01. Arrows Of Victory
02. Stones
03. Don't Open That
04. My Little Guys
05. Lion Face
06. Snowy Day
07. Groove Cakes
08. We're Going Home
09. Take The Land
10. Armed For Battle

Review

In a world increasingly populated by "fast guitar shredders" who start to sound indistinguishable after a while, it's refreshing to hear something like Boston-based guitarist Sal DiFusco's Great Exploits that dares to do something a bit different. That is, bring to the arena of guitar based instrumental rock something it has noticeably lacked, namely soul, melody and solid songwriting. Each song carries beautifully crafted melody lines that cannot be ignored. Better still, the sequence of tunes moves at a brisk pace, there is never a dull or snoozy moment to be found.

And yes, there are more than enough over-the-top pyrotechnics to satisfy any rabid guitar fan, but here's the difference, Sal knows just when to go full-tilt and just as much, when to pull back (something the vast majority of "shredders" have yet to learn) and never lets the fireworks get in the way of a good idea. Better still, Sal has an excellent grasp on the concept of variety within his chosen genre. There's none of the usual "sameness" that seems to plague many outings of this type.

Sal's songs really come to life in the capable hands of ex-Extreme/Steve Vai drummer Mike Mangini and bassist Joe Santerre. They're not just support players, but are a very important part of the music. Mike's brilliant (and all too short) drum solo on "Snowy Day" is a marvel to behold.

Also notable is Sal's guitar tone, nice and throaty, full and meaty as opposed to the usually thin, screechy tone favored by many shredders. One can hear the soaring melodious influence of Jeff Beck and Carlos Santana in these outings, yet Sal is never copycatting either one. He's very much his own man.

The highlights? "Arrows of Victory" is a rousing starter cut. "Don't Open That" is my personal favorite with it's ghostly melody line and relentless 13/8 groove. "My Little Guys" (written for Sal's 2 sons) is a soaring ballad with teeth, something that would do Jeff beck proud. "Groove cakes" and "Take The Land" feature bluesy David Sanborn-esque alto sax from one Pat Loomis. And there's the full-tilt raging metal of "Armed for Battle" that would not only strip paint, but drive away charging horses at 60 paces!

The CD's production is crisp and clean, giving each instrument plenty of breathing room in the mix. Also notable is how Sal and producer Tom Waltz were able to incorporate tasty bits of electronica into the songs without being obnoxious or overpowering.

Trying to strike a balance between over-the top and tasty is never easy, but Sal DiFusco has taken on a formidable challenge and I dare say, succeeded!

"His guitar calls like a siren, ties you to the mast, and then races full steam ahead."

Great Exploits, the latest CD from rock/jazz-fusion guitarist Sal DiFusco, is itself a striking and notable feat. Wearing his heart on his Fender, DiFusco engages us in an emotionally charged adventure that rouses our spirits and carries us to places we may never have been or have long since forgotten. His guitar calls like a siren, ties you to the mast and then races full steam ahead.

On the heels of Nevertheless, his first solo CD, DiFusco is enjoying a creative surge that is resulting in deeper, more complex compositions. Drawing inspiration in part from the acts of heroism witnessed after 9/11, DiFusco wanted to pay homage to those brave souls who willingly and unselfishly took risks—most to the point of death. The result is Great Exploits, ten songs that, although varying stylistically, somehow leave you feeling as if you can do something courageous yourself.

Great Exploits reunites DiFusco with explosive drummer Mike Mangini (Steve Vai) and bassist extraordinaire Joe Santerre (John Finn Group). Also appearing is Pat Loomis (Winton Marsalis) who adds his unique alto sax to two tracks. The CD was engineered and produced by Tom Waltz (Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Letters to Cleo/Extreme), who also cowrote four of the songs. DiFusco plays all guitars, as well as all keyboards.
"Sal has a full range of musicianship and control on the guitar, and as a songwriter. His exposure to and usage of musical styles from jazz to heavy metal surface on both CD's. The versatility in these areas made recording with him a lot of fun for me."
Mike Mangini
Drummer for Extreme, Steve Vai
Associate Professor, Berklee College of Music

Great Exploits reveals DiFusco as a more mature composer and player. His songwriting is fresh and vivid. The ominous cadence and at times bagpipe-sounding guitar of "Armed for Battle" lingers in the air. The joyful and tender melody of "My Little Guys" fills you. And funky "Lion's Face" lightheartedly evokes images of '70s detectives like Shaft, taking a stand, cleaning the streets and keeping the peace. DiFusco loves to employ odd time signatures: "Don't Open That" in 13/8, "Stones" in 5/4, and Snowy Day" in 6/8. But more importantly, method aside, he loves to tell a story, and each song tells a story—a story of victory.

In addition to being an elite player, DiFusco is also a faculty member at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. He himself graduated from Berklee with a degree in jazz composition and knows there is no greater reward musically than passing along what he knows to eager students. He humbly acknowledges with respect that his own rock/jazz-fusion style was shaped in different ways by mentors Jeff Beck, Al Dimeola and Mike Stern.

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