Here is another interesting album I recently discovered not long ago by pure chance (google rocks!). “There is Hope” is a concoction of styles, which to me, are highly recognizable on some of my other guitar heroes. But more on that later, first lets meet the artist.

Marco [...]]]>

Italy's prog-rock guitar virtuoso

Here is another interesting album I recently discovered not long ago by pure chance (google rocks!). “There is Hope” is a concoction of styles, which to me, are highly recognizable on some of my other guitar heroes. But more on that later, first lets meet the artist.

Marco Sfogli, born in Italy in 1980 (makes me re-think how much I stink playing my favorite instrument, since we are both the same age -though I have more hair!) was initiated in the dark art of guitar playing at the age of 9. And while he had a brief stint playing drums, he returned to guitar playing at age 16. Marco’s resume include being a session player in Italy, and currently being the main riff-rocker for Dream Theater lead singer’s solo projects: James LaBrie; and has had the opportunity to play in one way or fashion with most of the progressive rock stable of names.

The first two cuts of the album: “Still hurts” & “Andromeda” are decidedly influenced and styled after John Petrucci’s album “Suspended Animation“. The tracks that follow feel to me as a departure from the album openers, and dwell into more rythmically interesting passages, as well as some amazing arrangements. The album-named track, “There’s Hope” has very sticky riffs and arrangements, and in my humble opinion, reflects the entire album’s essence: showcasing Marco Sfogli’s musical creativity and dexterity with the instrument.

Another track that that stands out is “Sunset Lights”, which carries a very melodic intro and a healthy amount of variations. Overall, the album is highly recommended and I can say it has kept me interested for quite some time. Each song has shed a new element everytime I’ve listened to them, and coming from me, that says a lot about the level of complexity of the material in this album. In my opinion, this is a “nice to have” album for anyone who has an appreciation for guitar playing, or a tooth for Petrucci’s style.

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