Matteo Mancuso is a global guitar phenom, and his latest album, “Route 96,” is a gorgeous tapestry of musical styles showcasing Matteo’s range of capabilities. To be honest, I was unfamiliar with Matteo until I prepped my GroundUP Music Festival Alberobello Preview and then followed up with a feature spotlighting Matteo’s style and technique.
Presumably, the album title “Route 96” derives from his birth year 1996 in Sicily. He started his current band in 2020, released his first solo album in 2023, and then his popularity exploded with the video release of “The Chicken” (which is reprised on this album) as well as the YouTube interview he did with Rick Beato suggesting that Matteo is (one of) the world’s greatest guitarists.
From all the hype surrounding Matteo, one might expect a high-speed pyrotechnic race throughout the album, but that is not at all the case. While the album is packed with many exhilarating moments, there are also oases of lush and colorful passages. The fusion-soaked album’s advanced arrangements shift focus from pure fast picking technique to deeper compositional maturity. Let’s dive in track-by-track!
Matteo burst on the scene in 2023 with his debut album The Journey after his prodigious ability caught the attention of the likes of Tosin Abasi, Al Di Meola, Dweezil Zappa and Steve Vai. The release of his debut with its perfect storm of dazzling fingerstyle technique and beautifully crafted compositions saw him adorn the front covers of multiple Guitar magazines, being hailed as the “world’s hottest virtuoso,” “the young guitarist redefining virtuosity,” and saw his international touring take flight with sold-out shows across Europe and the US.
This year, the 29-year-old Palermo, Sicily-based Mancuso returns with his second solo album, Route 96. While his debut was made over the course of three years, this latest release was written and recorded to a much faster timeline, as is often the case with sophomore records.
Route 66 features Matteo alongside Riccardo Oliva (bass) and Gianluca Pellerito (drums) and was recorded at Fico D’India Studios in Casteldaccia, Italy and produced by Matteo along with his father Vincenzo Mancuso.
–Matteo Mancuso.BandCamp
Track-By-Track
Solar Wind opens as a high-energy prog rock trio, showing both power and finesse with Matteo and Riccardo Oliva on six-string bass and Gianluca Pellerito on the kit. Matteo plays the main melody and cranks it up with some explosive bursts. Just past midway, Vai joins for a searing solo that vaults Matteo to another level. The combination of the two is an extraordinary dynamic, perhaps the “solar” aspect that drops down to a very serene Matteo playing a soft “wind” solo to close it out.
Fire and Harmony starts off at an acoustic level but quickly accelerates with some electric power. There’s a connection to the Pat Metheny vibe of the 80s, and to me, a distinct Lingus-esque (Snarky Puppy) burst at the end of the A-section. There’s also a quick phrase from George Benson’s Breezin’, perhaps unintentional, but distinct in my head. The title reflects the contrast between Matteo’s fiery playing as a counterpoint to the beautiful harmony laid down throughout the track.
Isla Feliz (feat. Antoine Boyer) translates to “happy island,” and it’s totally apropos of the tune. For the first half, Matteo doubles on acoustic and electric layering on an exciting, intricate foundation. It’s got a tropical feel and features Antoine Boyer on an acoustic solo midway. When Matteo and Antoine sync up in the second half on electric and acoustic, respectively, it creates a feel reminiscent of 80s Spyro Gyra (sans the sax parts).
LA. Blues One has a deep pocket groove with a bluesy twang. It swings with a catchy main theme that’s established by the midpoint. I feel like it’s a tune that could also come from Mark Lettieri of Snarky Puppy fame—even though it has L.A. in the title, it has a Texas touch to it. It’s no wonder he was tapped to be part of the GroundUP Italy festival.
The Great Wall has probably the greatest height distance between its melodic main theme “valley” and the soaring solo altitudes it reaches. The beginning is a very relaxing, crystalline, smooth glide with a huge power chord intermittently breaking through. Closing in towards the midpoint, Matteo starts his scintillating sprint up the mountain and then descends even more abruptly back to the calming head. It’s a lush and lavish journey.
Warm Sunset has a very warm, tropical feel. The guest drummer, Giuseppe Bruno, is able to navigate through the shifting directions of Matteo’s speed changes as he goes louder, faster, and then back into mid gear. What I find so appealing is the overall surprising dynamics of the tune without being overwhelming.
Black Centurion takes orbit quickly, and its vibrant guitar licks counter the prog metal rhythm underneath. The precision and power behind this pause for a brief respite halfway and then accelerate again along the main axis. This one is probably the most in line with the lightning aura that Matteo projects in his live appearances.
In the Morning Light shows Matteo’s softer touch and a nice way to awaken. The acoustic opening is serene and calming, and the underpinning repeat pattern serves as a cushy ride for the tune. The electric guitar-overlaid melody shows his thoughtful and mature touch that can brighten any day.
The Chicken is a cover tune originally penned by Albert “Pee Wee” Ellis of the James Brown band and made famous by Jaco Pastorius as well. On the original, the horns were “the chicken” carrying the lead. Here, it’s naturally Matteo zipping through at lighting speed. Valeriy Stepanov has a guest spot on Fender Rhodes and makes the most of a blistering solo midway that matches Matteo’s speed and vibe. There’s even a brief, killer drum solo by Gianluca Pellerito that segues back to Matteo for the ultimate closeout of the song and album. Bravo!
Route 96 Personnel:
- Matteo Mancuso: Lead, acoustic, electric, and classical guitars
- Riccardo Oliva: Bass guitars
- Gianluca Pellerito: Drums
- Steve Vai: Electric guitar on “Solar Wind”
- Antoine Boyer: Gypsy-jazz and acoustic guitar on “Isla Feliz”
- Valeriy Stepanov: Keyboards on “The Chicken”
- Giuseppe Bruno: Drums on “Warm Sunset”
Buy on Bandcamp
