New albums

4 min read

A selection of new and reissued guitar releases, including Album Of The Month

ALBUM OF THE MONTH

MATTEO MANCUSO

THE JOURNEY

(The Players Club) 9/10

While there are plenty of virtuosic young guitarists around, few are making the same ripples as Matteo Mancuso. Much of the appeal is his stunning technique as a fingerpicker, as he can shred with the same intensity of many revered pick based players. We’re talking Yngwie Malmsteen, Al Di Meola and Guthrie Govan levels with a flexible rest stroke/free stroke technique that’s super clean and precise. Plus, he has an improvisational vocabulary that’s well honed from years of gigs. So his debut album should cement all this. But what of the music? In short, it’s a very broad spectrum as he sets his stall as a virtuosic all-rounder with considerable craftsmanship. Silkroad is a slow and ominous groover, akin to Jeff Beck or Shawn Lane’s later trio work; it features a strong melody, whammy dips and crazy shred lines. Poliferno is a standard in waiting, with Metheny-esque lines and changes embedded in its waltz-time vibe. Falcon Flight nods towards the worlds of Holdsworth and Henderson with a guitar tone that’s rich, warm and expressive. Drop D is a vibrant rocker with a great riff and arresting lead lines. The jazzy Blues For John is a rich blend of bebop with tasty Larry Carlton licks, leanings towards Frank Gambale-esque 4ths and a screaming solo that dips into Henderson/ Lane territory. As for playing nylon-string, Time To Leave high wires between a ballad and late 70s jazz fusion as Matteo skilfully arpeggiates around twisting chord changes. He’s the full package!

(JS)

ALBUM REVIEWS BY JASON SIDWELL AND DAVID MEAD

STRUNZ & FARAH

SYNCRETIC STRINGS

(Selva) 8/10

This duo of two nylon-string guitarists has been a long and fruitful one, with great playing and compositions. Their blend of Latin, jazz, classical and Middle Eastern elements makes for involved listening. This new instrumental album’s trademark tones, and blending of styles sure impresses! Opener, Summerborn is a collage of guitars that arpeggiate, strum, harmonise and solo with precise 16ths and sextuplets. This Could Only Be features Al Di Meola on percussion (!) and the guitars sound sweet with octaves, harmonies, and rich highfretboard playing. The samba sway of Corriente Tropical has a strong rhythmic pulse and great guitars, while the title track has strong syncopated feels, intricate arpeggiating and exotic note choices. The 5/4 vibe of Figs And Pomegranates has a softness while the harmonic bite of b2 and Major 3rds adds real vitality. Stunning and beautiful!

CORY WONG

THE LUCKY ONE

(Roundwound Media) 9/10

The smiling dude with a Strat is known for laying down the tightest grooves since Nile Rodgers, David Williams and Paul Jackson Jr. With The Lucky One being his fourth studio album, he’s well on his way to c

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