Paul Gargiulo is a new name to me, but by all accounts Paul has been on the scene since the Eighties sharing stages with many artists, Paul has also played all over the U.S. This album I think is Paul's début and I would assume it can be obtained at his gigs.
The album has 11 tracks and starts with a very rhythmic "Electric Woman" , which is a bit reminiscent of The Beatles "Got To Get You In Into My Life". Though I must say I like this song very much, Paul builds it up very well with some melodic rhythm guitar playing, there is also some slightly rough lead guitar which gives the song a good edge. Paul has actually produced an album of Electric songs and Acoustic solo performances which isn't really blues but has a nice rootsey feel to it. Paul's guitar playing throughout the album is full of warmth and character and sometimes the playing seems very personal as on "Karinka" with the acoustic solo at the start of the song. "Holy Water" starts off with some good blues chord playing and also has some very nice guitar picking lead over the top, Paul adds the final ingredient of his gutsy vocal and the whole song works very well. "Feel The Fire" has some good melodic guitar and gentle yet solid singing on this catchy song. "A Kiss In The Wind" is a gentle ballad of lost love and of missing his father. "Tell The Truth" a chugging song, with some good vocals from Paul brings the album to a close. Paul's album isn't going to set the world on fire, yet it seems to be an honest piece of roots, guts and life type of album.
Paul Gargiulo's Website is www.paulgargiulo.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dave Thomas, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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