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Review
"Wielding his guitar like a
mighty sword, DiFusco can sever your head, if need be, or simply
give you a close trim."Nevertheless, the first solo effort
by guitarist Sal DiFusco, defies all attempts at artist/genre splicing.
It just rocks! Wielding his guitar like a mighty sword, DiFusco
can sever your head, if need be, or simply give you a close trim.
But he's not all action; he can talk, too. His slow probing melodies
expose and lay bare secret-if not scary-places in your soul. Yet,
he doesn't just leave you there, he leads you through it. Nevertheless
is a wildly intense, exhilarating and cathartic ride.
With the release
of his CD, there is no question that DiFusco is now playing with
the big boys. His twenty five years of professional playing have
earned him acclaim from Kenmore Square to Red Square, but his roots
are deep and thriving in the soil of Boston. A graduate of the Berklee
College of Music in jazz composition, DiFusco is not just an alumni;he's
also a faculty member. For Sal DiFusco there is no greater reward
musically than passing along what he knows to eager young players.
He acknowledges with respect that his own rock/jazz-fusion style
was shaped by mentors Jeff Beck and Al Dimeola.
Yet, Nevertheless is a very personal statement from DiFusco. Reunited
with former band member and high-school pal, Mike Mangini (Grammy-nominated
drummer with Steve Vai), DiFusco wanted to convey the idea of overcoming.
"Even when it looks totally impossible, and everyone's saying,
'No way. It's too hard. It's too late.' Still, if you have that
'nevertheless' mindset, it can happen." DiFusco's zeal is both
refreshing and contagious.
Besides Mike Mangini's explosive drumming, the CD includes numerous
world class musicians: keyboardist Keith Reid, bassist Joe Santerre,
drummer Casey Scheuerell, keyboardist Paul Stiller and percussionist
Dan Foote. Also making an appearance is DiFusco's wife, Jennifer,
who adds her spoken voice to two of the CD's tracks.
Truly DiFusco is as original a composer as he is a player. From
the compelling battle cry of "Frenzy", to the exquisite
melody of "Nothing Without You," to the funky, playful,
make-you-smile "Chicken Neck," this man knows how to get
into your head and stay there.
Without a doubt, Nevertheless is a masterful achievement.
20th Century Guitar Player Magazine Record Review
With the release of Nevertheless, Boston-based guitar instrumentalist
Sal DiFusco establishes himself as a vital new force on the post
90's electric guitar scene. Acknowledging the influences that both
Jeff Beck and Al Dimeola have on his own work. DiFusco takes flight
with a number of fine, original, melodic guitar instrumentals that
ignite and soar at the same time. The album features excellent support
players such as Mike Mangini (ex-Steve Vai) on drums and Joe Santerre
(bass) while the addition of Sal's wife Jen DiFusco, who adds spoken
word vocals on two tracks, is reminiscent of Anette Peacock's on
the first Bill Bruford solo album. Clearly mixing the melodic savvy
of Euro-rock guitar great Jan Akkerman with the high tech wizardry
of say Allan Holdsworth. DiFusco comes up with an innovative new
sound. A spirited CD filled with DiFusco's spectacular electric
guitar pyrotechnics, Nevertheless sizzles from start to finish.
Bass Frontiers Magazine Record Review
Sal was told by his father "Nevertheless attitude, despite
all objects, keep going" Taken to heart, DiFusco has poured
his soul into his new release, Nevertheless. Sal and a couple of
his monster musician peers from Beklee College of Music, Joe Santerre
(bass) and Mike Mangini (drums) bind together to make the ultimate
instrumental rock rhythm section. Other musicians making a contribution
to this album are Casey Scheuerell (drums), Paul Stiller (keys),
Keith Reed (keys) and Dan Foote (percussion). Sal's singing guitar
lines are legato and flowing, often blindingly fast, always marinated
in cool crunchy effects. "Frenzy" features spoken word
over odd time and soaring guitar solos. Santerre plays on "Salt
is Good". Neverthess majestically wraps up this 10-song record.
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