With the perspective of a mystic and the testosterone of a teenaged boy, Al Polito writes songs that reconcile the opposites: the sacred with the profane, the spiritual with the sensual, the mysterious with the familiar. His high-flying vocals carry both power and vulnerability, and his deft guitar work is both sweet and edgy.
Instantly and consistently memorable, Al’s songs comfort the afflicted. But infusing his songs with irony and testosterone, Al is anything but a soft-spoken balladeer or manic-depressive. “We’re all afflicted in one way or another,†says Polito. “Despite or because of our afflicted nature we manage to be brilliant, and beautiful. I want to celebrate that in my music.â€
Al’s guitar work earned him the honor of playing electric and acoustic tracks alongside Pete Thomas and Davey Faragher of Elvis Costello’s band for the debut CD effort of Emily Tessmer. On his own recordings he has attracted the participation of musicians who have played with Sheryl Crow, Michael Penn, Van Morrison, Doobie Bros. and Three Dog Night.
Al has toured in California, Utah, Oregon, Australia and New Zealand, performing at festivals, clubs, songwriter venues, even fronting a gospel choir once. Songs from his debut CD, “Gift,†were named to Broadjam.com’s Top Ten a total of 8 times, and he has been added to FM and Internet radio stations across America.
Beginning in September '07, Al will be hosting "Jumpstart Your Art," (see http://jumpstartyourart.net) a workshop designed to increase artistic depth and productivity. The workshop will take place in Northeast Portland, and will use the three anchors -- guideline, deadline, and lifeline -- to cause an artistic riot among participants. Artist of all kinds - musical, visual, verbal, etc., are encouraged to apply.
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