've heard in ages... There's always something in the music that makes you realise that you're listening to something special. There's never a dull moment on the CD." Van Poorten calls Titania "a must-have for every devoted hard rock fan out there," and places Maxine solidly in the same league as Eddie Van Halen with this comment about the track "Max Attacks": "Remember 'Eruption' of Van Halen?" van Poorten asks. "Well, this is indeed 'part 2,' and I love it. Well done, Maxine, and both thumbs up for this great debut album!" "Maxine has finally claimed her throne of guitar goddess and boy, does she ever," Black Angel Promotions' online review of Titania states in no uncertain terms. "[The] title song, 'Titania,' kicks off with guitar riffs that are so thick and crunchy, they'll blow you away... Dare I say there is no man that can compete with this type of talent... She still rips like no tomorrow, and I mean RIPS!!!" In addition to handling the guitar work with finesse and originality, the multitalented Maxine also does all the singing, as well as playing bass on all Titania's songs other than the Billy Sheehan guest-starring title track. Strutter Web magazine comments, "The vocal job is nicely done." Says Burrn! magazine, "The vocals have a feminine touch, and the overall feeling is good." Burrn! also compliments Maxine's "flashy guitar solos and signature method of playing." As for the 1980s We Reserve the Right Madam X album making its reappearance, Kerrang! magazine describes Madam X's material as "a veritable stockpile of internationally anthemic tunes," and the Hollywood Press calls Madam X's music "furious slabs of hard rock crossed with a keen melodic sense, not to mention a witty, lyrical slant... a sensory overload of explosive rock 'n' roll." As Madam X's guitar player, Maxine is depicted by the Detroit Free Press as "a guitarist of unquestionable talent and madness... madness because she attacks her instrument 'just like the big boys do,' and this alone sets her apart and above most guitarists, male and female." With Maxine's three releases now in the international marketplace, the world is rediscovering what veteran rockers Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath (who faithfully attended all of Maxine's Madam X Los Angeles performances) and Rob Halford of Judas Priest (who often sat in with Maxine to play live) have been saying for years: Maxine is one amazing guitarist. Perhaps it's musician's musician Billy Sheehan who best sums up the hard-rockin' powerhouse that is Maxine: "She is a true rarity, a lady who has such powerful command of her instrument and her voice," he says. "Maxine has all the ingredients I look for in a player — she's rock solid, and she's proved her point live. Maxine is a spectacular performer." |