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DON MANCUSO by: Jonathan Mariante |
| Guitarist
Don Mancuso is no stranger to the rock scene. He's been playing since
the 70's with many bands, including backing up Foreigner singer Lou Gramm.
He now has this solo album out, and has employed the talents of many musicians,
including no less than five vocalists, two other guitar players besides
himself, four bass players, two drummers, saxists, and keyboard players,
a violinist, and three "additional" singers as well as himself. They are
all quite talented, and have turned out an album of fourteen pop-rock
tunes and ballads. The album starts with the perky "Alotanerve", and is
followed by the instrumental "Waaazzup", featuring the saxophone talents
of Brian Dobbie. Next up is a ballad called "Lonely Look", also featuring
Dobbie and other sax player Andee Mancuso (a relative of Don's?). Then
comes "I'm Free", followed by two instrumentals, "Blazin' Glory" and "Brian's
Song", the latter being only one minute of guitar jamming. Next up is
a cover of Badfinger's "No Matter What", which is followed by the industrial-flavored
"Eyes Of God", one of the harder-edged tunes on the album. Then comes
another ballad, the unplugged "Precious Child", featuring the talents
of violinist Sharon McHargue. This is followed by another ballad, "Black-N-Dizease",
which, in spite of the clever title, didn't excite me much. After this
comes yet another ballad, "I Fly", which once again features Sharon on
violin. We are finally treated to a couple of rockier tunes after this,
in "Freedom", featuring female singer Dawn Sherman, who has a very spirited
voice; and another instrumental, "Little Tail", in which Don shows off
his guitar talents. The album closes with one more unplugged ballad, "Memory
Lane", which is actually quite nice. All in all, this is a good album.
Don is certainly a good guitar player, and he's hired some talented musicians
to back him up. The only complaint I have about this album is it is a
little heavy on the ballads. Needs more rockers, Don. Aside from that,
well done! More Ear Busters
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