Album Notes

Visit http://www.mikedemicco. com for bio, discography, touring dates, more reviews and other info about Mike!

CD REVIEWS

String Jazz
Chris Burden, CEO

"As CEO of String Jazz, the largest jazz guitar label worldwide, I always appreciate playing like yours and also like to let the artist know how much he is appreciated. Keep up the good work."

Cadence: The Review of Jazz & Blues: Creative Improvised Music
As the Sun Sets
Mike DeMicco
(Blue Forest BFDEM-5701)
By Frank Rubolino

"Electric guitarist (Mike) DeMicco is into more spirited playing on his quintet recording, "As The Sun Sets." He uses exceptionally fast fingering on his improvisations to set the stage for his band to follow in up-tempo style. Bernhardt on piano adds plenty of drive to the session and Martucci throws in additional keyboard sounds. The music has flair and energy, and the musicians kick it into high gear with regularity. DeMicco takes flight on each song, displaying full clarity while the strings zing with his quick manipulation. Bernhardt is with him on each step, supplying the motivational comping or taking over the solo duties. In tandem, they are a neat combination for keeping the pace moving briskly in their straightforward manner.

On some of the slower pieces, such as "Deb's Dream," the mood mellows somewhat, but Bernhardt's solo perks things up.....and drummer O'Brien is a key force behind the scenes with his solid drive. Anderson and Leon exchange places as bassists; Anderson in particular turns in some very good work on "Lydian Grin." DeMicco gives a fine performance as leader of this band, and the nurturing support from Bernhardt keeps the session on the right track."

All About Jazz
http://wwww.allaboutjazz.com/REVIEWS/r0501_021.htm
As the Sun Sets
Mike DeMicco
(Blue Forest BFDEM-5701)
By Dave Hughes

"Mike DeMicco isn't yet a household name among jazz guitarists, but he's certainly on his way on the strength of recordings such as this. You've probably heard his work before. He has amassed some impressive credits: he's currently touring with the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, was a member of the early-80s fusion quartet The Dolphins (they released a couple CDs on the audiophile DMP label), has worked with pianists Dave Brubeck, Warren Bernhardt, and Chuck Lamb, and has plenty of folk and blues credits as well (Livingston Taylor and Rory Block, to name two).

His diverse resume has contributed to his playing prowess, but the program here is all progressive, creative quartet jazz. It's straight-ahead, but with a contemporary feel. Eight of the nine tunes on this disc are DeMicco compositions, and they're complex, intricate, and original vehicles. They're accessible, yet provide a good jumping-off point for some challenging solos by DeMicco and his bandmates. DeMicco possesses a fluid, melodic style and excellent technique and taste.

For this date, DeMicco has chosen his sidemen well (check the personnel below). Warren Bernhardt, in particular, just kills! He digs deep into each song and creates complex chordal lines, exploiting the changes for all their potential. DeMicco has enjoyed performing with the others in various contexts currently and in the past, so the chemistry among the players is assured."

Jack DeJohnette
"Mike DeMicco is a gifted guitarist, composer and improviser with a warm distinctive style and sound that deserves more attention."