Mario Percudani - New Day (2010)

Mario Percudani is now the guitarist of Hardline, the band of Johnny Gioeli. He is also a guitarist in the Italian band of melodic rock, Hungryheart. But he also loves the blues and has formed Blueville, a band dedicated to the blues. In addition to all that, he is a producer, a composer, he knows how to sing (and rather well). In addition to these talents, the man is nice and more handsome. What qualities in one man!

But the influences of Mario don't stop at rock and melodic rock of the 80s. He likes James Taylor, Crosby, Stills & Nash & Young, Jackson Browne, The Eagles but also Bob Dylan and Lenny Kravitz. He admires all these artists who know how to install intimate atmospheres in their lyrics and their music.

Mario Percudani dedicates "Every single note in this album is dedicated to the loving memory of "his" father, Bruno Percudani." So, we know that we will be in close complicity and this for ten titles, with Mario. The proof is with the first title, In My Old Shoes, which, on beautiful guitars, comes to tickle the world of Steely Dan and other Californian bands of the 70s. Note, on this title, and throughout the record of beautiful female choirs (Elisa Paganelli and Barbara Boffelli).

Click here to watch the video of In My Old Shoes

Westcoast and jazzy atmosphere on the amazing Don't bother Me, swinging, moving well. Soft rock but of great quality. Not only Mario is a gifted guitarist but he has that warm voice that is very pleasant to hear. The piano / guitar bridge is superb. You Can Run is a swaying ballad, well done and never cutesy. Beautiful piano parts and pleasant female choruses.

Do not look here for murderous riffs that stick your head against the wall but look rather for cozy atmospheres, a little slow samba, bossa nova, like this pleasant Scarlet. A guitar game influenced by Robben Ford and Larry Carlton influences. We will not complain. Attractive too, New Day with harmonious and smooth lyrics, just like music. Another very nice solo very technical.

Click here to watch the video of New Day

Nostalgia and melancholy, this is the world of Mario on All Over. He asks himself questions, "All Over, All Over Fly Away Now Alone ...", on sad samba chords. Same atmosphere on the very nice Standing In The Pouring Rain. It is not sad and disillusioned but rather melancholy and somewhat bitter.

Click here to watch the video of Standing In The Pouring Rain

James Taylor, John Mayer and Michael McDonald are obviously major influences on Tears On The Water. A short jazzy solo colorizes this title. I'll Be There For You is a ballad where Mario's dobro does wonders. A nice sweet moment.

Click here to watch the video of I'll Be There For You

Jazz is here too with this cover of Billie Holiday, God Bless The Child. The atmosphere is respected with great admiration for Lady Day. Piano, trumpet and jazzy drums. Mario's dad had to love Billie Holiday's jazz. He would be proud of his son.

An intimate record, certainly but easy to access however because made by a lover of music in general and not stuck in one style. We take lessons of guitar, compositions and open-mindedness. Bravo Mario !

Click here to watch the video of Don't Bother Me