I am a big fan of guitar instrumental music and a quick glance through my CD collection will reveal full back catalogues from Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Paul Gilbert and Shawn Lane alongside Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler. In my book if it moves me or inspires me then it’s good .It doesn't matter if it’s Metal, Jazz, Classical or Blues I have “open ears". Sadly guitar instrumental music is often just dismissed by some and sadly by being so blinkered they are missing out on some of today's and yesteryears most exciting music.

A name to add to your list of guitar players to become acquainted with should now include Lelio Padovani. I must confess here was a player I hadn’t come across so before I sat and listened to his album “The Big Picture” I stopped by his web site. The site is in Italian but don’t despair as down at the bottom of his home page is a little American flag. Click on it and the site converts to English. On the site Lelio has his biography, gear information and for you guitar players out there he also includes some great little lessons. From this you will gather Lelio teaches as well as plays guitar. He has also been featured in Mike Varney's “Home Town Hero's” section in the influential magazine “Guitar Player". Mike Varney knows a thing about Guitar talent. Remember it was he who brought Yngwie to the masses.

So what does Lelio’s album sound like, well it’s not neo classical it’s more a journey into a delightful world where jazz fusion meets rock and creates something both weird and wonderful. I played the album a lot and let it get under my skin which it did with ease. I found myself going back to the start and on each play it revealed different textures. What do I mean by this? Well the best, and only way I can describe it is on the first play I heard specific melodies but on the second play I could hear different melodies underneath which then changed the way I heard the original melody. Imagine that process after five or six plays and hopefully you can see and appreciate what Lelio is about.

The album was recorded at home by Lelio and he has done a marvellous job. With a bigger budget and a more live feel by using a backing band the sonic possibilities and potential are obvious to see. At times the vibe and experimental approach to some of the tracks reminded me of Shawn Lane and Allan Holdsworth. The album has real moments of delicate beauty and it also has a quirky sense of fun. One thing for sure Lelio knows his harmony inside out and as a result can create sonic tapestries, which sound fresh, bold and original.

All you lovers of guitar instrumental albums need to check this guy out and I for one will keep an eye out for the name of Lelio and watch with interest for his next recorded project

Let us know your views on 'The Big Picture'

Track List

Escape
The Novel
On The Beach
The Brave Melody
Serna's Diary
The Big Picture
22 Novembre
Into The Unknown