Giovanni Mandala
Hydra
© 2007 Giovanni Mandala (837101345835)
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Forging new ground between Rob Thomas, the Goo Goo Dolls, and LifeHouse, Mandala's hard driving rock guitar, soulful lyrics, and moody overtones lead us through life's temptations in a restless search for truth.
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Northern California’s guitarist, singer, songwriter, and gifted storyteller, Giovanni Mandala, has just released his solo CD, Hydra. In this breathtakingly original collection of songs, forging new ground somewhere between Rob Thomas and the Goo Goo Dolls, we’re led through a hero’s journey that embraces both the highs and lows of life. We navigate a myriad of emotional transitions through the soul of a muse who invites each of us to confront our own demons—while we’re called to courage as we triumph through the ages. The emotional songs and their poignant messages are filled with life, love, and lust. The new work, complete with 10 original rock songs combines acoustic and electric guitar in a blistering exchange of Counterpoint and Melodic Harmonies.
The CD begins with “Change,” a testament to the power of finding a second chance in life—a theme that’s close to Mandala’s personal story. “It’s Over” recounts love lost, when “all the glittering gold turns coldly into lies.” This theme continues with “Switchblade,” an up-tempo, hard-driving rock tune that chronicles the pain of deceit and the turning away from our emotional prisons. With “Stay,” a power rock ballad, we are touched by a mood that seeks to hold onto love, even though all hope is gone. “Hydra” is the CD’s title track, in which Mandala tells the story of his life and his own coming of age, through temptation and the relentless search for truth amidst the dark side. With “Courage,” the mood shifts. It opens with beautiful acoustic guitar, lamenting stories of loss in a poetic lyric that is met with a hard driving electric sound in the chorus section that reminds us of the inner resources of strength that can keep us moving forward, even against all odds. “Hunger Comes” is a swampy blues sound that calls our souls to find the nourishment we all crave. And this leads to “Fantasy,” which takes us on a hot and passionate journey through fire and grace, probing the depths of sexual fantasy and the nature of earthy delights. In “Inside Out,” where Bad Company meets the Moody Blues, Mandala brings us back to a darker mood, with heartfelt sadness when our best is not good enough. And this leads us to the final track, “One Last Breath,” a hard driving acoustic rock tune, that mixes a rap section with a counterpoint of street edginess that invites us to look deep within our soul, feeling alive in the essence of our being.
Mandala has been a professional musician for several decades. He has performed in night club venues such as the Roxy, the Pallidium, and the Whiskey. In 2001 he co-wrote and co-produced a CD titled Change in the Weather under the band name, "Chattie Kathy.” He has performed with the Von Ryan’s Express, Balance, 3-2 Look, and the Trish Perry Band. His new solo CD, Hydra, is the culmination of three years of writing, inspired by the beauty of Sonoma County and a life’s worth of complex, challenging, and ultimately transformational experiences. Giovanni will be performing in Northern California-- STAY TUNED for the 2008 Spring-Summer concert Schedule.
Press Release
June 4, 2007
Contact Information:
Giovanni Mandala
www.GiovanniMandala.com
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Giovanni Rocks
author: MusicConnoisseur#1This CD is a magnificent compilation of tunes, concieved by the talent and experience of an independent artist. The Hydra is a positive reminder to all who have the good fortune of hearing it, that REAL musicians don't need endless studio cuts and money to produce "Radio Hit" quality songs. Imagine what this CD would sound like with the resources of some major record label. The Hydra, Giovanni's first album, already well outshines most modern "rock" groups and the pampered posers that our media puts on our stages.
Excellent rock CD. Pick up a copy today!
author: Xavier P. (for RadioIndy)Giovanni Mandala’s solo debut entitled “Hydra” is an enlightening collection of adult alternative compositions. Looking deep within the soul, “Hydra” takes listeners on a pleasing quest for inner peace and second chances. A lyrical concoction of life experiences, personal reflections and heart-felt love stories make this CD emotionally and spiritually gratifying. Furthermore, catchy electric guitar riffs and an overall tight band sound provide the perfect musical medium though which Giovanni’s inspirational tales are best told. “Fantasy” stands out as vocally superior, flaunting Giovanni’s soulful voice and memorable melodies. Perhaps the most appealing quality of “Hydra” is its continual change of atmosphere. No two songs bear resemblance of each other, nor share the same theme or mood – a remarkable achievement. Moreover, industry-standard production marked by clarity and balance is the cherry-on-the-top of this package! Followers of Rob Thomas, Goo Goo Dolls, and LifeHouse will find ten new adult rock anthems in this clever collection!