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Expanding The Possibilites Of Solo Guitar
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Working out new, technical methods to apply to his instrument led to the music on Italian guitarist Pino Forastiere's CD-R. Featuring six solo guitar selections from a thirteen song collection entitled Rag Tap Boom, Forastiere and his engineer, Daniele Saracino, recorded the pieces using an elaborate miking/direct setup in order to capture seven tracks at the same time from different sound sources. The music was recorded in one take, with absolutely no overdubs; only the selection of the best takes and numerous creative mixing possibilities remained after the recording sessions were completed. The two parallel goals of realism and quality were achieved, and the result is the hypnotic and harmonically intenseness of tracks such as "Rag Tap Boom", "Uni-Verse" and "Thumb". Clearly, Forastiere is on to something here with his experimentation and devotion to the guitar. Fans who love hearing the interesting potential textures from one man and an instrument should stay tuned to more from this creative guitar player.
Pino was born in a small country town in the south of Italy. He moved to Rome with his parents in 1978 and began to study music. Some years later, Pino obtained his degree in guitar from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, passing his final exam with a ten string classical guitar. Using that guitar, whether on original or classical compositions seemed to expand the sound he was striving for. Later, Pino studied music composition, chamber music and sound engineering. His influences include Frank Zappa, Stravinsky, Michael Hedges and Maderna. Pino, in order to hear his music properly, developed a whole new physical approach to the six-string guitar. In 1999, he completed his first work "Overcrossing", which was both experimental and traditional.
Forastiere plans to continue to expand the possibilities of solo guitar through sound, technique, space and time.
Contact Information
Pino Forastiere
Italy
E-mail:
Pino Forastiere
Web site:
www.forastiere.it
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Delivering Multi-Genre Instrumentals
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California's James Plasencia submitted an eleven track demo CD-R entitled Think Tank, which features instrumentals in the hard rock, fusion, jazz and rock genres. All the songs, guitars and programming on the demo were written and recorded by Plasencia at home on a Marantz analog 4 track recorder. The bass, drums and keyboards were recorded using a Boss DR 5 drum machine. Plasencia used his Ibanez RG 570 and Fender Lone Star guitars for the rhythm tracks and the solos. Many styles are represented on the demo; full blown hard rock with shred leads can be found on "Escapism", while a George Benson like groove is present on "Coastal Groove". Kevin Eubanks' guitar style was the inspiration for "Dominick And Anthony", while the music of Don Henley drove the recording of "Brothers". For a full-blown CD, Plasencia only has to determine which stylistic path he feels most comfortable taking, and hit it with everything he's got. He's got the guitar licks down - and plenty of good ideas.
James began playing the guitar at the age of 14 by ear. In 1988, he attended the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, receiving a certificate of completion. James has live, recording and teaching experience and is also a member of BMI. It was the playing of Eddie Van Halen that really grabbed his attention initially and made him want to be a better player. Other influences include Joe Satriani, George Benson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Frank Gambale and Vinnie Moore. James attempts to incorporate different styles into his playing and writing, drawing from rock, soul, R&B, jazz, pop and blues styles.
Currently, Plasencia is preparing songs for another CD-R demo. This time, he plans on utilizing the talents of real musicians to help record the bass, drum and keyboard parts. Plasencia would also like to form a group in order to play his original material live.
Contact Information
James Plasencia
P.O. Box 550
Alhambra, CA 91802
United States
E-mail:
James Plasencia
Web site:
hometown.aol.com/japjam/index.html
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Vol. 17, No. 2: Feb.-Mar. 2012
