The Elegance Lounge at Assembly, George Square , really isn’t the best
venue for Antonio Forcione. The pillars
holding up the tent mask the stage whilst the sound of punters permeates from
outside and this really is a music act to see as well as hear. That said, once the music begins, we are
transported to another realm that blocks out all other noise.
“The Fringe’s favourite guitarist” returns to Edinburgh once more. Forcione’s music incorporates elements of
jazz, blues, and Spanish and South American guitar styles for a sound that
epitomises World Music. This year’s
performance coincides with his newly released album ‘Sketches of Africa’,
bringing African rhythms and melodies to his playing.
The live performance, however, is a whole new experience to listening to
an album. Forcione plays with unrivalled
skill, incorporating finger-picking, tapping, percussive effects and other
specialist techniques that are aurally and visually spectacular. You’ll be amazed you’re listening to just one
guitarist.
He’s also accompanied on-stage by Italian percussionist Dado Pasqualini
and “the maestro” Seckou Keita from Senegal who plays the Kora – an
African instrument that’s a cross between a harp and a banjo with a bright,
shimmering timbre. Together, they create
an air of casual intimacy in a jam session filled with improvisation that had
the audience cheering and applauding after each song.
The music contains lush harmonies, complex rhythms (some audience
members even got up to dance!) and emotive melodies characterised with slides,
scalic runs and flourishing licks. The
three performers blended in rich textures, whist smiling and encouraging each
other throughout. Particular highlights
were the emotive Stay Forever, Madiba’s Jive (in honour of Nelson
Mandela), the evocative African Dawn
and Touch Wood – a solo number that
allowed Forcione to really exhibit his talents.
Most of all, the passion of the three performers is infectious. A technical marvel matched by stunning music,
Forcione is a world-class guitarist.
Sublime.
5/5
Listen: 'Sketches of Africa' is available now.
Watch: Forcione performs at the Edinburgh Festival until the 27th August.
Written for Broadway Baby. For more reviews, visit the website here.