Steve Vai has joined forces with rising Sicilian guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso on the brand new single ‘Solar Wind’, out now ahead of the latter’s sophomore album Route 96, set for release on 24th April via Music Theories Recordings.
Steve Vai stands among the most awe-inspiring guitarists in the world. For more than five decades, he has continually redefined the limits of the instrument. He has also openly praised young Mancuso, regarded as one of the most exciting emerging talents today, as he pushes the guitar to new frontiers of his own. Having the two appear on the same song should prove really special for guitar aficionados.
‘Solar Wind’ is the opening track on the new album from Mancuso. Trading licks with three-time Grammy winner and instrumental guitar mastermind Vai was a huge honour, according to Mancuso, and his contributions ended up making the opening track the most important song on the album.
“‘Solar Wind’ is a really special song to me. I believe Steve brought a whole new dimension to the music. I was listening to a lot of his solo records like Passion and Warfare while composing this music. He sent back his parts in just a couple of weeks and what he played was spectacular. It’s not shreddy, I wanted something melodic rather than over the top, but still very Vai-like.”
Route 96‘s concepts are said to be more orchestrated and developed, yet not lacking in creativity. Recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy, it was produced by Matteo along with his father Vincenzo Mancuso and features Riccardo Oliva on bass and Gianluca Pellerito on drums, alongside its various guests.
Tracks on Route 96 are: ‘Solar Wind’ featuring Steve Vai, ‘Fire And Harmony’, ‘Isla Feliz’ featuring Antoine Boyer, ‘L.A. Blues One’, ‘The Great Wall’, ‘Warm Sunset’, ‘Black Centurion’, ‘In The Morning Light’, and as bonus track ‘The Chicken’ featuring Valeriy Stepanov.
“I think I know myself better musically thanks to this album,” the guitarist commented. “I did go through a process of eliminating things, and through that I realised more about the things I liked best about the music I compose and hear. The first album was made when I was studying a lot of things. Now I study less but listen more to just the music that attracts me. Route 96 is a more honest sounding record, I would say.”
MATTEO MANCUSO UK LIVE DATES
13 May, Glasgow, Oran Mor 14 May, London, Islington Assembly Hall
