Recent Reviews

November 2024

October 2024

September 2024

August 2024

[ More Music Reviews ]


Leo, Fabrizio Bicio: Mr. Malusardi
Fabrizio Bicio Leo Mr. Malusardi review

Leo, Fabrizio Bicio: Mr. Malusardi

Instrumental Guitar
4.0/5.0

Shrapnel Records
Website Facebook
by Craig Hartranft,  12.19.2011

Mr. Malusardi is my first introduction to Italian guitar slinger Fabrizio Bicio Leo. However, and although I can't read the Italian biography on his site, Mr. Leo is certainly not unkown, especially in Italy and the European theater. He has contributed to many artist projects and several instrumental projects, often with the Citriniti brothers, besides his own work.

Fabrizio Leo Photo

Above, Fabrizio Leo: looking serious, but stylish with his hipster scarves.

Leo falls into the traditional neo-classical style. Yet, to his credit, he offers good arrangments that both support and affirm his fret work. Also, important is his geniune strength in venturing beyond pure Malmsteem widdling. You can hear strains of straight rock guitar in many songs, falling along side the neo-classical. It's a fusion of sorts, but not necessarily venturing to the jazz side of things. Surprisingly, there are no pure acoustic numbers, and nothing that nears the blues. They latter seems to be common among neo-classical players and makes me wonder if they don't have the skill or interest in the very music that so richly informed rock.

Nevertheless, Fabrizio can play and play well. He can be heavy and fiery as on Weclome to the Mummy's Museum or Piedini Ballerini; blend the neo with rock guitar on Corriendo and Calactic Way to name two; then lighter on La Ville Lumiere and the title cut. Leo attempts the clever with omnious intro on Hammer Horror, his ode to the great Hammer Films; you can almost hear Christopher Lee or Peter Cushing creeping about. Eventually, however, the tune turns to a traditional neo-classial show.

Again, as with most solo efforts of guitar virtusos, Mr. Malusardi is platform for Fabrizio Leo nearly effortless fret skills, and this is exactly what you should expect. Recommended for all fans, friends, and aspiring students of the traditional neo-classical style.






In Short

Again, as with most solo efforts of guitar virtusos, Mr. Malusardi is platform for Fabrizio Leo nearly effortless fret skills, and this is exactly what you should expect. Recommended for all fans, friends, and aspiring students of the traditional neo-classical style.

Find A Review

Alphabetical Index

a b c d e f g h i j
k l m n o p q r s t
u v w x y z #
New & Notable
Read the Lionville: Supernatural Album Review

eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]