Biagio Biondolillo – Alone On This Here and Now
Clear and concise.
No, Biagio Biondolillo hasn’t just turned in a term paper, but his new CD, Alone On This Here and Now, offers a refreshingly simple take on the singer/songwriter routine.
Featuring 10 short tracks that boast no frills, Biondolillo traverses a number of themes and topics ranging from love to reflection to self improvement.
However, he addresses the potentially dicey topics with grace, cleverness and ease as he never bogs down the content by getting unnecessarily deep.
The music itself has its fair share of hooks, but calling any given number catchy would be a stretch.
And that’s not a knock on the superior acoustic guitar work and musicianship, either. It’s just that Biondolillo has done a darn fine job of having his music mirror his lyrics, and vice versa. It’s not too happy, not too sad.
“Deeper I Go,” the second track, is a bittersweet ode to how good things once were with a lost love. Bitter, because of the sadness of the subject. Sweet, however, because of the melody itself and the bright key it’s played in. On “Man I Want to Be,” however, it’s the exact opposite. The tune is a bit haunting, but the lyrics are downright inspiring.In addition to the guitar, there are many instruments here and there to embellish the sound and mood of certain tunes.
“Battleship,” the last tune, features a string and horn section that fades at the end after a dramatic crescendo. All in all, a fitting end for the album, given the vibe displayed throughout. Pound for pound and tune for tune, this album is like the perfect pair of jeans; it goes with anything.
This time of year? Throw on some hot tea, light some incense and you’re good to go. Then come summertime, nothing would go better with a sunset by the bay.
Corridor Records
beepcycle@live.com
