Luigi Milanese
Closer To Heaven

THE REVIEW

Luigi Milanese is a highly regarded Genoese composer, a refined guitarist with great technique. In the past, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with big names like Pino Daniele and Max Roach. Influenced by rock and blues, he later developed a passion for jazz and classical music, eventually earning a guitar diploma from the Conservatory of Alessandria. All these influences have contributed to the creation of an extremely diverse background reflected in his work, characterized by fusion and an eclectic approach. In 2013, he released his debut album "Equinox," featuring several covers (Led Zeppelin and Bach). Now he has released a new album entitled "Closer To Heaven," which contains only original tracks.

The lineup is impressive and includes prestigious names such as John Hackett (Steve's younger brother!), Bob Callero, one of the best bassists in Italian prog, a former member of Volo, Marila Zingarelli on cello, Adriano Mondini on oboe, Federico Lagomarsini on drums, and Claudia Sanguineti on vocals. Musically, we encounter a variety of different sounds: Luigi Milanese demonstrates he has no limits or barriers between genres, freely moving from classical guitar music, as in "Acoustic Rules," to pop songs like the opening "Never Did" and the hard-rock grit of "Riot House." "All The Things I Never Said" begins with elegiac settings characterized by flute, oboe, and acoustic guitar before evolving into piercing metal sounds. In "Vision From The Well Part I," Milanese, after a symphonic intro, takes us through uncharted territories with melancholy atmospheres—as also present in "Part II"—where all the instruments perfectly interact with each other. The album closes with the short "Epilogue" and its bell sounds.

A highly recommended album for lovers of fusion and stylistic variety.