Mike Visconti (FlyDown)

3.pixy 103 artist of the month dec 20044.play in cover band (Flydown w Brian Kerins and steve k jon morelli....ex cyndi lauper)....5.tour a little w chris emerson opening for def leppard,sugar ray,hootie,bluestravller6. open with my solo band for ratt and population 1...7.work for a month w rudy sarzo (producing a female artist in boston ma)8.wrote/produced 4 cd's (take 3, in other words, a little left of center, string theory vol 1) w mike mangini and baron browne10. was in guitar one mag april '03...here is a review of a cd ive done!!! from foundry music .com ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .............................. Having previously reviewed Mr. Visconti's EP Take 3, I kind of knew what to expect this disc to sound like.WRONG!!From the opening Nuno Bettencourt inspired riffing of 'Detached', Mike clearly is not fooling around with what he wants to say with his guitar. Simply brimming with impecable tones, great songs, terrific musicianship (provided by monster drummer, ex-Steve Vai band alumni Mike Mangini and legendary funk/jazz/fusion bassist Baron Browne), this disc delivers on the promise that Visconti is clearly not affraid to show the world that he has a message to spread...without saying one single word.The guitar is his voice, the songs are the message and Visconti is clearly in complete control of what's going on. His use of melody is similar to earlier JOE SATRIANI, along with the aggression of George Lynch and Nuno Bettencourt while displaying the slinky-blues-soaked stylings of ex-RATT guitarist Warren DeMartini, yet Visconti is no mere clone of his influences. Visconti's clear talents lie in his ability to play for the song and never grandstanding to demonstrate his chops for chops sake. Unlike many of his peres, Visconti's stregnth is his songwriting ability and the power in which each track creates an imaginary image and feeling. If there was only one minor gripe about this disc, there aren't too many straight ahead rock tracks, but more mid-tempo groove-oriented songs that keep things a bit more on the introspective side, but none-the-less, this disc is a winner from start to finish and Mike Visconti's star is indeed rising...................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .. http://scrubrecords.com/artists/1936/....................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ...... January 2002 - www.foundrymusic.com "It's not often that I actually get to review a friends CD, so sue me for being a bit biased to Mr. V. This is only a short 3 song ep, but what it says about Mike's playing speaks volumes about him and the players involved. This ep features some pretty big names in the Boston music scene, with drumming provided by Mike Mangini (Steve Vai Band) and bass duties handled by session heavy-weight Baron Browne (of Steve Smith's Vital Information - Smith being the ex-Journey drummer) both of whom deliver killer perfomances throughout this ep.What makes the EP so good is the fact that Mike's songs are well written, arranged, and performed, and not the typical musical masterbatory excuses for excessive noodling and self-indulgent wanking which so often plagues the guitar instrumental genre.The disc kicks off with the aggressive "It's Go Time" and Mike V is on from the get go, with a thick meaty tone and great fluid chops throughout, allowing the song to build and breath, all the while giving it the serious groove and melody that it deserves. Visconti's playing also displays the bluesy edge and matuarity of seasoned pro and gives each track the proper attention to make complete musical statements and over the top performances without sounding contrieved or pretentious.Mangini's drum performance on this track is especially spectacular and will keep drummers puzzled for quite some time trying to figure out the double kick drum grooves. Next up, the well titled "Wicked Pissa (Wicked Awesome)" delivers another stellar performance from the rythm section, while Mr. V. takes control of the solo section with a killer off-kilter melody that is not only twisted, but melodic and hilarious at the same time. Guest guitarist Erin Carey takes an albiet brief outro solo, displaying great chops and smooth phrasing throughout.The final track (I did say this was a short ep) is "Heads Up", a nice mid-tempo, melodic excursion which allows Visconti to showcase his lyrical phrasing and gorgeous Les Paul tone. I am very pleased and proud of this guy, believe me, he has been at this for a long time. Boston has a new guitar-hero to watch out for. The Ep was produced by up-and-coming producer and guitarist Leo Mallace (current guitarist in Gary Cherone's new band Tribe of Judah) and expertly engineered by Steve Catizone, giving this EP a nice pro sound and mix. Highly recommended."