About This:

"His guitar calls like a siren, ties you to the mast, and then races full steam ahead."

Great Exploits, the latest CD from rock/jazz- fusion guitarist Sal DiFusco, is itself a striking and notable feat. Wearing his heart on his Fender, DiFusco engages us in an emotionally charged adventure that rouses our spirits and carries us to places we may never have been or have long since forgotten. His guitar calls like a siren, ties you to the mast and then races full steam ahead.

On the heels of Nevertheless, his first solo CD, DiFusco is enjoying a creative surge that is resulting in deeper, more complex compositions. Drawing inspiration in part from the acts of heroism witnessed after 9/11, DiFusco wanted to pay homage to those brave souls who willingly and unselfishly took risks - most to the point of death. The result is Great Exploits, ten songs that, although varying stylistically, somehow leave you feeling as if you can do something courageous yourself.

Great Exploits reunites DiFusco with explosive drummer Mike Mangini (Steve Vai) and bassist extraordinaire Joe Santerre (John Finn Group). Also appearing is Pat Loomis (Winton Marsalis) who adds his unique alto sax to two tracks. The CD was engineered and produced by Tom Waltz (Mighty Mighty Bosstones/Letters to Cleo/Extreme), who also cowrote four of the songs. DiFusco plays all guitars, as well as all keyboards.

Great Exploits reveals DiFusco as a more mature composer and player. His songwriting is fresh and vivid. The ominous cadence and at times bagpipe- sounding guitar of "Armed for Battle" lingers in the air. The joyful and tender melody of "My Little Guys" fills you. And funky "Lion's Face" lightheartedly evokes images of '70s detectives like Shaft, taking a stand, cleaning the streets and keeping the peace. DiFusco loves to employ odd time signatures: "Don't Open That" in 13/8, "Stones" in 5/4, and "Snowy Day" in 6/8. But more importantly, method aside, he loves to tell a story, and each song tells a story - a story of victory

In addition to being an elite player, DiFusco is also a faculty member at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music. He himself graduated from Berklee with a degree in jazz composition and knows there is no greater reward musically than passing along what he knows to eager students. He humbly acknowledges with respect that his own rock/jazz-fusion style was shaped in different ways by mentors Jeff Beck, Al Dimeola and Mike Stern.