EXPERIENCE HENDRIX MAGAZINE Vol. 3 / Issue 1

By Frank-John Hadley

Guitar Pete Brasino is one of the leading “rockin’ blues” players around; his technique and imagination are the equal of many a more famous guitarist. Best known as a sideman with David Bowie, Tears for Fears and Michael Monroe and as a regular on MTV’s Summershare, he deserves his moment in the sun.

It would be easy for Brasino to follow the template of Stevie Ray Vaughan, but this thirtysomething New Yorker plays with his own musical personality. To that end, his approach to the electric guitar is varied and resourceful. The power he packs into "J B Shuffle” is balanced by the thoughtfulness with which he produces his lines in “Do You Hear The Rain?” and “Drifting,” the latter sporting a minor-key figure on guitar, evocative of Hendrix. Brasino knows muscle and velocity are exciting, yet he also understands how excitement can flow from quieter songs where patience and reserve pay dividends.

Brasino is also a legitimate singer and his voice possesses a warm guttural quality that blends wry acceptance of lyrics and a natural sense of phrasing. Furthermore, his rhythm team is solid and he's a decent songwriter.

ROCK & BLUES MAGAZINE

By B. Lee Cooper, Ph.D.

From topless bars to MTV, from New York City to Memphis, from studio jam sessions to extended touring performances, from heavy metal bashing to smoldering blues riffs, “Guitar Pete” Brasino has experienced everything in the recording industry…except fame and fortune. Burning Bridges should provide a lot of the first and ought to provide more of the latter. This fascinating disc highlights louder-than-loud instrumental artistry on the “J.B. Shuffle” and the Freddie King-influenced “Chillin’.” The lyrics and thunder-and-lightning likes on “Do You Hear The Rain” are also outstanding. And while the lead cut “Turning Off” really roars, it is the updated, upbeat, uppity version of Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” that demonstrates Guitar Pete’s soul rockin’ credentials. There is nothing subtle about this performance. Wow! Intensity, thy name is Pete!

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