Today I'd like to introduce you to an Italian musician, Luca Stricagnoli. According to his Web site:
Luca Stricagnoli, born and raised in Italy, is an acoustic guitarist known for his unique style and innovative playing techniques. His original approach to music has led him to a variety of successes from obtaining over 100 million views on his music videos to having the opportunity to perform all around the globe.
Using up to five guitars in the same piece, modified capos, and self-conceived stratagems, Luca continually leaves his audiences in awe and wondering what’s next for the up-and-coming guitarist. In addition to his musical abilities, Luca brings an enthusiastic energy to the stage that attracts concert requests from every corner of the world.
He certainly seems to have achieved considerable success without the backing of the major companies in the music industry. His YouTube channel shows a number of videos with views in the multiple millions, which is a pretty good indicator of popular success.
I've chosen a few of his videos for inclusion today, mostly featuring popular songs and pieces. You'll find plenty more at his Web site and on YouTube. Let's start with (literally) a classic: Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik performed on a banjo guitar (i.e. a banjo strung for regular guitar strings). He also uses a Pickaso Guitar Bow to produce some unusual sounds and effects.
Next, here's his foot-tapping version of the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive".
He tackles Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence" using a guitar fitted with what he calls a "Reverse Neck Slide", his own invention.
Stricagnoli plays a medley of three songs by Iron Maiden on a triple neck guitar, which he describes like this on his Web site:
This one-of-a-kind instrument was invented by Luca and turned into reality by Davide Serracini. It is the first guitar in the world to have a Reversed Neck and it has multiple unique features. It features three necks: a Standard Neck with 6 regular strings, a Soprano Neck with 7 high pitched strings tuned in scale, and a Reversed Neck with 3 bass strings and a fret direction which goes the other way around. This guitar opens up an incredibly wide range of new playing possibilities.
Finally, here's a medley of three songs from English group The Prodigy, played on acoustic guitar with some assistance from a xylophone-type instrument.
You'll find more of his music on YouTube, and his albums (three so far) are available on his Web site in digital or physical form.
Peter
This past Thursday, during our regular online game night, a friend said, "Oh, Peggy - have you heard Mozart on Banjo? It's on YouTube."
ReplyDeleteIt's been a busy few days, and I haven't had a chance to search it out...and now you did it for me. GRIN
Sticagnoli is going into my collection of odd but cool music, right next to Gregorian and "What if Mozart Wrote 'Born to Be Wild'". Thank you for sharing him/his music with us.
Peggy
I got his first CD. He is a real talent.
ReplyDeleteTwo of my kids play 4-string banjos. A true American instrument.
Three excellent covers of the Maiden tracks, 'Fear of the Dark, 'The Trooper' and Phantom of the Opera'. I love how he's kept the feel but smoothed out the sound.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to look for more from him now.
Great music! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteSounds good but exhausting to watch him! Also makes me not want to bother to pick up my guitar since I'm just a hack. :)
ReplyDeleteEven has some gun content on this iconic Western theme from Ennio Morricone: https://youtu.be/OB_tVv18Zhw
ReplyDeleteEricW, I have a couple of friends that play musical instruments and both have stated a similar thought.
ReplyDeleteThe Dragonette says that this is why she needs to find guitar lessons. She was also concerned about the contrasting manicures she'd need (short nails on one hand, long on the other) but I pointed out that any child who cosplays every week for the heck of it can get away with the nails.
ReplyDeleteOh - and his music is now on my Spotify list.