About This:

"Wielding his guitar like a mighty sword, DiFusco can sever your head, if need be, or simply give you a close trim."

Nevertheless, the first solo effort by guitarist Sal DiFusco, defies all attempts at artist/genre splicing. It just rocks! Wielding his guitar like a mighty sword, DiFusco can sever your head, if need be, or simply give you a close trim. But he's not all action; he can talk, too. His slow probing melodies expose and lay bare secret-if not scary-places in your soul. Yet, he doesn't just leave you there, he leads you through it. Nevertheless is a wildly intense, exhilarating and cathartic ride.

With the release of his CD, there is no question that DiFusco is now playing with the big boys. His twenty five years of professional playing have earned him acclaim from Kenmore Square to Red Square, but his roots are deep and thriving in the soil of Boston. A graduate of the Berklee College of Music in jazz composition, DiFusco is not just an alumni;he's also a faculty member. For Sal DiFusco there is no greater reward musically than passing along what he knows to eager young players. He acknowledges with respect that his own rock/jazz-fusion style was shaped by mentors Jeff Beck and Al Dimeola.

Yet, Nevertheless is a very personal statement from DiFusco. Reunited with former band member and high-school pal, Mike Mangini (Grammy-nominated drummer with Steve Vai), DiFusco wanted to convey the idea of overcoming. "Even when it looks totally impossible, and everyone's saying, 'No way. It's too hard. It's too late.' Still, if you have that 'nevertheless' mindset, it can happen." DiFusco's zeal is both refreshing and contagious.

Besides Mike Mangini's explosive drumming, the CD includes numerous world class musicians: keyboardist Keith Reid, bassist Joe Santerre, drummer Casey Scheuerell, keyboardist Paul Stiller and percussionist Dan Foote. Also making an appearance is DiFusco's wife, Jennifer, who adds her spoken voice to two of the CD's tracks.

Truly DiFusco is as original a composer as he is a player. From the compelling battle cry of "Frenzy", to the exquisite melody of "Nothing Without You," to the funky, playful, make-you-smile "Chicken Neck," this man knows how to get into your head and stay there. Without a doubt, Nevertheless is a masterful achievement.