REVIEW: MIKE CAMPESE - FULL CIRCLE

 

MIKE CAMPESE - FULL CIRCLE (Independent, 2001):

Track List: 1- Touch the Sky, 2- Torches, 3- Dark Aqua, 4- Happy Snow, 5- Burgundy Mist, 6- Scatterbrain, 7- Africa, 8- Angel, 9- Velvet, 10- Crash and Burn, 11- In the Mirror, 12- Bourbon Street, 13- Whole Steppin, 14- Walkaway, 15- Tinted Windows, 16- Rescue Me, 17- Loralie

Here is the newest album from guitar virtuoso Mike Campese. This CD shows us a less introspective side of his playing than the one in "Total Freedom" his previous CD. Exploring melodies and moods through all the recording using different textures and guitar arrangements seem to be Campese´s main goal. And he has achieved it. It is really great to see how much technique this guy has and how well he uses to fit his songs (the good thing is that he puts all his knowledge to create the best songs that is possible instead of showing how much he can do on the fretboard). Check for example the semi-acoustic "Torches" with its darker sounding melodies (in fact here we can listen to some flamenco-like playing). Or check the beautiful Vai/Satriani/Macalpine/Chastain like melodies on "Dark Aqua". Plus the sound of the recording is incredible. Mike Campese is one name to be known when you talk about guitar. Favorite track: "Torches", "Happy Snow" and "Velvet". Contact: www.mikecampese.com