Peppino D'Agostino Bayshore Road CD

Live Recording

Personnel: Peppino d'Agostino (guitar, acoustic guitar); Peppino d'Agostino (classical guitar); Stef Burns (electric guitar, bass guitar); Sheila E. (percussion).
Recording information: Blue 52 Studios, Sherman Oaks, CA (02/2004/03/2004); One Way Studio, Benicia, CA (02/2004/03/2004); Royal Recording Company, Benicia, CA (02/2004/03/2004); Spark Studios, Emeryville, CA (02/2004/03/2004).
Arranger: Steven King.
In a pairing that could probably only take place on a label owned by a visionary guitar legend, Steve Vai and Favored Nations' historic summit between two of the world's most renowned guitarists -- one an acoustic improvisational legend, the other an electric virtuoso -- lives up to its remarkable promise. Beginning with the snappy, midtempo, improv-rich title track (named for the street where they share a studio north of San Francisco), the collection celebrates the melodic and rhythmic joys of both guitars, as well as one of the instrumental world's most inspiring creative friendships and partnerships. There's a rich back story to the partnership, but suffice to say that the tandem was more than just a clever marketing ploy. Though the two are known in different worlds with different axes, they share a common ground in their love of blues and the Beatles, and their affinity for jazz -- typified by their crisp, ultra-percussive twist on the classic "Birdland" -- fits right in the mix. The best originals here include the mystical and dusty cowboy flick-flavored "Better World," the contemplative ballad "Inner Sanctuary," a romantic visit to Brazil called "Manha de Carnaval," and a crazy and fun bluegrass jam curiously named "Jerry's Breakdown." The disc prompted a successful tour of Italy, where Stef Burns is very popular, in early 2005. ~ Jonathan Widran
Guitarists Peppino D'Agostino and Stef Burns team up on BAYSHORE ROAD to create music inspired by the Bay area. The San Francisco six-stringers collaborate beautifully on this album and their music runs the gamut from soft and reflective to fast and furious.
On all 10 tracks, D'Agostino and Burns combine the warm, often romantic, sound of the acoustic guitar (D'Agostino) with soaring electric leads (Burns). Performing a mixture of originals and covers, this album also explores a myriad of musical styles. For example, the duo's gentle interpretation the Bonfá-Maria bossa nova "Manha de Carnaval" stands in stark contrast to the fevered pitch of D'Agostino's "Beyond the Dunes." Other selections such as "Venus Over Venice" highlight Burns's ability to phrase a melody with both clarity and deep emotion; comparisons to David Gilmore immediately come to mind. BAYSHORE ROAD closes with a spirited version of Joe Zawinul's "Birdland," which sees D'Agostino and Burns in heated interplay. Overall, the use of both acoustic and electric guitars gives this album depth, intensity, and color.

Dirty Linen (p.92) - "[A] fine conversation it turns out to be....Seven original tunes sit alongside three covers..."