Dan Arcamone: Trioisms

New England-based guitarist Dan Arcamone delivers a boundary breaking, genre-defying album with his debut, Trioisms. The album features Arcamone's trio of drummer Tom Ash and bassist Rich Zurkowski, who are constantly pushing the guitarist to new heights of creativity in his solos, as well as delivering memorable improvisations themselves. By bringing in influences from rock, funk, blues and jazz, Arcamone has created an album that is intellectually stimulating while remaining true to its roots.

All of the compositions on the album were written by Arcamone and each is a showcase for his wide range of influences. The opener, "Reptomin," draws upon a groove and driving melody line reminiscent of guitarist Tim Miller's "Untied," while "Bambolina" contains a faint trace of Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays' "Half Life of Absolution" during its melody section. Far from being an imitator or clone of his idols, Arcamone is able to bring out his influences while, at the same time, inserting his own personality. Each time Arcamone plays a lick or pattern drawn from the jazz guitar tradition he skillfully twists and turns the idea to make it his own.

Zurkowski and Ash bring their A game to every track on the CD. Both musicians attack each tempo and groove with their utmost ability and are able to bring the maximum amount of emotion out of every melody and solo section. While both musicians are talented compers, they also contribute memorable solos. Zurkowski's drum solo and trades on "So Long and Goodnight," as well as Ash's bass solo on "Jane Doe," are well-crafted, melodic and filled with energy and forward momentum.

Arcamone is a guitarist with incredible chops and harmonic ability. While other guitarists with his ability to burn up the fret board may overextend themselves and rely too much on their technique, Arcamone creates a good mixture of high-energy runs, groovin' chords and singable melodies. With such a strong debut, the sky is the limit for this young East Coast guitarist.