Brilliant, bluesy debut from awesome teenage talent
The Alex Tintinalli Band release their debut album, Nothing To Lose on March 11, 2007 on the Scarlet Dragon Productions label. Check out www.nothingtoloseCD.com.
Led by the 14-year-old guitar prodigy Alex Tintinalli, this is hard, authentic blues-rock at its sublime best, played with a technical virtuosity worthy of comparison with the greats.
The phenomenally talented Tintinalli, from Kitchener, Ontario, wrote and arranged the entire record, save covers of songs by his heroes, fellow Canadian Colin James (Voodoo Thing) and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan (Life By The Drop).
Alex is a truly sensational musical proposition. In a mere three-and-a-half years since picking up the guitar, he has reached an astonishing level of accomplishment in his playing and writing, that he fuses with an on-stage passion and energy which leaves audiences on their feet and open-mouthed.
He writes his own lyrics and directs his band, and in 2006 received a scholarship to the prestigious Guitar Workshop Plus in Oakville – a major recognition of his skill and potential. More validation came recently when the local daily newspaper The Record wrote a follow-up article about Alex, referring to him as the 'guitar-shreddin', blues-wailin', bar-rockin' mini-maestro of the local club scene. In 2005, The Record featured Alex on the front page at the request of his many fans.
Despite his tender years, Alex is referred to as 'an old soul' musically, a reference to his classic playing style and mature approach to writing, performing and recording.
The new album is an example of his expert musicianship, and songwriting way beyond his years. He is ably backed up by his band: on drums is Mike Boltz, a passionate, versatile percussionist who grew up surrounded by some great musicians, as son of Charity Brown (who had 11 hit songs in the 1970's); special guest on organ is John Lee, a stalwart of the Canadian blues scene for many years (having played with Mel Brown, Matt Minglewood and the late Dutch Mason); and finally, Alex enlists his dad Leo, who is no stranger to the music scene, on bass. Leo also doubles as band manager and co-producer of the album.
The album is a melting pot of all Alex's influences, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, Colin James, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, BB King, and Jeff Beck.
Alex's stage performances have evolved over the years, incorporating the stage antics of AC/DC's Angus Young, the psychedelic guitar feedback of Jimi Hendrix and smoking hot blues guitar leads of Steve Ray Vaughan.
Despite his special ability, Alex keeps his feet firmly on the ground and remains your typical teenager (he is also a black belt in Kung Fu). He makes his admirably humble musical ambitions clear: "I feel that good music and entertainment can lift people's spirits and in this crazy world people need more positive, uplifting experiences."
"I just want to be one of those experiences."
The band, who are becoming household names in Kitchener, have had quite an adventure since their inception. They have performed almost 30 times in 2007 across Ontario, and have even opened for The Yardbirds in July 2006 in Waterloo. What's more, the title track 'Nothing To Lose' was recently selected by the Grand River Blues Society for inclusion on a compilation CD, Got Mojo, which was released on February 25, 2007.
Alex sees an exciting future filled with shows that will one day enable him to travel and entertain all around the globe. He has already started writing music and lyrics for his next album.
You can find more information about Alex and the band at:
www.alextintinalli.com
www.myspace.com/alextintinalli
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