Mike Sponza -Rough Souls
(Cornucopia)
www.myspace.com/sponzamusic

A prominent feature of the European Blues scene, Mike Sponza goes back to his roots with a trio format.

You may have enjoyed Mike Sponza’s effervescent approach to the Blues guitar playing in one of the numerous Blues Festivals around continental Europe this summer. Sponza has been the heart and soul of “Kakanic Blues”, a musical project linking East-European musicians to musicians from other countries, Italy especially. The results of that project, which hopefully will continue in the future, were absolutely impressive. In “Rough Souls” Sponza makes a welcome return to the trio formula that he has practised - with Roby and Ale Maffioli – since the late eighties. In this CD, the sound has a great impact – very airy yet powerful – with remains of Cream somewhere (Fire), traditional Chicago Blues (You can’t judge the book from the cover – Third Degree), acoustic-electric interplay (S.G.W.) evoking some sort of Allman Brothers style (no congas, unfortunately!). Yet, Sponza and the Maffiolis remain loyal to their own personality: they process their music with easiness and confidence, and ultimately the results are outstanding. PDB can confirm that Mike Sponza, in any format you might see him, is one of the most attractive guitar players around: he joins tone and control to power (Running on Empty). The final outcome is a thoroughly enjoyable album by a formidable trio.

Luca Lupoli

You Can't Judge aBook By the Cover
Running on Empty
Rather Than Being Free
Third Degree
Like a Baby
Fire
Something Going Wrong
I Didn't Know
Anxiety