Alessandro Benvenuti has done it all; he's a top clinician at the Guitar C.A.P. section of the International Music Institute in Rome (www.imionline.it), session guitarist for Circe Digital Studios, columnist for Axe Magazine and most importantly writer of a fabulous debut CD 'Sonic Design'

Benvenuti's guitar style is best described as effortless. Every track on 'Sonic Design' is crammed with imaginative and super smooth legato lines, contrasted to wonderful effect by a highly percussive and advanced hybridfinger picking style. Benvenuti has developed these ideas to seamlessly weave virtuosi textures into his already musically rich compositions. It's clear within Benvenuti's world technical ability never overshadows the melody or direction of the song (aspiring shredders take note!).

It's also worth mentioning Benvenuti's masterful touch, he always sounds musical and in total control (check out the fluid lines on Golden Cage). Benvenuti has spent a great deal of time in writing an eclectic but cohesive mix of songs, (I'm almost tempted to say 'tunes' because the melodies found on this album are extremely catchy) and the styles swing comfortably between heady Jazz fusion and lighter Rock Fusion ('Eternal Dream' teeters on the very brim of ballad).

To inject a bit more variety into the proceedings, top US rock fusionier (yes...I made that up) Prashant Aswani and Aussie guitar god Frank Gambale contribute guest solos (Gambale features twice, playing on 'Eternal Dream' and 'EgoCentric'. Aswani drops in to trade lines on '10km More'). The result isn't quite the disastrous shred fest you might expect. Both players compliment Benvenuti's songs with consummate taste and Aswani especially, fires out some supercharged lines.

Hearing Benvenuti jam it out with these guys serves as a great insight into his liquid improvisational skill. It also gives us an intriguing glimpse into the prospect of 'JAM', a mouth watering collaborative project featuring Benvenuti, Milan Polak, and Joel Rivard. Check out www.liquidnoterecords.com for more info.

I personally find it inspiring to see 'Sonic Design' generate such a great reaction from guitar fans and critics alike (the album has recently been picked up for distribution by Tower Records). It is a reminder that talent and great songs can still make an impact and be relevant in our generic, sterile musical climate. Back in Benvenuti's native Italy, it's easy to see why he's becoming a fleet fingered phenomenon.