............................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ..................................August 2002 - Metronome Magazine ITS GO TIME WICKED PISSA HEADS UP Guitarist Mike Visconti enlist drummer Mike Mangini and bassist Baron Browne to exercise his appreciable chops on instrumental guitar on his 3-song CD sampler. Obviously influenced by six stringers like Joe Satriani, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai (Manginis old employer) and local hero Joe Stump, Visconti cast out fiery riffs and arpeggios like they were the last notes ever to be heard on earth. His tone is thick as his licks melt in the air like a cascade of fireworks. Visconti is a very tasteful and talented player and could very well hit the music world in a big way. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ...............................May 2002 - Old Colony Memorial Mike Visconti - Take 3 Mike Visconti isnt your run-of-the-mill, fly-by-night guitarist. Having been in and around the local music scene for years, he takes his work seriously. With Take 3, he brings guitar playing to another level. On the three-song EP, Visconti is joined by Mike Mangini of Steve Vai Band fame on drums and Baron Browne on bass. Browne comes from former Journey drummer Steve Smiths band, Vital Information.Its evident early on that the relationship between Visconti and his guitar is unprecedented. He explores every aspect of his axe on the opener "Its Go Time." The arrangement is smooth in its wide-ranging approach. Visconti bounces back and forth between a classic rock vibe and vintage 1980s metal riffs.Visconti is so adept with his musical tool that he could be easily misunderstood for wailing on a Gibson Flying V guitar rather than the Les Paul hes actually playing. The Plymouth native cranks it up a notch on the in-your-face "Wicked Pissa (Wicked Awesome)." His solos prove that he could challenge many leading guitarists in the business today. Guest guitarist Erin Carey, also Viscontis bandmate in the local cover band Second Nature, lends some sharp licks to the outro "Wicked Pissa."On the discs closer, "Heads Up," Visconti sets the tone with a plethora of ballad-heavy melodies, fluidly showcasing his range. Its a shame the album had to end after three songs, but something tells met these arent the last licks well hear from this guitarist. ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .........................December 2002- Sound Check Mike Visconti - Take 3 - 3-song CD HHH Produced by Leo Mallace, Steve Catizone, Mike Visconti; Engineered by Steve Catizone; Mixed by Josh Pryor; Mastered by M Works; Recorded at Sanctum Sound, Boston, MAGot three fellers in the band: bass, drums, and guitar. In this group, its all about the guitar - yup - thats Mike. No vocals, its an instrumental ensemble, so were paying strict attention to those hooks and solos. Hes fast and clean and those arpeggios come at you rapid fire occasionally a la Yngvie. Drummer and bass player are doing their jobs and their playing is quite good. Only got three songs so Ill list them all: Its Go Time, Heads Up, and my favorite of the bunch Wicked Pissa (Wicked Awesome) with its flash licks, impressive drumming, and cute echo/pan FX. Contact: (508) - L.A. Joe......................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ...................................MIKE VISCONTI In Other Words 10 songsIn Other Words is nothing more than a studio guitarist's audio resume. While the crisp production showcases Mike's immaculate playing and great tones (looks like the head of a Parker guitar on the jewel case photo), the arrangements are modern updates of Joe Satriani's '80s instrumental releases (Surfing With The Alien comes to mind). No great grooves are to be had nor inventive melodic or harmonic guitar lines. For that matter, like Joe Satriani and unlike Steve Vai, there are no themes to hang your hat on, except for "Heads Up."In Other Words is for the true guitar fan. Heck, in his press release Mr. Visconti even lists the gear he used for the recording. Just like they do in Guitar Player Magazine. mikevisconti.com (Marc Friedman).........the noise mag........boston ma,......................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ................................................cd's... (1) take 3 (2) in other words (3) string theory vol 1 (4) a little left of center (5) combo disc 1 (6) combo disc 2 (7) *****************new cd aug 2006 w .....mike mangini and baron browne(me at 16 secs.....rock boat cruise 2009)
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