Peppino D’Agostino: A Glimpse of Times Past

Solo guitar outings can be risky affairs. After all, the guitarist has only himself to rely on to create contrast, mood, and variety. Depth of emotion, or its absence, is hard to camouflage, and technically accomplished acoustic guitarists may not be able to sustain the listener’s attention over the course of an entire album. D’Agostino, who is Italian and has been recording since the ’80s, plays in a new age vein. He composed ten of the eleven numbers and his style is sharp and distinct. Brunch by the sea, or a garden party, might be the best context in which to appreciate the fingerstylings of D’Agostino and Lubambo.

Originally Published November 1, 1999