Menne, Marcelo: Untold Stories

Argentine born Marcelo Menne is a guitar maestro and proves it on his first solo album Untold Stories. He is also the leader of the band Awaken Secrets which now appear to be put on hold due to band members jumping ship.

On this album Menne is joined by drummers Derek Febo and Zeke Zumback, bassists Steve Purcell and Aaron Sklaar and pianist Scott Mayfield. There are also strings played by Aaron Fried and Jane Hemenway. Aspiring guitarists take note; Menne can play with the best of them providing highlight after highlight. Marcelo combines Latin, metal, heavy rock with progressive touches here and there.

"Finding Myself" is a fine opener and has Menne going from soft acoustic moments to neo classical shredding. In "No Mires Atras (Don't Look Back)" classical strings leads to some of Menne's most fiery soloing on the disc. He is also able to slow it down which only adds to the dramatic effect. "Mystic Paradise" almost has a pop feel before building into one of the album's most progressive tracks with bright keys and prog metal riffage. Menne's acoustic guitar shines in the flamenco inspired "Dancing At Sunrise", the Latin ballad "Into My Soul" and the perky "Without Words" where his acoustic work is absolutely mind bending. The album ends with a reworking of "El Ultimo Adios", a touching tribute to Menne's late father. Menne's acoustic guitar is simply sublime.

Untold Stories is a must have for guitar fans as well as fans of instrumental music in general. Mennes guitar playing is tasteful, melodic and brimming with passion. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Finding Myself
2. No Mires Atras (Don't Look Back)
3. Mystic Paradise
4. Dancing At Sunrise
5. Into My Soul
6. Without Words
7. El Ultimo Adios (The Last Goodbye) (2013 version)

Added: September 29th 2013
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 2248
Language: english

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