Justin Bernasconi – Winter Pick

CD review by Nick Charles

Fans of the wonderful “Stillsons” will be delighted to hear their guitarist/singer Justin Bernasconi stepping out on this tremendous solo offering.

Twelve tracks feature a mixture of instrumental pieces as well as his trademark deft lyricism and eleven of the twelve are originals. The one cover a Mississippi Fred McDowell song, “Gatekeeper”, firmly exposing some country blues roots.

Jeff Lang produced the album also adding some fine accompaniment along with other names familiar to T&A readers- Pete Fidler on dobro and fellow “Stillsons” sidekicks Ben Franz, double bass and Cat Canteri on drums. There are some more developed string arrangements by Samuel Boon too that feature cello, viola and violins that really appeal and add to an extremely eclectic palette overall and one sure to appeal to a wide audience.

I’m particularly impressed with some of the sonic textures and atmosphere that adds an element of surprise on the album’s journey.

Justin’s both a fine flatpicker and fingerpicker, not a wholly common condition these days, and his technique and taste reflect influences ranging from Doc Watson through the blues and into contemporary English singer songwriters.

A great buy for fans of both fine song-writing and just plain excellent musicianship.